Tougher enforcement actions are being considered to enhance public safety, in light of recent residential fires in HDB estates caused by Active Mobility Devices (AMDs), said Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Transport, Baey Yam Keng.
Speaking to the media in Yishun on Thursday (Nov 20), Baey noted that 44 fires were caused by active mobility devices in HDB estates between January and October.
“Fires caused by active mobility devices in HDB estates tend to be more severe and are more likely to result in fatalities and injuries,” said Baey.
“Therefore, we are considering tougher enforcement action against the keeping, use and the sale of non compliant active mobility devices.”
During an inspection conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in Yishun, Baey also observed how officers identified and impounded non-compliant devices, and engaged owners to explain the potential hazards of using them.
“In total, 30 non-compliant devices were impounded during this three-day operation,” he said.
Examples of illegal modification that would render a device non-compliant includes replacing electrical parts like batteries and motor hubs with third-party or non-original components.
