Environment & climate

Cai Yinzhou asked about enforcement actions regarding the disposal of lit cigarette butts in refuse chutes from 2020 to 2025, the use of surveillance and thermal imaging for identifying offenders, and measures for applying the statutory presumption for littering. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency does not monitor refuse chutes for such cases and has not taken any enforcement actions against individuals for this issue. She clarified that the statutory presumption for littering applies only to high-rise littering into public spaces, not to refuse chutes, and urged smokers to responsibly extinguish cigarette butts before disposal.

Mark Lee asked the Minister for National Development about the criteria for designating hotspots for monkey intrusions in residential areas and the measures taken in response to damage caused by monkeys. Chee Hong Tat responded that NParks uses a science- and community-based approach to monitor and assess human-monkey conflicts, considering public safety and monkey behavior. To address conflicts, NParks collaborates with residents and local organizations to reduce food sources for monkeys, enforces illegal feeding regulations, and implements protective measures. In areas with frequent conflicts, NParks may resort to sterilizing and removing aggressive monkeys to ensure safety.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned whether Singapore's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks include incentives for producers to design durable, repairable, and recyclable products. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that EPR frameworks transfer the responsibility for end-of-life product management to producers, but due to Singapore’s small market and reliance on overseas manufacturers, achieving specific design changes may be challenging. The government supports eco-design and circular economy initiatives through funding and partnerships to encourage local innovation in sustainable practices. Ongoing collaboration with industry stakeholders aims to promote eco-design and reduce waste.

Assoc Prof Terence Ho raised concerns about the expected faster growth of non-domestic water demand and questioned how the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment would ensure water affordability for households and whether industrial users should cover more costs. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that water pricing reflects supply costs and scarcity, with heavier users, including industries, paying larger bills. The Government also offers targeted support for lower- and middle-income households, including U-save rebates and initiatives to promote water-efficient appliances, and provides Climate Vouchers to assist with these purchases.

Cai Yinzhou questioned the Minister for National Development about visitor trends to Sisters' Islands Marine Park, including the modes of transportation used, accessibility improvements for the public, and initiatives to enhance visitation. Chee Hong Tat reported that over 40,000 visitors have accessed Big Sister's Island since enhancements in October 2024, primarily via public ferry. A new daily boat service from Sentosa to Big Sister's Island was established in December 2025, complementing existing ferry services. Improvements include a barrier-free access route, a floating boardwalk, and wheelchair-friendly shelters, along with collaborative efforts with the Friends of Marine Park for guided activities.

David Hoe asked about updates to the monitoring program for microplastics and PFAS, specifically regarding any expansions beyond water to sediments and food, as well as any new findings. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the Singapore Food Agency, the National Environment Agency, and the Public Utilities Board have been monitoring these substances in food, drinking water, coastal waters, and sediments. She noted that there have been no recent changes to the program and that current monitoring data indicate low or undetectable levels of microplastics and PFAS.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about safeguards for security-sensitive information in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) conducted under the High Seas Treaty, the harmonization of EIA protocols across agencies, and the potential appointment of a centralized national body for compliance oversight. Vivian Balakrishnan responded that agencies are currently reviewing Singapore's regulatory frameworks for activities affecting the high seas and deep seabed. He emphasized that Singapore's existing EIA framework ensures transparency while preserving confidentiality when necessary. Additionally, he assured that agencies will coordinate efforts to reduce regulatory duplication in overseeing EIAs.

Assoc Prof Jamus Lim questioned whether the 10-cent bottle charge under the Beverage Container Return Scheme is used to offset costs for beverage producers and why there are no such offsets for NEA and town councils. Grace Fu Hai Yien clarified that the charge is a refundable deposit for consumers returning bottles and that Beverage Container Return Scheme Limited (BCRS Ltd), an independent not-for-profit entity, manages the collection and recycling of containers. BCRS Ltd is funded by producer fees and recyclables sales, and it is responsible for covering costs associated with reverse vending machines and payments to town councils.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin questioned how geopolitical tensions, climate change, and export restrictions impact the Global Partnerships pillar of Singapore Food Story 2.0. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that these factors have led to increased fragmentation in food supply chains, highlighting the importance of international cooperation for food trade resilience. Examples of such partnerships include memorandum agreements signed with Vietnam and Thailand to enhance rice trade and a joint feasibility study with Brunei to develop an Agri-Tech Food Zone.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong queried about the proportion of recyclables exported from blue bins in 2025, the primary destination countries, and the verification measures to prevent overseas dumping. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that approximately 90% of recyclables collected are exported mainly to other Asian countries. Singapore adheres to the Basel Convention to ensure that hazardous and controlled recyclables are exported only with the importing country's consent, while compliance with domestic regulations is required for other recyclables like sorted metals, paper, and glass.

Gerald Giam Yean Song raised several questions regarding the midge population at Bedok Reservoir, specifically its size since November 2025, resistance to larvicides, plans for rotating chemical controls, and the effectiveness of LED lights in reducing midge counts. Grace Fu Hai Yien confirmed that the midge population during this period is indeed higher than in previous years. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) stated that the current biological larvicide is effective and there are no plans to rotate chemical controls, though they have increased the application and fogging frequency. LED spotlights are used to concentrate midges for targeted fogging, but PUB has not been able to quantify their effectiveness, and they will continue to monitor the situation.

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked about Singapore's energy resilience and grid stability with the rise of renewable energy, specifically regarding measures to manage intermittency and ensure supply reliability. Gan Kim Yong reported that solar energy is Singapore's primary renewable source, with 1.7 GWp deployed, aiming for 2 GWp by 2030, despite fluctuations in generation. To address these intermittency challenges, the energy market utilizes regulation reserves and has implemented battery energy storage systems (BESS) for immediate demand-supply response. Additionally, there are plans to import electricity from the region, necessitating mitigation of intermittency at the source. Enhancements to grid infrastructure and technology will be made to ensure reliable power supply as solar energy deployment increases.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked about the consideration of cross-agency programs to address adverse weather risks in sectors like construction and maritime, and their potential to enhance workplace safety. Grace Fu Hai Yien described the collaboration between government agencies to mitigate adverse weather impacts, including the Heat Stress Advisory launched by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment. The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) is actively working with various stakeholders, including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, to tackle weather-related challenges. The Climate and Weather Research Alliance Singapore (CAWRAS) was established to advance research and improve weather prediction using technology, thereby aiding in decision-making and enhancing safety for workers affected by adverse weather.

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the assessment of transboundary haze affecting Singapore and measures being taken to mitigate it. The Minister, Grace Fu, indicated that hotspot activity could increase due to current weather patterns, which may lead to haze in Singapore, and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in haze management. Efforts with neighbouring countries include regular updates through the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre and supporting Indonesia's ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Haze Pollution Control. Current air quality is within a moderate range, and while measures are in place for public health during poorer air quality, the Haze Task Force will activate protocols if conditions worsen. Grace Fu confirmed ongoing investigations into companies under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act related to past incidents.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about noise from North-South Corridor works and MRT tracks in Yio Chu Kang, asking about noise fatigue for residents, maintenance of noise barriers, and plans for proactive barrier installation. Jeffrey Siow responded that noise mitigation measures are implemented to keep cumulative noise levels within guidelines and that noise barriers are regularly maintained near residential areas. Contractors for the North-South Corridor must perform noise impact assessments and employ measures to minimize noise during construction. Railway noise is monitored, and if levels exceed guidelines, additional mitigation strategies will be enacted.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat sought updates on the review of quantitative noise thresholds for residential areas as recommended by the Community Advisory Panel in 2022. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that the review was completed in May 2024, with additional information provided in a prior parliamentary response. The Ministry considered WHO guidelines and international standards during the review process. Additionally, Chee clarified that NEA's industrial noise standards are not applicable to household noise disputes.

Dr. Choo Pei Ling raised questions about the presence of asbestos in older buildings and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment's actions regarding it. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that there is no central registry for buildings containing asbestos, and building owners are responsible for compliance with asbestos regulations. Asbestos surveys are required before any building works in structures built before January 1, 1991, and the need for removal of asbestos-containing materials depends on their condition. ACMs pose minimal risk if undamaged, but damaged materials must be handled by approved contractors.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the estimated additional costs incurred by the Government and Public Waste Collectors (PWCs) for handling contaminated recyclables and whether the Ministry plans to transition to estate-level data for tracking contamination rates. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the Government does not incur extra costs for collecting contaminated recyclables as these are included in overall fees paid to PWCs, but PWCs face additional costs for sorting and incineration. The additional costs depend on each PWC's processes and operational efficiency, and contaminated recyclables impact waste management infrastructure and potential recycling revenue. The NEA currently tracks contamination on an aggregated basis but will explore ways to improve data collection for targeted interventions, urging residents to only deposit acceptable recyclables.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the number of summonses issued by the NEA in 2025 for littering by leaving refuse bags at HDB void decks, the responsibility for enforcement, and plans for surveillance cameras to identify offenders. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that leaving refuse bags beside litter bins is a littering offence enforced by the NEA, which does not track specific enforcement actions for such scenarios. For persistent littering cases, the NEA collaborates with Town Councils to educate residents and may utilize surveillance cameras to collect evidence for investigations and enforcement.

Hazlina Abdul Halim questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the factors for considering a sixth desalination plant, the impact of projected water demand and climate risks, estimated costs, and the potential effect on water tariffs. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the Public Utilities Board (PUB) is conducting a feasibility study for the new plant to address Singapore's growing water needs and will determine costs post-study. PUB aims to price water to reflect supply costs to ensure sustainable financing for future water infrastructure and security.