Number of Fires in HDB Estates Caused by Charging of Active Mobility Devices in the Past Five Year

Question:

Mr Saktiandi Supaat: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many fires in HDB estates in the past five years are caused by the charging of Active Mobility Devices (AMDs); (b) what further preventive measures are being planned by the Ministry; and (c) whether there will be a review of fire safety guidelines for the storage and charging of AMDs in HDB flats.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. Between 2020 and 2024, 98 fires in Housing and Development Board estates occurred during the charging of Active Mobility Devices (AMDs).

2. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has stepped up regulatory measures and enforcement against the sale or use of non-compliant AMDs. Since June 2021, businesses and individuals must obtain LTA’s approval to import PABs and PMDs into Singapore. The devices must meet the prescribed technical and safety requirements, before they can be used on our public paths and roads. The LTA also conducts regular enforcement operations against non-compliant AMDs on public paths, as well as retailers selling non-compliant AMDs.

3. The LTA, together with the relevant agencies, will continue to review existing guidelines on the safe storage and charging of AMDs. Currently, AMDs do not require special charging infrastructure and can be charged using standard wall sockets found in homes.

4. LTA is considering tougher enforcement action to send a stronger deterrent signal that the use or sale of non-compliant AMDs poses significant safety risks.