Yip Hon Weng on Law Enforcement and Other Matters Bill

The Law Enforcement and Other Matters Bill represents a positive step towards combating the rise of SIM card misuse and enhancing public safety, said MP Yip Hon Weng. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (Apr 2), he highlighted the need to maximise its effectiveness and urged the House to consider several proposals. Firstly, protect vulnerable populations by establishing clear guidelines to address the misuse of seniors’ identities for SIM card registration. Educational initiatives can empower them to identify and prevent such exploitation. Secondly, empower retailers through a system for anonymous whistleblowing by retailers, coupled with an incentive programme that recognises trusted SIM retailers to improve vigilance and reporting. Turning to the proposed changes on police powers, Mr Yip said while empowering officers to apprehend individuals with mental health issues is critical, ensuring fair implementation is paramount. He said transparency and clear guidelines are essential to prevent misuse of power. He also stressed the need to equip police officers with comprehensive training in real-world scenarios, as well as provide access to mental health professionals and a framework to escalate complex cases.