Environment & climate

Valerie Lee asked about the government's considerations when choosing between building a NEWater plant and a desalination plant, especially regarding energy intensity and carbon footprint. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that NEWater plants recycle used water, while desalination plants provide new water from seawater, necessitating both for a diversified water supply. The government aims to reduce energy consumption in both processes through research and development of energy-efficient technologies.

Low Wu Yang Andre inquired about the frequency of meetings between Singapore and Malaysia agencies for industrial pollution monitoring, the occurrence of joint sampling or validation exercises in the past three years, and key outcomes related to cross-border pollution risks. Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked for information on additional hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds monitored in Singapore's northern regions, including details on sampling frequencies, analytical methods, and detection limits. She also sought specific ambient air quality standards for these pollutants and their comparisons with international guidelines. Grace Fu Hai Yien noted that these queries have been addressed in a written reply during a previous parliamentary sitting.

Fadli Fawzi questioned the Minister for Health about the tracking of food waste created by senior citizen food delivery services, specifically regarding rejected meals. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry of Health does not collect food waste data for these services. He stated that service providers aim to reduce food waste by aligning delivery times with clients' schedules and catering meals to their dietary needs.

Hazlina Abdul Halim raised concerns about the delayed climate reporting requirements for small and mid-sized companies listed on the SGX and asked about measures to support sustainability reporting during this extended timeline. Gan Kim Yong responded that Enterprise Singapore and the Economic Development Board are providing support through the Sustainability Reporting Grant (SRG), which has been extended along with the delay. Companies can also utilize the SME Sustainability Hub, a digital platform for resources on sustainability capabilities. Additionally, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority has developed guidance for training providers on sustainability reporting. The government will continue to review support measures to assist companies in preparing for a low-carbon future.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked if solar panel installation initiatives for public residential areas would extend to private developments and landed properties. Gan Kim Yong stated that the Government leads rooftop solar deployment on public properties and will encourage private developments by simplifying regulations. He highlighted the Energy Market Authority's schemes that allow private property owners to register solar installations and receive direct payments. The payback period for residential solar systems is currently around five years, with progress made toward a solar deployment target of 2 GWp by 2030.

Charlene Chen raised concerns about recurring noise complaints from delivery trucks at night in HDB estates and asked if clearer guidelines for quiet night deliveries could be implemented. Grace Fu Hai Yien acknowledged that the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Housing and Development Board (HDB) receive numerous complaints about night-time delivery noise and that NEA enforces regulations against unnecessary engine idling. HDB engages shop owners and tenants to minimize noise by adjusting delivery schedules when feasible. The agencies commit to monitoring noise feedback to protect public health and well-being.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis requested the Acting Minister for Transport to expedite the installation of additional electric vehicle chargers in HDB carparks with high utilization rates. Jeffrey Siow confirmed that EV chargers are already installed in all HDB towns and that deployment is being scaled up in response to increasing EV adoption, contingent on electrical capacity.

Low Wu Yang Andre questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about Singapore's negotiations with Malaysian agencies concerning cross-border industrial pollution from Johor. He specifically asked if these discussions involve real-time sharing of hazardous air pollutant data and protocols for mutual assistance during industrial emergencies. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the queries were already addressed in a previous written reply during the 13 January 2026 Parliament Sitting.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if Singapore plans to submit a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and when this would occur. Grace Fu Hai Yien confirmed that Singapore is developing its inaugural NAP as a long-term strategy to address climate change, with plans to publish it in 2027 and submit it to the UNFCCC. This NAP will build on previous adaptation communications and Nationally Determined Contributions submitted in 2022 and 2025, reflecting both domestic efforts and international developments. More details on the NAP will be shared in 2026.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about measures to keep utility bills affordable for Singaporeans amidst rising energy costs and a shift towards greener energy. Gan Kim Yong explained that Singapore relies heavily on energy imports, and electricity prices reflect these import costs. The government encourages households to reduce bills by using energy-efficient appliances and offers financial support through Climate Vouchers and U-Save rebates, which can total up to $760 by 2025. Additionally, businesses are encouraged to invest in energy efficiency with government grants to support such initiatives.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about the need for a balanced approach in Singapore's development strategies, emphasizing the importance of preserving green spaces amid urbanization. He criticized the government's reliance on outdated classifications that exempt brownfield sites from environmental assessments, arguing that this leads to irreversible ecological and social losses. Tan cited the Serangoon River Forest as a case study for policy failure, highlighting the lack of transparency in decision-making and the ecological significance of the area. Minister of State Alvin Tan responded by asserting that the government considers multiple land use needs and has plans for extensive green space preservation while also defending the decision to develop the bus depot in the contested area. Both speakers acknowledged the necessity of trade-offs in urban planning but differed in their views on the priorities and assessments employed by the government.

Charlene Chen questioned the enforcement and monitoring of construction noise compliance near residential areas, including how prolonged exposure to noise is considered and whether psycho-acoustic factors will be included in noise threshold reviews. Dr. Janil Puthucheary confirmed that construction sites within 150 meters of residences must install noise meters monitored by the National Environment Agency (NEA), which enforces penalties for exceeding noise levels, including fines up to $40,000 for violations. He acknowledged the concerns regarding the impact of construction noise on residents, noting the need to balance public health with construction requirements, and stated that they will review current averaging methods while considering psycho-acoustic factors and Lmax in future assessments. Gho Sze Kee raised similar concerns about noise disturbance from construction near RiverEdge, prompting further discussion on the adequacy of current noise measurement approaches.

He Ting Ru asked if the Government supported including language on phasing out fossil fuels in the COP30 decision text. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that Singapore supported COP28's decision for nations to transition away from fossil fuels. At COP30, various proposals regarding this did not reach consensus. Singapore, in collaboration with the Alliance of Small Island States, is actively participating in negotiations for a global energy transition.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about specific measurable targets for reducing industrial air pollution in north-eastern Singapore and whether the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment would commit to publishing periodic reports on air quality trends and cross-border pollution incidents. Grace Fu Hai Yien indicated that this question has been addressed in a previous combined reply to another Parliamentary Question during the same Sitting.

He Ting Ru asked about the government's assessment of electricity demand implications from the second Data Centre Call for Application and considerations for renewable energy development to support data centre growth. Gan Kim Yong responded that the development of data centres is managed carefully with the second call issued after evaluating electricity and resource availability. He mentioned that at least half of the energy needs for new data centres must be sourced from designated green energy pathways, aligning with the Green Data Centre Roadmap aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and supporting the digital economy.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about the detection of hazardous air pollutants or volatile organic compounds in Jalan Kayu, Punggol, and Seletar over the past five years, including their sources and health risk assessments for residents. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency (NEA) monitors various volatile organic compounds and found that pollutant levels, including benzene, are well within international safety guidelines. She noted that the first State of the Environment report was published in 2021, with a second edition expected soon, and announced that NEA will regularly share ambient benzene data publicly. The ministry actively works to maintain good air quality through policies aimed at reducing emissions and engages with Malaysian counterparts on environmental issues.

Charlene Chen raised concerns about noise from construction at the Tampines Expressway and Loyang Flyover, asking about interim noise mitigation measures and post-construction assessments. The Minister of State for Transport, Baey Yam Keng, outlined several existing noise mitigation strategies, including barriers and noise monitoring. Charlene Chen requested expedited use of noise-reducing surfaces and additional safeguards for residents, to which Baey responded affirmatively, indicating plans to balance costs with effective noise reduction measures. He confirmed that the new road section will use noise-reducing pavement.

Charlene Chen asked about the number of vehicles penalized for illegal exhaust modifications and noise emission breaches over the past two years, and whether there would be strengthened enforcement or penalties due to the negative impact on residents. Jeffrey Siow responded that approximately 1,600 vehicle owners were penalized for illegal exhaust modifications and 350 for noise breaches in that period. He also mentioned that the upcoming Land Transport and Related Matters Bill will introduce heavier penalties for illegal exhaust modifications.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development about the tracking of bird species, including total and migratory species, in the forested area east of Sungei Serangoon. Chee Hong Tat responded that the National Parks Board monitors the conservation status of bird species through expert contributions and public data. The 2024 Singapore Red Data Book reported 52 threatened bird species sighted in an area north of proposed bus depot plans aimed at enhancing public transport services.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned the rationale behind building wildlife exclusion fences between Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Lorong Asrama forest, given the government's commitment to enhancing ecological connectivity. Chee Hong Tat explained that the fences are intended to reduce vehicular-wildlife collisions in identified high-risk areas, with input from wildlife groups and experts. The fences also guide wildlife to safer crossing options like the Eco-Link @ BKE and existing culverts to facilitate movement between green spaces.