IN-CAMP training for Singapore Civil Defence Force NSmen will go
up from the annual eight days to 18 days this year.
This will allow SCDF to deploy them on active duty at fire
stations islandwide, giving them a chance to be involved in
peacetime operations. Currently, the men only go for training or
opeational tests every year during reservist.
The announcement was made by SCDF Commissioner Peter Lim at its
annual workplan seminar on Friday. Seminar participants were also
told that SCDF will be introducing a demerit point system to track
repeat fire safety offenders and to take appropriate enforcement
actions against them.
Under the new framework, repeat offenders will be tracked and
flagged from the onset. SCDF also intends to make it compulsory for
offenders to commit to a fire safety plan and to remove fire
hazards under supervision. If the offenders do not show
improvement, SCDF will press for deterrent actions such as
temporary suspension of operations.
Speaking at the seminar, Minister for Law and Second Minister
for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam, who was the guest of honour, said
that SCDF has seen cases where business operators repeatedly breach
safety requirements despite 'being hauled to court and fined
numerous times'.
'These proposals aim to encourage a change of mindset and to
instill self discipline amongst business operators,' he said,
adding that more about the system will be released later.
-- ST