Government open to using chemical castration to tackle sex crimes if proven effective: Shanmugam

Shanmugam added that there have been several legislative amendments over the years, including the new offence of exploitative sexual penetration of minors between 16 and 18 years old introduced in 2019, and the increase in the maximum jail term for molestation in 2021.

Most recently, the Sentence for Enhanced Public Protection commenced in July, allowing for a serious violent sex offender to be released only if the offender is assessed to no longer pose a threat to the public.

Shanmugam said the Government is open to considering measures such as chemical castration if it is clear they are effective in bringing down crime rates.

However, the evidence is still not conclusive, he said.

Cases of sexual assault in Singapore are increasing, with 762 cases of molestation and 261 rape cases in the first six months of 2026.

This is an average of at least one rape and four molestation cases per day.

On the introduction of a sex offender registry, Shanmugam said the police already maintain a non-public record of those convicted of serious offences, including sexual ones.

This is shared with selected agencies, including the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education, when screening those applying to roles involving sustained contact with children and young persons.

Shanmugam said such an approach balances the need to safeguard children and the rehabilitation and reintegration efforts of ex-offenders.

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming said in Parliament on Sept 8 that the Government is considering an expansion of criminal record screening of prospective employees applying for roles involving sustained contact with children and young persons, including in non-regulated sectors.

The move comes after two young children were sexually abused by a self-styled “religious influencer” who conducted religious classes at a mosque without permission.

Shanmugam said more details about this possible expansion will be shared when ready.