House to discuss claims that civil servants disproportionately bought homes near unannounced MRT stops

The House will debate allegations on October 6 that civil servants and their families purchased properties near unannounced MRT stations at higher rates than non-civil servants. Nine MPs have asked the Government to review findings from a September National Bureau of Economic Research study showing civil servants had higher purchase intensity near planned MRT locations.

Alex Yam from Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC wants the PM to confirm if the public service reviewed the study findings, if the government will independently examine them, and what measures will be taken. Nominated MP Azhar Othman asks if there is a regulatory framework to curb such actions, while Worker’s Party MP Gerald Giam inquires if they breach civil service rules.

The Government is currently reviewing home purchases made between 2007 and 2011 of officers involved in rail planning near sites subsequently announced as MRT stations. If misconduct is found, cases will be referred to the police. Nine MPs, including four labour MPs, have also asked about rising retrenchments, which reached their highest level since the pandemic in Q2 2026.

Patrick Tay asks which sectors have lowest six-month re-entry rates for retrenched PMETs, while Melvin Yong asks for profiles of retrenched workers least likely to receive benefits. MPs also discuss the delayed North-South Corridor, which will open in stages from 2029 instead of 2027 due to complex ground conditions. The salary of Speaker Seah Kian Peng and Deputy Speakers will be raised as part of separate motions.