Public Safety Given Recent Wild Boar Incidents in Residential Areas

Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for National Development in view of the increase in incidents involving wild boars in public residential areas, what are the plans being effected to ensure that the safety of the public is not compromised.

Government agencies have been working closely with stakeholders, including Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, the National University of Singapore, Wildlife Reserves Singapore and nature groups on several fronts.

First, we will continue to monitor and manage the wild boar populations in their natural habitats. There are not that many wild boars in our nature reserves. But we have identified a few hotspots where the numbers are higher due to the availability of food. Agencies have been removing oil palms at these hotspots as palm fruit is a favoured food source of the boars.

In areas where human feeding occurs, like Pasir Ris-Punggol, enforcement action will be taken. It is important for the public to stop this feeding because this changes the natural behaviour of the boars. Low railings will also be installed in places where these hotspots abut roads to discourage the boars from wandering beyond forested areas.

Second, we will manage the movement of wild boars when forested state land is cleared for development. The National Parks Board (NParks) will continue to advise agencies and developers to shepherd wild boars towards other contiguous forested sites and to hoard up areas that are near residential estates and roads. This will reduce the probability of wild boars escaping into public residential areas.

In addition, we will step up public education efforts on human-wildlife encounters. The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority and NParks are working on materials to educate residents on what to do when they encounter wild boars or other animals.

We will continue to work with stakeholders in residential areas to manage the wild boar issues and ensure public safety.