Debated in Parliament on 13 Jan 2026.
Ms Elysa Chen asked the Minister for Social and Family Development what infrastructure, policy measures or financial plans are in place or being developed to address heat stress and heat-related illnesses among vulnerable groups, such as elderly, children, persons with disabilities and low-income families, given projections that Singapore's daily maximum temperature could rise by up to 5.3°C by 2100.
The Government adopts a multi-pronged heat resilience approach: first, broad-based measures that benefit all segments of our society; and second, targeted interventions for vulnerable groups who face greater risk from heat stress.
We have developed initiatives to raise awareness of the impact of rising temperatures and strengthen the community's resilience to heat. For example, the Heat Stress Advisory was launched in 2023 to help the general population make more informed decisions on undertaking prolonged outdoor activities, so that they can minimise the risk of heat stress and heat-related illnesses.
We are enhancing the heat resilience of our infrastructure to better withstand rising temperatures. For example, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will work closely with Town Councils to apply cool coatings to all HDB estates, including rental housing, by 2030.
To mitigate the risks of extreme heat, the Government has also developed national-level heatwave response plans which will be activated upon forecast of a heatwave. This includes the opening of cooling centres islandwide in accessible community spaces, such as community centres and residents' networks, where members of the public can seek respite from the heat.
Besides these broad-based measures, the Government provides targeted support for vulnerable groups. Examples include, (a) increasing greenery and shade in schools, and installing more numerous and powerful fans in classrooms to provide a more conducive environment for children’s learning; (b) adopting hybrid cooling or air-conditioning systems in the common areas of new Government-built nursing homes and eldercare centres – that is, senior care centres and active ageing centres – to provide respite; and (c) installing energy-efficient air-conditioning and applying heat-reflective coatings to the roofs and walls in centres and homes for vulnerable groups.
Lower-income households eligible for financial assistance may approach their Social Service Office if they need help coping with rising heat. Agencies are studying if further heat adaptation and active cooling measures for vulnerable groups are needed.
Despite these provisions, we recognise that rising heat affects people differently based on their health and living conditions. The Government will need to partner the community to look out for those among us who need more help.
PAPERCUTS