Committee of Supply 2023 debate, Day 5: Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim on Public Rental Scheme

For low-income households who do not have other housing options, Singapore’s Public Rental Scheme (PRS) serves as a social safety net. It gives them a safe space and stable base from which they can build up stability and self-reliance, and eventually buy their own flat. There is no income ceiling for the PRS, Minister of State for National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim clarified in Parliament on Thursday (Mar 2). Requests are assessed “holistically”, taking into account factors such as household size, family support, as well as housing budget and options. Dr Faishal also spoke about public rental flats for singles. He said the Joint Singles Scheme Operator-Run Pilot has been well-subscribed, with all three sites close to full occupancy. The pilot will therefore be expanded to three new sites in Bukit Panjang, Bidadari and Sengkang. These will be able to accommodate 600 tenants in total and applications are expected to open by the end of this year. Dr Faishal also talked about ongoing efforts to ensure that homes and towns support the needs of seniors, as well as partnering the community to create vibrant places - such as a public engagement exercise that will help shape plans for the Kampong Gelam historic area.