Money-for-love dating platform, ministerial statement on ‘City Harvest Church matter’ on Parliament’s agenda

SINGAPORE — Money-for-love dating platform TheSugarBook will come under scrutiny in Parliament on Monday (Feb 5). Two Members of Parliament (MPs) have tabled questions asking the Ministry of Social and Family Development what its stance is on the Malaysia-based platform, which connects “sugar daddies” willing to offer financial support for companionship with “sugar babies”.

The site has drawn more than 20,000 signups from users here, sparking concern and outrage among MPs and women's groups, TODAY reported last month.

Marine Parade MP Seah Kian Peng wants to know if the ministry will be taking steps to address “possible harm and exploitation” that young women face, while MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling asked what will be done to “ensure vice activities do not proliferate through such a channel”.

Other MPs are seeking answers on flash floods that occurred on Jan 8, such as how motorists can be better notified of impending flash floods and avoid the areas potentially affected.

Bukit Batok MP Murali Pillai is asking how national water agency PUB ensures drains and canals are kept free of debris that could impede the flow of water.

MPs have also tabled questions on why the S$40 unlimited Off-Peak Monthly Travel Pass for persons with disabilities and senior citizens was discontinued, and measures of petrochemical companies to ensure hazardous and flammable materials do not fall into the wrong hands.

Fourteen out of 20 people arrested by the police in connection with the fuel heist from Shell’s Pulau Bukom plant have been charged over the theft of gas oil.

Parliament will also hear Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam’s ministerial statement on the criminal reference arising from the slashed jail terms for six former City Harvest Church leaders.

On Feb 1, the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court’s decision that the six individuals should not be charged for aggravated criminal breach of trust for the misuse of more than S$50 million of church funds. The six were convicted of plain criminal breach of trust, and some had their sentences imposed by the State Courts reduced by more than half.

The Court of Appeal said it was up to Parliament to address gaps in the law to punish certain groups of people for such offences.