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Messaging system to alert residents about haze, dengue outbreaks

SINGAPORE — Residents living in the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol Division can now subscribe to a new messaging system that provides alerts and timely information during haze episodes or dengue outbreaks, among other things.

PM Lee Hsien Loong at the "Red & White Picnic Under the Stars" at the open field next to Hougang MRT Station on 14 july 2014,photo by Wee Teck Hian

PM Lee Hsien Loong at the "Red & White Picnic Under the Stars" at the open field next to Hougang MRT Station on 14 july 2014,photo by Wee Teck Hian

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SINGAPORE — Residents living in the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol Division can now subscribe to a new messaging system that provides alerts and timely information during haze episodes or dengue outbreaks, among other things.

Officially launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a carnival and picnic held in Hougang yesterday, the CARE (Community Action, Response and Engagement) system — set up by the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC) — aims to disseminate accurate information to residents through a community messaging network.

Yesterday was also the first time Mr Lee visited the ward, currently run by the Workers’ Party, after the 2011 General Election.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr Victor Lye, chairman of the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol CCC, recalled how during the haze episode last year, the grassroots team had faced difficulties in alerting senior citizens living at certain blocks of flats, to let them know that the team was distributing masks to them.

“With CARE, residents can be informed on a timely basis whenever there is a need. For example, residents can be alerted about community assistance in case of haze or dengue fever outbreaks.”

He added that more targeted messages can also be sent out, such as messaging groups of residents living in a particular block or precinct that is affected by dengue.

Speaking at the event yesterday, which was held to celebrate Racial Harmony Month and Singapore’s 49th birthday, Mr Lee said the messaging system will be extended to the rest of Singapore.

“CARE also means caring for one another, looking out for one another, and help improve the community. We will do this in the whole of Singapore, regardless of who the Member of Parliament is or which party runs the constituency,” he said in Mandarin. “Those in Aljunied, Bedok Reservoir and Punggol, we hope everyone will continue to support it and encourage your friends to join in, too.”

The CCC also assured residents that the messages will not be frequent. Grassroots organisation or government agencies wishing to send a message to CARE members have to first obtain CCC’s permission. All messages will also be recorded in the CARE Message Register.

To participate, one member from each household will need to complete an enrolment form and provide their mobile number or e-mail address. Both English and Mandarin text messages will be sent out after considering the demographics of residents living in the area, said Mr Lye.

About 1,000 residents have since signed up for the CARE system since its soft launch last month and Mr Lye hopes to gather some 3,000 to 4,000 residents to sign up for the messaging system over the next few months.

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