Parliament discusses Singtel landline outage, oil spills and telemedicine standards

SINGAPORE: Members of Parliament will discuss last month’s issues Fixed line outage Singtel at the next meeting on Monday (November 11), as well as the recent oil spill incidents.

Questions have also been raised about telemedicine services following an investigation into the provider MaNaDr clinicand the new study to assess whether Oxleyweg 38 is worth preserving.

According to the order document released on Friday, MPs asked what could have caused the October 8 landline disruption, how such an incident could be prevented in the future and whether action would be taken against Singtel.

The hours-long landline outage, which the telco called an “isolated incident”, disrupted calls to emergency services, healthcare institutions, banks and businesses.

MP Tan Wu Meng (PAP-Jurong) asked the Ministry of Digital Development and Information what the root causes of the disruption were, and whether existing business continuity requirements are adequate for cases where a telecom company is supporting essential hotlines.

Dr. Tan also asked the Ministry of Home Affairs about the emergency arrangements for essential landline telephone lines such as 995 and 999 in the event of a telecom outage.

NCMP Hazel Poa (PSP) asked about the estimated number of calls to 995 and 999 affected by the outage, and what, if any, fines have been imposed on Singtel.

MP Yip Hon Weng (PAP-Yio Chu Kang) asked about lessons learned from the disruption and whether there will be an independent investigation to identify vulnerabilities and prevent future incidents.

MP Lim Wee Kiak (PAP-Sembawang) asked the Ministry of Health how many patients experienced delays in accessing medical services due to the outage, whether there were any adverse effects on patients due to the delays and what assistance was provided to them.

OIL LUBS

MPs also tabled questions about last month’s oil spills, including one incident at Changi during bunkering operations and a Shell oil pipeline leaks.

Ms Cheryl Chan (PAP-East Coast) asked the Ministry of Transport whether there is a need for a review of oil monitoring and warning mechanisms, given Singapore’s status as a global bunkering hub, and how the costs and workload incurred by the relevant agencies to respond to any incident would be manageable. treated.

MP Poh Li San (PAP-Sembawang) asked about the impact of the spills on Singapore’s seawater quality and marine ecosystem, and mitigation measures for future incidents.

NCMP Hazel Poa (PSP) wanted to know whether the government will check the structural integrity of all oil pipelines in Singapore waters and whether any fines will be imposed on Shell.

TELEmedicine Standards

Questions were also asked about the regulatory framework for telemedicine providers.

MP Wan Rizal (PAP-Jalan Besar) asked the Ministry of Health (MOH) about the measures taken to ensure that telehealth providers consistently meet patient care standards, and whether additional regulatory frameworks will be developed.

MP Hany Soh (PAP-Marsiling-Yew Yee) asked how the public could be assured that teleconsultation services meet proper standards, and whether MOH has received feedback on potentially errant medical clinics.

OXLEY GONE

MPs also asked about the National Heritage Board (NHB) investigation into the Oxley Road site to assess whether it is worth preserving as a national monument.

NCMP Leong Mun Wai (PSP) asked the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth why another investigation was needed as the Ministerial Committee at 38 Oxley Road had assessed in 2018 that the property had architectural, heritage and historical significance.

MP Louis Chua (WP-Sengkang) wanted to know what the terms of reference of the NHB investigation are and how the current study differs from the terms of reference of the Ministerial Commission at 38 Oxley Road.

Six bills will be introduced, including the Protection Against Fraud Act.

Seven other bills are also scheduled for second reading, including the Bill on the Settlement of Community Disputes (Amendment)..