Timeline for Resolving Noise Disturbance Problem Caused by Birds in Potong Pasir

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for National Development whether AVA can provide a timeline for resolving the noise disturbance problem caused by birds in Potong Pasir since the matter was raised two years ago.

A sustainable myna management strategy requires a holistic suite of measures, such as the removal of food sources made available by humans, habitat modification, and population control strategies. To this end, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) and National Parks Board (NParks) have been working with the Jalan Besar Town Council to address the noise disturbance issue at Potong Pasir caused by Javan Mynas.

NParks has regularly pruned trees in Potong Pasir to discourage the mynas from roosting in the affected areas. AVA has also worked with the Town Council to ensure proper food waste management, as the presence of improperly disposed food waste exacerbates the situation.

AVA has also tried to move the birds away from trees near residential areas. For instance, in September 2017, AVA trialled the use of lasers to disperse the birds at Potong Pasir, but assessed that this is not a sustainable solution as the birds returned once the lasers were switched off. AVA has also conducted trials in other parts of Singapore, such as using natural bird repellent and passing low electrical currents through roost trees. However, these trials had limited long-term effects. AVA will continue to refine and assess other possible methods.

The Javan Myna is not native to Singapore. It is an invasive bird species. If the mynas continue to roost in large numbers, they will pose a threat to native bird species as they compete for nesting and food resources, as well as cause hygiene and noise issues. Thus, there is a need to remove some birds in order for longer-term management measures to be effective.

In this regard, AVA conducted a trial in Potong Pasir in December 2018 using roost nets to trap the mynas. This was adapted from a system developed by the Australian National University, where the roosting mynas are trapped while in the trees, and then euthanised in a controlled and humane manner. AVA is finetuning the method before considering wider deployment.

In tandem, NParks is working with the Jalan Besar Town Council to undertake habitat modification measures to reduce the number of mynas roosting in the estate. First, trees in the estate will be pruned to make them less attractive as roost sites. This will be completed in January 2019. We expect the mynas to disperse to non-residential areas once the tree crowns are pruned. Second, to sustain this effect over the long-term, the current roost trees will be replaced with tree types that are less preferred by the mynas. These are trees with crowns that are less dense but will still provide greenery and shade.

Agencies will continue to work closely with the Jalan Besar Town Council to manage the myna situation at Potong Pasir. The public must also play its part by maintaining the overall cleanliness of the environment and not feeding wild birds.