Environment & climate

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about the feasibility of establishing rare earth processing capabilities in Singapore, focusing on their importance to aerospace and defense supply chains. Gan Kim Yong explained that Singapore primarily imports products containing rare earths rather than raw materials, and there are no immediate concerns from producers regarding supply. The government is taking a multi-pronged approach to supply chain resilience, involving international partnerships and encouraging firms to diversify sourcing. Any rare earth-related projects would need to comply with existing environmental and safety regulations, particularly concerning radioactive waste management.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye questioned the Ministry of Manpower about the impact of projected increases in extreme weather events on workplace safety in high-risk sectors. Tan See Leng confirmed that the Ministry regularly reviews measures to address climate change's effects on working conditions, citing a recent study predicting higher average temperatures and more intense rainfall by 2050. Sectors such as construction and shipyards are particularly vulnerable to heat stress and flooding, prompting MOM to mandate safety measures like rest breaks during extreme heat and enforce reporting of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, MOM has issued guidelines to help employers assess weather-related risks and develop response plans, with ongoing monitoring of these measures.

Valerie Lee asked about the number of noise-related complaints logged from construction at Loyang Viaduct and Cross Island Line stations from 2023 to 2025, as well as their resolution status. Jeffrey Siow reported approximately 90 cases in 2023 and around 230 cases each in 2024 and 2025. The Land Transport Authority's contractors have engaged with residents to address concerns, implemented mitigation measures when noise exceeded acceptable levels, and held contractors accountable in severe cases.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned the government about integrating a biodiversity metric into LUSH 3.0 to measure ecological gain, similar to the UK's Biodiversity Net Gain framework. The Minister of State for National Development, Alvin Tan, highlighted that LUSH requires developers to provide significant greenery and has resulted in substantial ecological benefits since its inception. Tan expressed caution about adopting frameworks from other countries without considering local contexts, noting potential challenges the UK has faced with its biodiversity targets. Tan also emphasized a comprehensive approach to biodiversity in Singapore, involving safeguarding green spaces and engaging with biodiversity experts in new developments.

Poh Li San questioned the Minister for National Development about the long-term land allocation for green spaces and the progress of the OneMillionTrees movement under the Singapore Green Plan. Alvin Tan responded that the goal is to add 1,000 hectares of green spaces by 2035, with over 832,000 trees already planted towards the target of one million by 2030. He acknowledged the need for a balance between green spaces and urban development while highlighting initiatives to enhance mental well-being through green spaces and the establishment of therapeutic gardens. Tan also mentioned that the City in Nature vision encompasses broader goals beyond the OneMillionTrees initiative.

Yip Hon Weng raised questions about the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment's decision to retain a 5% limit on international carbon credits, asking for flexibility and how environmental integrity concerns are balanced with the risk of company relocation. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the 5% cap on international carbon credits is designed to encourage domestic emission reductions while aligning with other jurisdictions like South Korea. The Government acknowledges the need for cost-effective low-carbon solutions and provides transitional carbon tax allowances for companies in emissions-intensive sectors to maintain competitiveness. Additionally, companies have access to grants for energy efficiency investments to support their decarbonisation efforts. The Government will monitor international trends to ensure a balanced approach to climate goals and economic competitiveness.

Yip Hon Weng questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the decision to maintain a carbon tax trajectory of $50 to $80 per tonne by 2030 rather than linking it to technology readiness or regional prices. Grace Fu Hai Yien emphasized the importance of long-term planning in addressing climate change and indicated that Singapore's higher costs for decarbonization necessitate this carbon tax rate to encourage energy and carbon efficiency across all sectors. The government aims to provide businesses with advance notice of tax changes to allow them to adapt while remaining mindful of the immediate cost impacts. Ongoing assessments will be conducted to balance decarbonization goals with economic considerations.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the contamination issue in blue recycling bins, specifically asking if a cost-benefit analysis was conducted regarding smart bins versus costs from contaminated recyclables. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency has introduced source-segregated recycling schemes, including smart bins, to promote clean recycling and reduce contamination. She highlighted the importance of public education and community partnerships in enhancing the recycling ecosystem and indicated ongoing efforts to improve the collection of clean-stream recyclables.

Elysa Chen questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the percentage of freshwater supply used by data centres in the past year and requested estimates if specific figures were unavailable. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that most of the water for data centres is sourced from NEWater rather than traditional freshwater sources.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about otter-related issues in private residential areas, asking about population control measures and potential strategies to alleviate residents' burdens. Chee Hong Tat responded that the National Parks Board employs a science- and community-based approach to manage otters, collaborating with partners like the Otter Working Group. Measures in place include trapping and relocating otters from conflict areas and using olfactory deterrents, with sterilization being explored as a long-term solution for population control.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns regarding construction noise from the North-South Corridor project, asking if a cumulative noise cap could be implemented for residential areas affected by concurrent projects and if the 70-metre distance rule for noise barriers could be reviewed given the prolonged infrastructure noise at Nuovo and Castle Green condominiums. Jeffrey Siow responded that the National Environment Agency coordinates with the Land Transport Authority to minimize overlapping construction activities when cumulative noise levels exceed limits and enforces noise regulations. He also mentioned that noise barriers are required within 75 metres of noise-sensitive premises and that noise impact assessments are necessary for construction projects.

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about including open common areas in assessments of residents' exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke and the possibility of implementing measures like buffer zones for better protection. Grace Fu Hai Yien acknowledged that the Ministry has not assessed secondhand smoke exposure from open spaces but recognized the impact on residents living on lower floors. She emphasized the importance of smoker consideration and mentioned that public feedback will be taken into account when reviewing smoking policies.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the assurance of obtaining Prior Informed Consent required under the Basel Convention before waste exports from Singapore and the percentage of waste rejected or returned in 2024 and 2025. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that exporters must obtain a Basel Permit from the National Environment Agency (NEA) after receiving written consent from the relevant authorities in the importing and transit states. She confirmed that no waste exported under a Basel Permit and PIC procedure was rejected or returned by destination countries in 2024 and 2025.

He Ting Ru asked about the timeline for the six Indonesian projects with Conditional Licenses for 3GW of low-carbon electricity imports to become commercially operational and their potential impact on household electricity prices. Gan Kim Yong indicated that project developers aim to start commercial operations by the end of the decade, pending regulatory approvals and development milestones. Developers are negotiating power purchase agreements with large electricity consumers, and there are currently no plans to mandate the purchase of imported electricity, leaving retail options for households at the discretion of the developers.

He Ting Ru questioned the government about plans to review and enhance Singapore's solar installation targets given the exceeding of the 2GWp target for 2030. Gan Kim Yong announced an increase of the solar deployment target to 3GWp and outlined efforts to explore various energy pathways for decarbonization, including next generation gas-fired plants and importing low-carbon electricity. He highlighted the challenges Singapore faces due to its limited alternative energy resources and noted that successful decarbonization depends on technological advancements and international cooperation.

Fadli Fawzi raised questions regarding the investigation of firms under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014 in connection with recent peat fires in Johor affecting Singapore. He also inquired if Singapore received or offered assistance to Malaysia for managing the fires. Grace Fu Hai Yien pointed out that previous inquiries on haze management had been addressed in a prior session. She confirmed that Singapore has not received any requests from Malaysia for assistance and stated that communication with Malaysian authorities is ongoing to monitor the situation.

Valerie Lee requested an update on the progress of the 15km forest-like corridor connecting East Coast Park and Changi Beach announced in 2020, along with the project's completion timeline. Chee Hong Tat responded that the East Coast Central Green Corridor is currently in the planning and design stage, and the completion timeline will be announced when it is ready.

Valerie Lee asked about enforcement actions taken by the National Environment Agency (NEA) against public waste collectors who do not adhere to collection schedules and the frequency of late recycling collections in the Pasir Ris-Bedok sector since 2024. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that public waste collectors must comply with licensing conditions, facing financial penalties for non-compliance, including late recycling collections. She noted that the NEA has records showing no missed recycling collections in the Pasir Ris-Bedok sector since 2024, and efforts are ongoing to enhance collection frequency during peak periods like festive seasons.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the average contamination rate in blue bins under the National Recycling Programme for 2025, annual trends since 2021, and the top three contaminants causing rejected recyclables in 2025. Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that the contamination rate has remained around 40%, primarily due to non-recyclable items and residues. The most common contaminants include electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), clothing, and composite plastics, with e-waste requiring proper disposal at designated collection points.

He Ting Ru asked whether the SAF would consider annually publishing its carbon emissions to enhance transparency regarding its climate transition plans, with some data redacted for security. Chan Chun Sing responded that the Ministry of Defence's carbon emissions are already included in the annual GreenGov.SG report, published by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment since 2023, which is available on their website.