According to PDPC deputy commissioner Yeong Zee Kin, the cause of the breach was due to an app update on Aug 30, 2019. “The purpose of the update was to address a potential vulnerability discovered within the Grab app,” he said.
Risking the personal data of over 20,000 drivers and passengers
On Sep 10, the PDPC stated that the update risked the personal data of 21,541 drivers and passengers of GrabHitch. This includes profile pictures, names, and vehicle plate numbers.
But GrabCar managed to roll back the app to the previous version within about 40 minutes. They also took other corrective actions.
“Given that the organization’s business involves processing large volumes of personal data on a daily basis, this is a significant cause for concern,” PDPC said.
The technical details & insufficient robust processes
As per the PDPC’s findings, the app’s programming interface URL which allowed drivers to access their data had contained a “userID” portion. Manipulation to that particular portion could possibly allow access to other drivers’ data.
Mr Yeong said GrabCar had insufficient robust processes to manage changes to its IT system. As a result, putting personal data it was processing at risk.
“This was a particularly grave error given that this is the second time the (GrabCar) is making a similar mistake, albeit with respect to a different system,” he added.
Not the first time with a similar mistake in 2019
In 2019, GrabCar was fined S$16,000 after it sent out more than 120,000 marketing emails to customers containing the name and mobile phone number of another customer.
Grab explained that the incident was due to a mismatched database. Thus, each affected customer’s name and phone number was disclosed to one other individual.
The Grab spokesperson then said that to prevent a recurrence, they had immediately put in place more rigorous data validation and checks. This includes new processes that require a third person to perform sanity checks on data. They also promised to mask phone numbers in all their marketing campaigns.
Grab’s response this time around
To prevent this incident from happening again, Grab claims to have introduced more robust processes. This is especially so to their IT environment testing alongside updated governance procedures. They are also working on an architecture review of their legacy application and source codes.
Last year’s fare review exercise had us pay 7% more for bus and train rides. While SMRT and SBS Transit had applied for the maximum increase of 4.4 per cent, the Public Transport Council (PTC) rejected granting any fare adjustments.
“We recognise the exceptional economic circumstances faced by Singaporeans and have decided to keep bus and train fares unchanged to help ease the financial burden on commuters during this challenging period,” said PTC chairman Richard Magnus.
“Our priority will be to safeguard commuters’ interests while ensuring a financially sustainable public transport system that continues to meet the needs of Singaporeans in the years to come,” he adds.
“With this decision, the full fare adjustment quantum will be rolled over to the next FRE (fare review exercise) in 2021,” said the PTC. “In making its decision for 2021 FRE, the council will also continue to balance fare affordability and financial sustainability.”
Impact on public transport operators
Image Credits: TODAYonline
While commuters like us rejoice over the status quo in fares, transport operators like SBS Transit and SMRT are suffering.
“In its latest financial year, SBS Transit’s train segment reported a loss in tens of millions of dollars,” the council said. “For its latest financial year ended March 2020, SMRT Trains recorded a net loss of around S$20 million after tax.”
“Despite the drastic fall in whole-day ridership by around 75 per cent during the circuit breaker from April to June 2020, public transport operators had continued to run trains and buses largely at pre-COVID frequencies, to help commuters reach their destinations safely and smoothly,” said the PTC.
No adjustments to fares for low-wage workers and people with disabilities
The Ministry for Transport (MOT) also stated separately that it has accepted the PTC’s proposal to not adjust fares for low-wage workers and people with disabilities.
At the moment, low wage workers are enjoying up to 25 per cent off on adult fares. While those with disabilities have their fares pegged to senior citizens and pay S$64 for monthly concession passes.
Deadline to apply for public transport vouchers extended
You can use the S$50 voucher to top-up fare cards or buy monthly concession passes. If your monthly household income from all sources per person does not exceed S$1,200, you will be eligible to apply for the voucher.
Low-income households under the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance and Long-Term Assistance schemes do not need to apply. They can look forward to receiving redemption letters for the vouchers in the mail.
In a Facebook post on Thursday (Sep 3), Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said together with Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon, the two discussed the implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) at the Singapore-Malaysia border, which began from Aug 17.
Both have agreed that the execution of the two schemes have been generally smooth and effective. “We also reaffirmed the commitment to ensure movement of many people across our borders will continue to be done smoothly without ignoring the safety of both countries,” wrote the Malaysian leader.
Hopes for daily commuting of workers
Image Credits: The Straits Times
He added, “I hope Malaysia and Singapore would quickly finalize the standard operating procedures regarding the proposal to allow for daily commuting of workers between both countries, to boost the national economy and help impacted workers.”
“We are determined this will help both Malaysia and Singapore recover our respective economies and… gradually help citizens impacted by the pandemic.”
FAQs on the RGL and PCA
Image Credits: AsiaOne
With so much about COVID-19 reported in the news these days, it’s hard to keep up with the changes in travel advisories. At the time of writing, Singapore and Malaysia currently have two cross-border travel schemes in place – RGL and PCA.
The RGL is for Malaysia and Singapore residents keen to travel for up to 14 days, for essential business and official purposes only. As for the PCA, Singapore and Malaysia citizens or permanent residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country can enter for work.
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions for individuals who are keen to travel between the countries:
#1: Is emergency travel for compassionate reasons, to attend a funeral or visit a sick loved one, allowed?
Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said on Jul 26 that both countries were working on terms to allow people to travel between Singapore and Malaysia on compassionate reasons. Authorities are working out arrangements to make it possible.
#2: Is travel for study or leisure purposes permitted via RGL or PCA?
No, the RGL and PCA are not to facilitate movement for students or tourists across the border. Those seeking to enter Singapore for study can visit the ICA website. As for those looking to enter Malaysia for purposes other than essential business and official travel should contact the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore for more deets.
#3: How can Malaysian citizens/Permanent Residents (PRs) holding a Singapore work permit apply for PCA and when can they return home?
Under the PCA, Malaysia Citizens and PRs with valid Singapore work passes should remain in Singapore for at least 90 days before returning to Malaysia for home leave. Those eligible to apply will need to have the following passes – Employment Pass, EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit. The pass should be valid for at least 15 days from the date of entry into Singapore.
The entry and exit point between Singapore and Malaysia must be via the land crossings – Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint.
When they enter Singapore, travellers under this scheme need to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) of at least 7 days and undertake a COVID-19 swab test. The employee must remain in the declared SHN accommodation for at least 7 days from the date of entry into Singapore and test negative for COVID-19, whichever is later. Once the employee has served the SHN and tests negative for COVID-19, the employee can commence work.
Singapore-based companies that wish to apply for the PCA for their employees may submit their applications through CorpPass. Employers may choose a date of entry within a 60-day window of their application. They must submit their applications at least 7 days before their employees enter Singapore.
#4: For Malaysia citizens/PRs who have entered Singapore via PCA, what are some of the health protocols involved?
After clearing immigration, the employees will have to take their personal transport. These include motorbikes, private buses that only ferry Malaysian passengers who are serving SHN, or taxis and private hire cars directly from the immigration checkpoint to the declared SHN accommodation. They should not stop at any other destination along the journey.
Employees should indicate clearly to the driver that they are serving an SHN. The employee should not take public transport or flag down a taxi while serving the SHN.
Those under SHN can only leave their accommodation to head to the designated testing facility for the COVID-19 swab test on the assigned date and appointment time of swabbing, with similar transportation restrictions.
The employee or the employer will bear the costs of the employee’s accommodation for the SHN and post-arrival COVID-19 swab test in Singapore, subject to prevailing Ministry of Manpower requirements.
#5: For Singapore citizens/PRs holding a Malaysia work permit, how different is the procedure to obtain PCA?
The minimum duration of stay, as well as the entry and exit points, are the same. Those eligible to apply for a PCA must hold a long term visa for business or work purposes in Malaysia.
Employers can apply for PCA for their employees to enter Malaysia via the MyTravelPass online application at least 10 working days before the date of travel. Employers also need to provide a letter of appointment and a copy of the passport during the application.
Meanwhile, as part of the health protocols outlined by Malaysia’s Immigration Department, employees will be subject to a modified Home Surveillance Order (HSO) for 7 days.
They must also undertake a COVID-19 test via antibody test kits at the end of HSO and will be released from HSO if tested negative. Travellers must also subscribe to the MySejahtera application, developed by the Malaysia government to manage the COVID-19 outbreak and conduct contact tracing across the country.
These travellers may also apply for a waiver for their SHN during the duration of their short-term home leave in Singapore, after spending at least 90 days working in Malaysia.
According to Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the intent of the Malaysia-issued PCA passes is to allow Singapore Citizens and PRs to re-enter Malaysia after their home leave, to continue with their business or work. In lieu of SHN, the returnee will undergo a COVID-19 swab test upon arrival at Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint in Singapore, at their own cost.
#6: How can a Singapore resident apply for RGL to visit Malaysia?
All nationalities who are legal residents in Singapore and need to enter Malaysia for essential business travel and official purposes can apply for RGL. Approval is on a single-entry basis.
Unlike the PCA where employees may only travel via the land crossings, individuals entering the other country via RGL may also travel via air. Hence, Singapore residents may also fly to Malaysia via direct flights and enter through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA2, and Penang International Airport.
The maximum period of stay is 14 days and travellers need to submit and adhere to a controlled itinerary throughout the duration of their visit.
Before departing Singapore for Malaysia, the traveller’s sponsoring enterprise or government agency in Malaysia must apply on behalf of the applicant at least 10 days before the date of travel. The sponsor would also need to provide a traveller certificate to certify that the traveller has tested negative for COVID-19 via a swab test taken within 72 hours before departure.
Documents needed for online application are a copy of the traveller’s passport, letter of invitation, an itinerary for the duration of stay, proof of hotel accommodation as well as health and travel history declaration.
Upon arrival in Malaysia, the traveller will transfer to the accommodation via transport by the sponsor or government agency. The traveller is also required to subscribe to the MySejahtera mobile app and undertake a COVID-19 swab test at the point of entry or 24 hours of arriving in Malaysia.
If tested positive, the traveller will be accorded the necessary medical treatment by the Malaysia government. If tested negative, the traveller may proceed with the controlled itinerary.
#7: Is the process any different for Malaysia residents applying for RGL to enter Singapore?
All legal residents in Malaysia, who need to make single-entry, short-term essential travel to Singapore for business and official purposes, are eligible to apply for the RGL. Similarly, travellers have to take a swab test within 72 hours of departure.
Residents in Malaysia seeking to travel to Singapore for short-term essential business or official travel via the RGL must be hosted by a company or a government agency in Singapore.
The host company can self-sponsor and file the application for a SafeTravel Pass on behalf of the traveller either directly or through a sponsoring government agency. Upon approval, the sponsoring company or government agency will receive a letter by email within three working days.
With this letter, an approved applicant who is a visa-required passport holder may then apply for a visa for travel to Singapore through the usual channels at least four working days before departure.
If the applicant already has an existing valid visa, the visa suspension will be lifted when the SafeTravel Pass is approved, and the traveller need not apply for a new visa.
For travellers entering Singapore by air, it’s advisable to pre-register and pre-pay for the COVID-19 swab test prior to entry into Singapore. Preregistration and pre-payment can be made at the online portal and travellers should expect to pay around S$300 for the test upon arrival at the airport.
For travellers entering Singapore by land, travellers will make payment via card or PayPal at the testing stations located at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint. Travellers should expect to pay around S$200 for the test upon arrival at the land checkpoints.
Having insurance on your car or truck is a smart idea for numerous reasons, not just because it is usually required but also to give you the peace of mind you deserve when something happens to your vehicle. After all, an accident can happen at any time and if your auto insurance isn’t current, you might have to pay for all of those repairs yourself. Regardless of your income, this is a huge burden for most people, especially when you consider what most car repairs cost these days. This is but one of the reasons why having car insurance on your vehicle is a must and below are a few other reasons as well.
It Is Often Required
Car insurance is often required by law, with each location being a little different regarding what you’d be responsible for if you are involved in an accident that is determined to be your fault. This is an important fact to consider because if this type of insurance is required and you aren’t covered, you’ll not only be required to pay for the costs of all of the repairs but you could also get fined because you didn’t have insurance in the first place. It is especially troublesome because let’s face it, car repairs can cost up to ten-thousand dollars in some cases.
It Can Help Protect Your Investment
The right type of auto insurance will help you keep your car well-maintained, and this is important since your vehicle can be one of the biggest investments you make. Especially if you own an expensive vehicle, you’ll want to make sure it stays in great shape year after year, and if you get into an accident without the right type of car insurance, or not enough car insurance, you may not be able to afford to get all of the work done that’s necessary for your car to look good. Of course, taking good care of your vehicle is about more than it looking good – it has to run right as well, and an insurance company will help make that happen whenever an accident occurs.
It Saves You a Lot of Money Over Time
Everyone thinks that car insurance is expensive and even though it can be a bit pricey depending on the circumstances, just one accident can make that amount of money seem insignificant. The longer you have car insurance, the more money it saves you. While it’s true that you can take your chances by not paying for this type of insurance and think that you’re saving money, you could easily be paying way more money than just the amount you’ve paid for car insurance up to that point when you have an accident while driving your car. Through the years, having up-to-date car insurance can save you a lot of money indeed.
Protection Against Mother Nature
Of course, car accidents aren’t the only reason to always keep your car insurance up to date. Mother Nature can also wreak havoc on your vehicle with hurricanes, earthquakes, mudslides, and all other natural disasters that can cause huge damages to your vehicle. Even if you never get into an accident, the elements can cause very expensive damages from falling limbs, heavy winds and rain, and flying debris that could come crashing into your vehicle at any time. Without insurance, this can damage your budget but you won’t have to worry about any of this with the right type of auto insurance.
You Can Enjoy Some Legal Protection
Even if the accident is deemed to be truly no one’s fault, this doesn’t mean that someone on the other side won’t try and sue you. This is where your insurance company can be a big help. If you get sued, the insurance company’s legal department will jump into action and help you every step of the way, fighting for you so that you always have someone by your side. Being sued can be very nerve-wracking for the average person but insurance companies have legal representatives who go to bat for you so that your side is represented from beginning to end, providing you with the peace of mind in these circumstances so that you’re much more likely to be successful in the end.
In line with Singapore’s aim to develop its cycling infrastructure as part of a car-lite city, our country is seeing a shift in the mode of transport with more people cycling and buying bicycles. Are you part of the trend?
Bike-sharing operator: Anywheel
Image Credits: Anywheel
According to Anywheel’s chief executive Htay Aung, there was a 68 per cent rise in ridership in January compared to the previous month, a 25 per cent increase in February and 20 per cent in March.
While ridership fell by about 23 per cent during the circuit breaker, demand has since sprung back up, with a 39 per cent increase between June and July, he added.
“We believe that the significant increase in ridership is mainly due to our growing fleet size as well as the shift in preference in (the) mode of transport as members of the public are practising social responsibility by avoiding crowded areas during peak hours due to COVID-19,” said Mr Htay.
In July, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) granted Anywheel approval to expand its fleet from 10,000 to 15,000 bicycles.
“Based on our trip data collected during this outbreak, our bicycles have been proven to be an alternative mode of first- and last-mile transportation and have the ability to replace short trips between one to two MRT stations or several bus stops,” noting that the trend is likely to continue.
Largest player in Singapore’s bike-sharing market: SG Bike
Image Credits SG Bike
SG Bike marketing director Benjamin Oh said, “There is an increasing number of users using our bicycles as a means of outdoor exercise and activities.”
Mr Oh is referring to an increased usage around neighbourhoods and outdoor parks such as along East Coast Park, Gardens by the Bay, and the Marina Bay area.
“Following the PMD ban and COVID-19 circuit breaker, we have continuously been working together with foodpanda to provide their riders to use our bicycles,” he said, adding that riders who work for other delivery companies also use their bicycles.
Compared to Anywheel’s fleet of 15,000 bicycles, SG Bike operates a fleet of 25,000 bicycles in Singapore.
A rise in business for the bicycle industry
Image Credits: Treknology3
The sale of bicycles and related accessories increased in the first quarter of this year, with 8,740 transactions compared to 5,187 during the same period last year, said OCBC group customer analytics and decisioning head, Donald MacDonald.
For bicycle retailer Treknology3, sales for bicycles, helmets, and lights went up by about 20 to 25 per cent in the last few months. Its marketing and distribution manager Azhar Abdullah believes that the upward trend in cycling is because it allows people to head outdoors while adhering to safe distancing rules at the same time.
But BofA Securities analyst Rafe Jadrosich says that the cycling boom is still in its early stages and there is still a long way to go for the trend to peak.
