Environment & climate

• Alex Yeo proposed that all rooftop gardens, including those above multi-storey car parks and connecting residential blocks, be designated as no-smoking areas, similar to playgrounds and parks.
• Grace Fu responded that the National Environment Agency prioritizes high footfall and family use when designating smoking-prohibited areas, and smoking is already banned in common areas of residential buildings.
• Rooftop gardens above multi-storey car parks are not currently designated as no-smoking areas, but the Ministry will consider the suggestion as part of ongoing reviews of smoking regulations.

• Ms. Gho Sze Kee inquired about the validity of the projected lifespan of Semakau Landfill in light of current waste generation and recycling trends, as well as future options once it reaches capacity.
• Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien confirmed that Semakau Landfill is expected to reach full capacity around 2035 based on current waste disposal rates.
• The National Environment Agency is implementing measures to promote recycling and reduce waste, while also exploring solutions to repurpose waste residues, including incineration ash for land reclamation.

• Ms. Yeo Wan Ling raised concerns about the potential increase in abandoned vapes in transport areas and suggested extending vape disposal bins to non-restricted areas.
• Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that reports of abandoned e-vaporisers have not increased and emphasized the importance of designated disposal locations.
• The government encourages proper disposal of e-vaporisers at specific sites and has trained around 1,000 public transport staff for enforcement related to vaping.

• Singapore's electricity tariffs are influenced by its heavy reliance on imported natural gas, which accounts for over 95% of its energy needs, leading to fluctuations based on global fuel costs.
• The electricity tariff saw a slight increase of 0.3% in Q4 2025, but overall, tariffs have decreased by about 9% since their peak in Q3 2022.
• The government is focusing on increasing the share of renewable energy, particularly solar, to mitigate exposure to fuel cost volatility, having already surpassed its 2025 solar deployment target.
• Despite efforts to transition to renewable energy, Singapore's small size limits its capacity for domestic renewable energy deployment, meaning natural gas will continue to play a significant role in the energy mix.
• The long-term impact of transitioning to low-carbon energy sources on electricity prices remains uncertain and will depend on the types and timing of new energy sources introduced.

• The Singapore government is investing $150 million in drainage projects for FY2025 to enhance flood resilience, with four out of 19 ongoing projects already completed.
• Three of the six new projects planned for 2025 have begun, with the remaining three set to start within the year.
• Since 2011, approximately S$2.5 billion has been spent on upgrading drainage infrastructure, averaging S$180 million annually.
• Comparisons of Singapore's flood resilience spending with cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo are deemed unhelpful due to differing environmental conditions and infrastructure needs.
• A review of the drainage infrastructure plan for FY2026 to FY2030 is underway, which will outline key projects for the next five years.

• Ms. Lee Hui Ying inquired about the latest survey on the effectiveness of the Orchard Road No Smoking Zone and its findings since the initial survey in July 2019.
• The National Environment Agency (NEA) has not conducted any new surveys since July 2019 and noted stable feedback on smoking cases in the zone from 2022 to 2024.
• Feedback on smoking in the Orchard Road No Smoking Zone has averaged fewer than 30 cases per month, constituting less than 2% of overall feedback on smoking in prohibited areas.
• The NEA plans to continue monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the No Smoking Zone.

• The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill aims to establish a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) levy to support the adoption of SAF, which is crucial for Singapore's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050.
• The proposed SAF levy will be applied to passengers and cargo flights departing from Singapore, with estimated additional costs ranging from $3 to $16 depending on flight distance, raising concerns about the financial impact on travelers and the competitiveness of Singapore as an air hub.
• The Bill includes provisions for a SAF Fund to manage the collected levies, which will be used to procure SAF and support the development of local production capacity, while ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.
• Various speakers raised concerns about the economic viability of SAF, the need for a balanced approach to cost-sharing between airlines and passengers, and the importance of maintaining Singapore's competitive edge in the aviation sector amidst rising operational costs.
• The government plans to periodically review the SAF target and levy based on global developments, ensuring that Singapore remains aligned with international standards while fostering a sustainable aviation ecosystem.

Low Wu Yang Andre questioned the Minister for National Development regarding the evaluation framework for the success of the Pulau Tekong polder project, including its suitability for various uses and the consideration of long-term climate adaptation costs against initial sand savings. Chee Hong Tat explained that the project created 800 hectares of new land and achieved significant sand savings compared to traditional methods. The development includes infrastructure for climate resilience, with options for future adaptation regarding sea level rise. While primarily intended for military use, the land may also support residential, commercial, or industrial development. Maintenance costs are being monitored as the project stabilizes.

Charlene Chen asked about measures NParks is considering to manage rising crow populations in residential areas where trapping is not an option. She also inquired about the effectiveness of trials using effigies to deter crows. Chee Hong Tat indicated that the question has been previously addressed in a written reply from September 2025 regarding the management of crow-related issues.

Fadli Fawzi asked if the Government plans to educate seafood suppliers and consumers about the threats of selling and consuming endangered stingray species. Chee Hong Tat responded that while some stingray species are protected under CITES, the whitespotted whipray and sharpnose whipray are not. NParks collaborates with stakeholders to raise awareness about conservation efforts and advises consumers to verify the origin and species of seafood before consumption.

Lee Hong Chuang inquired about the recycling rate for glass waste and the proportion of recycled glass that comes from laminated glass in end-of-life vehicles and construction waste. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that glass waste constitutes about 1% of total waste generated in 2024 and has a recycling rate of 7%. She also mentioned that laminated glass is not recycled due to operational challenges and lack of commercial viability.

Ng Shi Xuan asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about lessons learned from the Hawker Centres Transformation Programme (HTP) for the upcoming Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme 2.0 (HUP 2.0), eligibility criteria for hawker centres, and the inclusion of Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that insights from the HTP, which improved infrastructure and hygiene at selected centres, will inform HUP 2.0, focusing on upgrading older hawker centres for better accessibility and climate resilience. Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres, built since 2015 with newer infrastructure, will not require extensive upgrades but will continue receiving regular repairs and redecorations.

He Ting Ru asked about the average carbon tax rate paid by taxable facilities over the last five years and the impact of allowances on reducing carbon emissions. Gan Kim Yong replied that the average carbon tax rate from 2019 to 2023 was $5 per metric tonne of carbon dioxide. He also clarified that the provision of allowances began in 2024 and that companies receiving these allowances must submit credible net-zero decarbonisation plans, which are subject to government review and accountability.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the current proportion of solar panel installations on various types of private properties and the historical data on the number and capacity of these installations over the last five years. Gan Kim Yong responded that 6% of private residential properties have solar panels, with a steady increase in both the number and capacity of grid-connected solar installations over the past five years. However, there is no available data on the proportion of solar installations specifically for non-residential properties due to data collection limitations.

Edward Chia Bing Hui raised concerns about the impact of rising temperatures due to climate change on non-air-conditioned Class B2 and C wards in public hospitals and asked if air-conditioning installation would be considered. Ong Ye Kung responded that public hospitals currently use hybrid cooling, portable air coolers, fans, and air purifiers to maintain comfort during heat waves or haze. The Ministry of Health will assess the effectiveness of existing cooling measures while balancing patient welfare, affordability, and infection control.

Valerie Lee asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about how the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) determines fish production quotas for offshore fish farms and if measures can be introduced to assist struggling kelongs. Grace Fu highlighted that Singapore's limited land and sea space necessitates productive and sustainable farming practices, with SFA requiring fish farms, including kelongs, to meet production targets. Despite kelongs historically facing declining fish catches since the 1960s, SFA supports farmers in increasing productivity through technology adoption and biosecurity measures. SFA also engages regularly with fish farms to understand and address their needs.

David Hoe questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about Singapore's progress towards the "30 by 30" food sustainability goal and whether contingency plans are in place due to supply-side issues. Grace Fu Hai Yien acknowledged that currently less than 10% of food is produced locally and that the "30 by 30" goal, developed pre-COVID-19, has faced increased challenges, including difficulties in the alternative protein sector. She highlighted some successes in local production, particularly with hen eggs and beansprouts, and outlined initiatives to enhance food production capabilities, including new technology adoption and support programs. Fu assured that the Singapore Food Agency is reviewing local production strategies to improve resilience and will provide updates on progress and future plans.

Valerie Lee raised questions regarding updates on clean energy solutions from the Pulau Ubin Micro-Grid, potential measures to lower electricity tariffs for residents and businesses, and the possibility of offering the regulated SP Electricity Tariff. Gan Siow Huang explained that Pulau Ubin's electricity demand is low, making connection to the mainland grid unfeasible, and the micro-grid currently provides electricity at rates lower than diesel costs. Lee expressed concerns about frequency of outages, tariff review mechanisms, potential penalties for exiting the arrangement, and equity in electricity pricing for Ubin residents. Gan confirmed that micro-grid users pay 80 cents per kWh and that the government is working to explore newer technologies for cost reductions while offering to assist vulnerable residents with potential financial relief.