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Better direct access to MSO can aid public responsibility

I applaud the efforts of the Municipal Services Office (MSO) to coordinate the delivery of municipal services, and I write in the hope of further improving its service and public outreach (“Public forums could provide answers to municipal queries”; Nov 12).

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Adrian Chan Ee Ray

I applaud the efforts of the Municipal Services Office (MSO) to coordinate the delivery of municipal services, and I write in the hope of further improving its service and public outreach (“Public forums could provide answers to municipal queries”; Nov 12).

Some weeks ago, my friends and I encountered a sea turtle on one of the beaches in the middle of the night. We were unsure of its purpose on the shore and who to contact to help the turtle.

We eventually concluded that the National Parks Board was the right body and contacted its 24-hour helpline. Its officers directed us accordingly and thanked us for the information. We followed up with them and discovered that it was a Hawksbill turtle.

While it is commendable that the MSO’s OneService app won the Asean Information and Communications Technology Silver Award (Public Service) last year, it would be great if there were a platform for the public to contact organisations in an emergency.

For those who do not have the app installed, I suggest a convenient 24-hour landline so MSO officers could direct the public to the appropriate government bodies.

Alternatively, the Singapore Police Force could provide such a service, as the public is familiar with its non-emergency number (1800 255 0000).

I am confident that with better direct access to the MSO, it would improve public responsibility and educate citizens on the existing organisations they can engage in future.

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