Sightings of Crocodiles in Sembawang

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) whether the Ministry has done any follow-up to verify reported sightings of crocodiles in Sembawang; (b) how many of such sightings have been confirmed by the Ministry over the past 12 months; and (c) when the sightings are verified, whether there are plans to trap and relocate these crocodiles.

I thank Dr Lim Wee Kiak for his question regarding the crocodile sightings in Sembawang.

PUB was first alerted to a crocodile sighting in Sungei Sembawang on 10 March 2017. Follow-up inspections at the reported location were conducted, together with AVA, to confirm the sightings. However, during the joint-inspections, AVA and PUB did not spot any crocodile in the area. There are safety railings and "do-not-enter" warning signs installed along Sungei Sembawang to deter people from entering the waterway. As an additional precaution, PUB is installing wire mesh at the lower rungs of the railings at the reported location to act as a physical barrier between the water and the footpath. This will be completed by end August.

Before this recent spate of sightings at Sungei Sembawang, there have been four confirmed sightings in our reservoirs over the past five years. Currently, the crocodile has stayed within the waterway. Nevertheless, we are monitoring the situation with AVA and we will take steps to trap and relocate it, should the reptile venture outside its inland habitat. Notwithstanding this, should members of the public encounter a crocodile, they should remain calm and keep a safe distance away from it. The public are reminded to not approach, provoke or feed the animal. They should also not enter the waterways at all times.