Singapore gov't to ask for approval to tap national reserves if needed amid outbreak

Travellers, wearing protective facemasks amid fears about the spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus), looking at their mobile phones at Changi International Airport in Singapore. Singapore said on Friday (Feb 28) that he would ask for permission fromto draw on Singapore's past reserves if the outbreak deteriorates significantly. - AFP

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said here on Friday (Feb 28) that he would ask for permission from President Halimah Yacob to draw on Singapore's past reserves if the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak deteriorates significantly and calls for it.

Responding to Members of the Parliament who had asked about the use of the reserves, he noted that the government had not needed to tap the reserves for the budget's support packages to stabilise the economy amid the uncertainties caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.