Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg

Sun Xueling urged members of the public not to take photos or videos of rough sleepers, and share them on social media, as they may be calling unwanted attention to them.

Speaking in Parliament on Aug. 2, the Minister of State for Social and Family Development said: "I know that there are members of the public who feel that they may be helping the vulnerable, by taking a photo, putting up a video, but I would urge that members of the public, be cautious when doing so."

Denise Phua: Taking pictures of rough sleepers and sharing on social media is not very effective in getting them help

Sun was responding to Member of Parliament Denise Phua, who asked about measures to assist the vulnerable in the community, like rough sleepers, beggars and cardboard collectors, and the ways to educate the public on such measures so that long-term support can be provided to the needy.

In a follow-up question, Phua called for more investment in public education and criticised those who take photos and videos of such vulnerable people and put them up on social media, "most of the time, without permission."

"This kind of efforts actually do not render sustainable help for the persons in need. So I think, to discourage such habits, which are actually not that effective, and sometimes...not very respectful of those who need help, I wonder if Ministry could consider investing even more in public education, aggressive public education in this, so more can be helped in a dignified way."

Sun: Might worsen family relationships

Sun agreed with Phua, and said that the most effective and appropriate way to help is to introduce the vulnerable person to a social service officer.

This way, they can receive professional help. Sun added:

"When you put up a video, or put up a photo, apart from the fact that you might be infringing on the privacy as well as confidentiality of the vulnerable person, sometimes you may be bringing unwanted attention to the vulnerable person, which may or may not lead to better outcomes for the person.

It might also lead to, it might also worsen family relationships, which sometimes are the underlying reason why the vulnerable person is doing what he or she is doing."

MSF works with community partners to engage the vulnerable

In her prepared answer to Phua's question, Sun elaborated on the various schemes that can help the needy to receive temporary financial support, such as the Covid-19 Recovery Grant, Comcare assistance, or the more recent Covid-19 Recovery Grant (Temporary) scheme for those affected by Heightened Alert measures.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) continues to work with community partners to reach out to the needy and vulnerable and render assistance, such as linking them to overnight community shelters, and the various government agencies that handle housing or other matters.

MSF also has plans to expand its outreach and engagement efforts. Sun also shared that members of the public who come across a rough sleeper, cardboard collector or tissue-seller in need to contact the Comcare helpline at 1800-222-0000.

Follow and listen to our podcast here

Top image from CNA video.