Noise Mitigation Measures for Residential Areas Near Sembawang Air Base

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Defence (a) in the past year, how many complaints has the Ministry received from the public relating to noise from helicopter operations at Sembawang Air Base; and (b) in light of more residents working from home, what measures will be taken to mitigate noise pollution on a more permanent basis around Sembawang and Yishun.

Mindef had recently explained to Members of this House why it was critical for the RSAF to maintain its operational readiness for its fixed wing and fighter aircraft and that it had also done as much as possible for its pilots to train overseas or using simulators. The current training profile just ensures that our pilots maintain their proficiency. These same considerations apply to helicopter operations which the Member has asked about. And as we do for aircraft, the RSAF minimises noise through careful planning of flight routes during helicopter training. Despite these measures, there has been an increase in the number of complaints received in the last few months on helicopter training as more residents work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our helicopter squadrons must also ensure readiness and be on standby 24/7 for search and rescue missions. In the past year alone, RSAF’s helicopters were activated 16 times for medical evacuation. For each call, our helicopter aircrew had to be airborne within minutes and find their way to the distress location, to perform an evacuation or rescue, often in difficult conditions such as choppy waters or inclement weather. One such case in May last year was the rescue of Mr John Low, a Singaporean diving instructor who was cast adrift in the open sea for three days after his boat capsized. Upon receiving the call to action, the RSAF's helicopter search and rescue team swiftly brought Mr John Low, who was in critical condition, back to Singapore safely. I am sure we are all thankful that Mr Low has fully recovered and is in good health.

MPs will also remember that the RSAF's helicopters played important roles for security during events such as the inaugural Trump-Kim Summit in June 2018 and the 33rd ASEAN Summit in November 2018. The sight of Apache helicopters circling the skies over Sentosa, was a powerful deterrent against those bent on disrupting or causing harm during these high profile events.

These successful missions would not have been possible without the rigorous training that the men and women of the RSAF go through on a regular basis to maintain their skills, proficiency and a high state of operational readiness. I thank Members and Singaporeans for their continued support to maintain an operationally ready and capable RSAF, for the protection of Singapore and Singaporeans.