Complaints on Bird Nuisance

Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for National Development (a) how are complaints and feedback on bird nuisance being handled at AVA now that the agency is tasked to coordinate the work of all agencies on this area whenever such problems arise; and (b) what long-term solution is AVA looking at to tackle bird nuisance and when can the public expect such initiatives to roll out.

Tackling bird nuisance requires a multiple-agency approach. AVA will coordinate the effort and front it. The public will only need to call one number: 1800-476-600, to report any bird nuisance.

In response, AVA will conduct site surveillance to better understand the situation. AVA will then coordinate a joint response with the relevant agencies to implement the appropriate solutions. For instance, NParks or the Town Council may need to prune the surrounding trees to reduce bird roosting sites. NEA may also have to work with nearby dining establishments to cut out the birds' access to food. In extremis, there may be a need to actively reduce the bird population through periodic culling. Finally, AVA will close the loop with the feedback provider and update him on the actions taken.

The bird nuisance is essentially caused by the large number of certain birds such as mynahs, pigeons and crows. This is a perennial problem, not easily eliminated, for the simple reason that it requires full cooperation from many parties food centres to keep their place clean, NEA to enforce against littering, Town Councils to maintain cleanliness and trees regularly pruned.

Meanwhile, AVA is conducting a study to determine the population of mynahs and the distribution of their roosts. The study will help AVA to develop a more comprehensive plan to tackle mynah nuisance.