Written answer by Ministry of National Development on companies involved in construction of illegal floor at the Alexcier building

Apr 21, 2023

Question No: 4467

Question by: Mr Leon Perera

To ask the Minister for National Development why are the companies involved in the construction of an illegal floor at The Alexcier building not charged, but issued stern warnings "in lieu of prosecution" instead.

Answer:

          Approval must be obtained from the relevant authorities prior to the commencement of addition and alteration works on buildings. These include planning permissions from URA, plan approvals and permits from BCA for building works, and approvals from SCDF for fire safety works.

2.       For this case, the owner of the unit had appointed Communication Design International (Singapore) Pte Ltd and Furnisteel Systems Pte Ltd to construct the unauthorised mezzanine floor at The Alexcier. The owner was charged and convicted in Court for contravening the Building Control Act and Fire Safety Act, with other charges taken into consideration. He was fined $50,000 for the offences.

3.       Following consultations with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, URA and BCA issued stern warnings to the two companies appointed by the unit owner to construct the mezzanine floor. This decision was made after considering the evidence and other relevant circumstances, including the extent of the companies’ involvement in the offences.