Environment & climate

Ng Shi Xuan raised concerns about the winding down of BlueSG's operations, specifically regarding discussions about their electric vehicle charging network, potential impacts on the government's goal of deploying 60,000 EV charging points by 2030, and mitigation steps. Jeffrey Siow confirmed that the EV charging points from BlueSG are still available for public use and that the Land Transport Authority is in discussions with current and alternative operators to ensure continued operation. He assured that the target of 60,000 charging points by 2030 remains on track.

Poh Li San questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about PUB's strategy to manage rising national water consumption, benchmarks for water efficiency, and incentives or penalties for businesses based on their performance. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that PUB employs a multifaceted approach, including pricing water to reflect its true cost to encourage conservation, especially among non-domestic users. Large water users are required to submit annual Water Efficiency Plans and comply with mandatory water recycling standards starting in 2024, with penalties for non-compliance. PUB also offers support through the Water Efficiency Fund for companies pursuing efficient water management and reviews efficiency benchmarks annually to guide improvements in sector performance.

Poh Li San highlighted the urgent need to address the microplastics problem, emphasizing the health risks they pose due to their presence in food, water, and air. She proposed two initiatives: incentivizing the reuse of plastics to reduce single-use plastic consumption, and promoting a "Bring Your Own" culture to encourage consumers to use reusable containers. The Senior Minister of State, Janil Puthucheary, acknowledged the government's ongoing efforts to promote waste management and reduction while welcoming the suggestions made, but stressed that collective action from the public and businesses is essential for meaningful change. The session concluded with a call for sustained commitment to sustainability and a reminder of the upcoming Beverage Container Return Scheme aimed at increasing recycling rates.

• Mr. Ng Chee Meng inquired about non-compliance with noise regulations at HDB BTO construction sites in Fernvale over the past three months.
• The National Environment Agency reported 14 feedback instances regarding construction noise, with only one confirmed case of non-compliance detected by noise meters.
• The contractor responsible for the non-compliance at Fernvale Sails was fined, and ongoing monitoring will continue to ensure adherence to noise regulations.

• Elysa Chen raised concerns about the need to review policies on designated smoking areas to protect residents from second-hand smoke exposure.
• Grace Fu explained that Designated Smoking Points (DSPs) are community-led initiatives established in areas where smoking is allowed.
• The National Environment Agency will provide guidance to community groups on the proper siting and management of DSPs to minimize public disamenities.

• The debate focused on the conditions under which the protected status of wildlife animals, particularly those causing economic damage, may be reconsidered.
• Criteria for classifying animals as pests include their conservation status, native status, and international conservation agreements.
• Otters are currently protected under the Wildlife Act due to their native status and inclusion in CITES, despite causing conflicts with humans.
• The National Parks Board employs various management strategies to address human-otter conflicts, including collaboration with community partners and implementing measures like trapping and relocation.

• Ms. Mariam Jaafar inquired about the governance, regulatory, and commercial challenges Singapore faces in facilitating reliable wind power imports under the Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore agreement.
• Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong responded that the wind power project is still in its early development stages, making it difficult to assess the prospects or hurdles at this time.

• The Deputy Prime Minister addressed a question regarding the removal of the local employee criterion for the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG).
• The criterion was removed in June 2025, and this change was communicated through relevant materials and websites.
• Following the removal of the criterion, there was an increase in the number of applications for the EEG within three months.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about the long-term cost-benefit analysis of transitioning to electric vehicles in public bus tenders and safeguards against fare increases due to higher electrification costs. Jeffrey Siow highlighted that the shift to electric buses will enhance air quality and public health while currently only replacing buses that are near the end of their lifespan. He mentioned that the life cycle costs of electric and diesel buses are similar, with potential for reduced operational costs as technology advances, which may allow for a faster transition without significantly impacting bus service costs or commuter fares.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about the basis of the population estimates for free-roaming cats in relation to the TNRM Programme. Chee Hong Tat confirmed there are approximately 13,000 free-roaming cats in Singapore and that the National Parks Board aims for a sterilization rate of at least 70% by the end of 2030 to manage the cat population sustainably.

Charlene Chen raised concerns regarding the impact of climate change on the structural integrity and appearance of older buildings, specifically HDB flats, questioning the increase in issues like spalling concrete, peeling surfaces, and mould growth. Chee Hong Tat acknowledged that while wear and tear is expected as buildings age, climate change can exacerbate these issues. The Building and Construction Authority mandates regular inspections and repairs to maintain structural safety, including facade inspections every seven years for older buildings. Town Councils are responsible for maintaining building facades and can expedite repair works based on condition assessments.

Fadli Fawzi asked about plans for a nationwide food waste segregation program for households, similar to the "Food Waste? Don't Waste!" pilot. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that food waste is a priority under the Zero Waste Masterplan, and various efforts have been made to reduce food waste and improve recycling, particularly in large generators. Community trials for collecting segregated food waste from households have been conducted, but sustainable participation has been a challenge. The Ministry is committed to supporting grassroots initiatives and will continue to explore ways to enhance food waste management and recycling.

Ng Shi Xuan questioned the rationale for requiring at least one local employee for eligibility in the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) and whether this criterion would be tightened. Gan Kim Yong reported that since the EEG's introduction in September 2022, nearly 15,800 applications have been approved, with two support tiers available. The Base Tier does not require firms to report energy savings, while the Advanced Tier demands demonstrated carbon abatement. As of June 2025, the local employee criterion was removed to allow more businesses, including sole proprietors, to qualify, with safeguards implemented to ensure proper fund allocation.

Poh Li San asked about plans for segregated waste collection and the potential licensing of more Public Waste Collectors (PWCs). Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the government is gradually implementing segregated waste collection, starting with e-waste in 2021, followed by food waste in 2024, and beverage containers in 2026. The government will continue to assess and expand segregated waste collection as part of the National Recycling Programme. PWCs are appointed via open tenders, and there is no limit on the number of PWCs; companies that meet the requirements can participate in the tenders.

Charlene Chen raised concerns to the Acting Minister for Transport regarding complaints related to foreign-registered vehicles, particularly focusing on noise, illegal parking, and other disamenities. Jeffrey Siow reported that the most common issues reported are illegal parking and pollutive emissions from these vehicles. Joint enforcement operations are conducted by the Land Transport Authority, the National Environment Agency, and the Traffic Police to address these issues, with uniform penalties for all vehicles. The public is encouraged to provide feedback on foreign vehicles to the appropriate agencies.

Saktiandi Supaat questioned whether the Government plans to expand the scope of Singapore's sovereign green bond issuances beyond major infrastructure projects like the Cross Island Line and Jurong Region Line. Jeffrey Siow responded that the Government only borrows for significant long-term infrastructure under the Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Act (SINGA) and that current sovereign green bonds comply with the established frameworks. He confirmed there are no plans to include additional categories for green bond issuances. Additionally, he noted that Statutory Boards have issued their own green bonds to finance projects related to green buildings and sustainable management.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong sought updates on coastal protection studies in northern and western Singapore, including Jurong Island, aimed at addressing sea level rise. Grace Fu Hai Yien confirmed that studies for the north-west coast are underway, expected to be completed by 2026, with additional studies for the south-west coast starting in 2026 and both targeted for completion by 2030. Studies for the north and north-east coast will take place later. Following these studies, design work will occur before construction starts in the 2030s.