Debated in Parliament on 8 Sep 2026.
Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for National Development how the Government will engage environmental, heritage and community groups in planning for the consolidation of the Southern Islands, to ensure that environmental impacts and the cultural and historical significance of the islands, including their connections to communities, such as the Orang Laut, are adequately considered.
Dr Charlene Chen asked the Minister for National Development beyond project-level Environmental Impact Assessments, (a) whether the Government will consider conducting cumulative environmental assessments where multiple reclamation, dredging or coastal development projects may affect the same marine ecosystems; and (b) whether such assessments will be published early enough to inform project design and public consultation.
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development regarding the reclamation plans for a new Western Island and further works at Pulau Tekong announced at the 2026 National Day Rally (a) what environmental impact assessments will be conducted before these projects proceed; (b) what is the Government's current assessment of the likely environmental and climatological impact; and (c) what mitigation measures are planned, in particular for corals.
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development regarding the planned Western Islands land reclamation (a) how Government agencies are engaging with former residents of the islands; and (b) how heritage and community considerations arising from the islands' history prior to resettlement in the 1980s will be factored into the land use and design plans for the reclaimed area.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for National Development regarding the proposed western island development (a) which islands and surrounding waters are being considered; (b) what ecological baseline and alternatives studies will inform site selection; and (c) whether the Government will publish these studies, consult the public and identify habitats to be avoided or protected before reclamation decisions are made.
My reply will also cover the questions from Ms Lee Hui Ying, Mr Fadli Fawzi, Mr Jackson Lam, Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song, Dr Hamid Razak, Ms Cassandra Lee, Mr Cai Yinzhou, Mr Vikram Nair and Miss Rachel Ong for subsequent Sittings. [Please refer to "Environmental Impact Assessment and Mitigation Measures for Western Island and Long Island Development Plans", Official Report, 9 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 36, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section; and "Biodiversity Studies for Tagore Forest", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]
The Government is studying plans for a new western island to meet strategic national needs, including in security, energy and industry. A project of this scale is complex and technically challenging. Details, such as the reclamation profile, land use plans, construction methods and timeline, for the new western island have not been determined.
The Government recognises that the existing islands and surrounding waters are an important part of our natural biodiversity, and hold historical and cultural significance for former island communities, including the Orang Pulau and Orang Laut. We have been and will continue to engage stakeholders early, including nature groups, domain experts and descendants of former island communities and community representatives.
As part of the planning process, the Government will also conduct technical studies to inform development plans, including the reclamation profile. These include feasibility studies, site investigations and surveys, as well as engineering and environmental studies, to better understand development possibilities and their preliminary impact on areas, like geology, hydrology and biodiversity.
As part of environmental studies for the new western island, agencies will coordinate closely to comprehensively manage the cumulative environmental impact of projects in close proximity. When ready, the environmental study report will be made available for public feedback, and we will carefully consider inputs from stakeholders before finalising the plans.
As with any development decision, the Government will need to consider many factors, such as ecological and heritage impact, as well as the needs of current and future generations, before making a final decision.
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