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More kiddy train, carousel rides to come as rules relaxed for those that meet safety criteria: Chee

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In short

The Building and Construction Authority is set to ease permit requirements by June 2027 for qualifying low-risk attractions like carousels and kiddy trains while keeping strict rules for major rides such as roller coasters. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat explained that current frameworks were built for large-scale venues and need recalibration for smaller setups. The revision is expected to save businesses up to $20,000 upfront and $2,000 annually per attraction. Despite the lower expenses, some carnival operators expressed concern that mandatory injury reporting to the authority may lapse under the revised system.

Key points

  • Regulators are recalibrating rules originally tailored for massive theme park attractions…: Regulators are recalibrating rules originally tailored for massive theme park attractions to better accommodate smaller modern leisure operations.
  • High-intensity rides, including roller coasters and drop towers, will remain governed by…: High-intensity rides, including roller coasters and drop towers, will remain governed by full statutory safety frameworks.
  • Businesses plan to retain self-imposed measures like public liability insurance even if m…: Businesses plan to retain self-imposed measures like public liability insurance even if mandatory injury reporting rules change.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

- BCA will relax rules for more low-risk amusement rides, such as kiddy trains, carousels and flume rides, to help businesses enter the market more easily.

- Rides that meet clear safety criteria will no longer need permits, while higher-risk rides will still face full checks. Changes are planned for June 2027.

- Chee said the move could cut costs by up to $20,000 upfront and $2,000 a year per ride. He also said Singapore will keep reviewing rules to support enterprise and growth capital.

AI generated

SINGAPORE - Kiddy train rides and carousels are among the low-risk amusement park rides that could be exempt from having to obtain operation and installation permits, potentially saving qualifying operators thousands of dollars in costs each year.

This move comes after the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in January gave such exemptions to operators of battery-powered go-kart rides that have a speed limit of under 6kmh, and have mechanical parts that are safely covered.

It followed an appeal from some operators that the rules were overly onerous and resulted in high compliance costs.

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