The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), as the lead agency designated by the National Assembly, presented the Action Taken Report (ATR) on crime prevention and reduction, based on the nine recommendations proposed by the Women, Children and Youth Committee (WCYC).

In its presentation, the Ministry outlined coordinated efforts undertaken in collaboration with 11 key stakeholders, including relevant ministries, law enforcement agencies, regulatory authorities, and civil society organizations, to enhance public safety and address emerging crime-related challenges.

The Minister for Home Affairs updated the House on the implementation of nine recommendations by the Women, Children and Youth Committee on crime prevention. He reported extensive nationwide interventions coordinated with 11 agencies, including installation of nearly 900 CCTV cameras, strengthened law enforcement with new narcotics units, expanded canine squads, cybercrime investigations, and Women and Child Protection Desks. Inter-agency efforts addressed gambling, online scams, crypto fraud, and SIM misuse. Alcohol control measures included stricter inspections, proposed legislation, and integration into health policy. Child protection was enhanced through expanded community committees, curriculum-based education, and improved referral and shelter services. Youth engagement continued via YELP, 13 Youth Centres, and school programs, while domestic violence and gender-based violence measures included legal reviews, strategy development, and RENEW centre expansion. Mental health services were strengthened with additional psychiatric support, substance use management, and a 200-bed rehabilitation centre. Finally, monitoring of harmful social media content was intensified, and the review of relevant media legislation was initiated. The House acknowledged these coordinated efforts as crucial for effective crime prevention and public safety.

Members raised the issue of reintegration of the juveniles into the society, stricter monitoring of underage entry into clubs, need for installation of CCTV cameras and monitoring of crimes along the National Highways and the need to continue awareness initiatives by the RBP, address budgetary constraints, and explore the combined use of machines and sniffer dogs for drugs and narcotics scanning to enhance effectiveness.

The Minister for Home Affairs also highlighted actions taken to address scamming, noting that consultations were held with relevant stakeholders, including the RBP, telecom operators, and bank CEOs. It was agreed that, in the event of a scam, the account should first be reported to the RBP, who would then freeze the account, after which recovery of funds can be initiated. The Minister further stated that the Ministry encourages private installation of CCTV cameras and is ready to provide technical support. Regarding budgetary constraints, the Minister noted that the RBP’s budget has increased from the 12th to the 13th FYP, though the agency continues to manage multiple responsibilities such as protection and security. Additionally, a support agreement with the Government of Singapore is forthcoming to further enhance RBP’s capacity.

The House acknowledged and endorsed the action taken report on the 9 recommendations of the Women Children and Youth Committee.