Statute Details
- Title: Notice under Section 17(5)
- Act Code: RELA1983-S619-2009
- Instrument Type: Subsidiary Legislation (SL)
- Legislative Status: Current version as at 27 Mar 2026
- Instrument Number: S 619
- Publication/Commencement Reference: Dated 2 December 2009; comes into force on 15 December 2009 (as appointed)
- Authorising Act: Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Cap. 275), specifically section 17(5)
- Key Provision (Substantive Effect): Appointment of the date the “2009 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation” shall come into force
- Schedule: THE SCHEDULE (contains the notice text)
What Is This Legislation About?
This instrument is a statutory notice issued under section 17(5) of Singapore’s Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Cap. 275). In plain language, it is not a regulatory scheme that creates new legal rules for the public. Instead, it performs an administrative but legally significant function: it appoints the date on which a revised compilation of subsidiary legislation—specifically the 2009 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation—comes into force.
The notice explains that the Law Revision Commissioners have caused the 2009 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation (made under the Acts listed in the Schedule) to be published in loose-leaf form, incorporating amendments up to 15 November 2009. The notice then “turns on” that revised edition by appointing 15 December 2009 as the date it comes into force.
For practitioners, the practical importance lies in legal certainty and citation. Revised editions affect how legislation is referenced, consolidated, and applied. Even where the underlying substantive law remains the same, the revised edition can change the numbering, formatting, and consolidation of provisions, and it may incorporate amendments that have already been made. This notice therefore matters for accurate legal research, pleadings, and compliance advice.
What Are the Key Provisions?
1. Authority under section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act
The notice is expressly grounded in section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act. That provision empowers the Law Revision Commissioners to publish revised editions of subsidiary legislation and to have a date appointed for when the revised edition comes into force. The notice is the mechanism by which that appointed date is formally communicated to the public.
2. Incorporation of amendments up to 15 November 2009
The notice states that the Law Revision Commissioners have caused to be published in loose-leaf form the 2009 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation made under the Acts set out in the Schedule, incorporating all amendments up to 15 November 2009. This is a key “cut-off” date. It tells lawyers and regulated parties that the revised edition reflects the law as amended through that date, subject to any later amendments that may have occurred after 15 November 2009.
3. Appointment of the commencement date: 15 December 2009
The central operative effect is contained in the statement that the Law Revision Commissioners have appointed 15 December 2009 as the date the 2009 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation shall come into force. The notice is dated 2 December 2009, but the effective date is 15 December 2009. This distinction is important for time-sensitive legal questions (for example, whether a particular version of a regulation was in force at a given time).
4. “For general information” and legal effect
The notice is framed “for general information”, which is typical for publication/commencement notices. However, the legal effect is still real: it determines when the revised edition becomes the operative consolidated reference for subsidiary legislation. Practically, courts, regulators, and practitioners rely on the “current version” and the correct revised edition when interpreting and applying subsidiary legislation.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
Structurally, this instrument is brief and procedural. It consists of:
(a) An enacting formula that identifies the legal basis and the authority issuing the notice.
(b) THE SCHEDULE, which contains the notice text. In many Singapore legislative instruments, the schedule is where the substantive content is placed, even where the instrument is itself a notice.
(c) A citation reference (e.g., “[AG/RSL/1/2009]”) and the signature block.
(d) A signature by the Chairman of the Law Revision Commission, namely WALTER WOON, Chairman, Law Revision Commission.
Notably, there are no “sections” in the ordinary regulatory sense (such as duties, offences, licensing requirements, or enforcement powers). Instead, the instrument functions as a formal commencement notice for a revised compilation of subsidiary legislation.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
Because this is a notice about the coming into force of a revised edition of subsidiary legislation, it applies broadly to any person who needs to rely on subsidiary legislation made under the Acts listed in the Schedule. That includes regulated entities, members of the public, legal practitioners, and government agencies.
However, the notice does not itself impose obligations or confer rights. Rather, it affects the legal reference point for subsidiary legislation. In other words, it applies indirectly: it governs how the revised edition is treated as operative from the appointed date, and it informs legal research and citation.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
Although this notice is short, it is important for legal practice because it addresses a foundational issue: which version of the law is in force. Singapore’s legislative system relies on revised editions and consolidation to ensure that legislation is accessible and up to date. When a revised edition comes into force, it becomes the authoritative consolidated reference for subsidiary legislation as amended up to the stated cut-off date.
For lawyers, the notice is particularly relevant in three common scenarios:
(1) Litigation and compliance timing: If conduct occurred around the time of the revised edition’s commencement, counsel must determine whether the relevant subsidiary legislation should be read using the pre-revision version or the revised edition. The appointed date (15 December 2009) can be decisive for arguments about the applicable legal text.
(2) Accurate citation and statutory interpretation: Revised editions may reorganise provisions, update numbering, and incorporate amendments. Even where the substantive content is unchanged, the revised edition can affect how provisions are cited and interpreted. Using the wrong version can lead to citation errors or misstatements of the law.
(3) Research and due diligence: Practitioners advising clients need to ensure they are working from the correct consolidated text. The notice confirms that the 2009 Revised Edition incorporates amendments up to 15 November 2009, which helps practitioners understand the completeness of the compilation.
From an enforcement perspective, the notice supports administrative clarity. Regulators and enforcement agencies typically rely on the current consolidated text when issuing directions, notices, or enforcement actions. The commencement of a revised edition reduces ambiguity and helps ensure consistent application of subsidiary legislation.
Related Legislation
- Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Chapter 275) — in particular section 17(5)
- Subsidiary Legislation made under the Acts set out in the Schedule to this notice (as incorporated into the 2009 Revised Edition)
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Notice under Section 17(5) for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.