SINGAPORE – Protections for children and youth and plans to merge several southern islands through reclamation will be on the agenda when Parliament sits this week.
MPs have filed at least 11 questions relating to a recent case of a self-styled “religious influencer” who was sentenced for sexually abusing two young boys between 2022 and 2024.
The man had conducted religious classes for the victims at a mosque they attended despite not being a mosque employee, volunteer or an accredited religious teacher.
MPs’ questions centre on how the man was allowed to conduct the lessons; what existing safeguards are in place at mosques; and whether additional measures, such as new mechanisms to screen individuals working with children, can be introduced.
Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah (Jalan Besar GRC) asked whether the authorities will consider a controlled screening facility for roles involving unsupervised access to children, while Hazlina Abdul Halim (East Coast GRC) asked what safeguards the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) is implementing to prevent similar incidents.
Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) asked if the authorities would consider a mechanism via Singpass that could verify if prospective instructors, coaches, tutors and volunteers have any past child sexual offence convictions, without requiring them to share their full criminal histories.
Following the man’s sentencing on Aug 17, MUIS said it would strengthen protections for children and youth at mosques through a common framework.
Wan Rizal and Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Changi GRC) sought more details about MUIS’ ongoing review of safeguarding measures at mosques, including when it will be completed and whether the findings will be published.
Plans to create a new “western island” by reclaiming land to merge several southern islands will also come under scrutiny, with at least seven questions filed on the topic.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had announced at the 2026 National Day Rally that an island for industry, energy and defence needs would be reclaimed in the coming decades.
Read Full Article At Source
