Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) Requiring Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) from 2021 to 2025 and Possible Publication of Clearer Guidelines for EIA NDAs

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for National Development (a) what proportion of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in the last five years required Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs); (b) how does the Ministry reconcile genuine consultation with NDAs that hinder informed discourse and scrutiny; and (c) whether the Ministry will publish clear guidelines defining exceptional conditions justifying EIA NDAs, making transparency the default.

By default, most Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) reports are made available online. In cases where there are considerations requiring confidentiality, such as national security, agencies make available the hardcopy EIA reports to interested members of public to view upon request. Viewers are required to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements, given the confidentiality considerations.