Environment & climate

Poh Li San questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the use of the Tekong Polder approach to protect coastal areas against rising sea levels and the resting period required for construction on reclaimed land. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the Government will monitor the Pulau Tekong polder closely to gather insights for future land reclamation projects. She noted that soil improvement works have been completed to prepare the polder land for building development, as with other reclamation projects.

Poh Li San questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment regarding the anticipated impacts of the planned increase in carbon tax on emissions in Singapore, household utility costs, and whether the 2028 increase might be postponed or reduced due to rising business costs. Grace Fu Hai Yien referred to a previous written reply from September 2025 that addressed similar questions about the carbon tax and its implications.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the progress of the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) project to install green roofs on bus stops to reduce heat and improve commuter comfort. Jeffrey Siow reported that LTA has collaborated with the National Parks Board to implement green roofs at 200 bus stops, which can lower ambient temperatures by around two degrees Celsius. The plan includes expanding the green roof project to additional bus stops near residential areas, health institutions, parks, and transport nodes, including those in Hougang, aligning the rollout with upgrades to bus stop shelters.

Poh Li San asked the Minister for National Development about plans to clear more land beyond the 10.4 hectares scheduled for clearance starting in 2026. She also inquired about how the Ministry would ensure the retention of biodiversity in the northern area during development. Chee Hong Tat referenced a previous reply given on 23 September 2025 regarding mitigation measures for the upcoming Woodlands Gateway development and directed attention to the official report for details.

He Ting Ru asked for an update on plans to phase out hybrid vehicles to provide certainty for businesses and consumers. Jeffrey Siow responded that all new car registrations must be cleaner-energy models starting in 2030, with a target for all cars to be cleaner-energy by 2040, which includes electric and hybrid vehicles. There are currently no plans to phase out hybrid cars, and the Ministry is monitoring the adoption of cleaner-energy vehicles.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about the cessation of controlled shooting for crow management, potential timelines for its reinstatement, and whether crow-related public nuisances have increased in residential areas. Chee Hong Tat responded that since 2024, NParks has removed over 8,600 crow nests and 16,000 crows to manage issues caused by pest birds. In response to increased complaints, NParks is intensifying efforts, including enhanced trapping, nest removal, enforcement against illegal bird feeding, and public education. The Ministry of National Development is collaborating with the Singapore Police Force to resume crow shooting to reduce the population further.

Fadli Fawzi questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment regarding the levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Singapore's drinking water since 2016. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the Public Utilities Board (PUB) has been monitoring PFAS through a comprehensive water sampling program since 2016. She confirmed that advanced laboratory tests have shown no detection of PFAS in Singapore's drinking water.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked for updates on measures to promote recycling and improve domestic recycling rates in Singapore, as well as the possibility of co-locating various recycling bins for convenience. Grace Fu Hai Yien outlined efforts including collaboration with businesses for extended producer responsibility and food waste segregation, as well as plans for a beverage container return scheme. Despite progress in waste reduction, challenges remain in domestic recycling rates, prompting continued public education initiatives like the Recycle Right campaign. The National Environment Agency is also exploring options for improving paper recycling and co-locating recycling bins in convenient locations.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked if Climate Vouchers could be extended to tenants in Single Room Shared Facilities to promote climate-friendly appliances and if not, what considerations are involved. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that under the enhanced Climate Friendly Households Programme, eligible HDB and private residential households can claim $400 in vouchers for resource-efficient appliances. Shared facilities in Single Room Shared Facilities come with energy and water-efficient appliances, reducing the need for tenants to purchase their own. The National Environment Agency will periodically review the Climate Friendly Households Programme and its coverage.

Poh Li San asked the Acting Minister for Transport about considerations for lowering rebates for Band A1 vehicles, excluding rebates for hybrids, and ending the EV Early Adoption Incentive after 2026, amidst rising electric vehicle and hybrid ownership and high COE prices. Jeffrey Siow explained that the VES and EEAI were established to promote cleaner-energy vehicles by reducing the upfront cost difference with internal combustion engine cars. Factors such as adoption rates and total ownership costs were considered during the review of these schemes. Additional context can be found in a prior response regarding COE.

Hany Soh questioned the Minister for National Development about measures to mitigate impacts on flora and fauna due to the planned Woodlands forest clearance beginning in 2026, especially for critically endangered species. Chee Hong Tat explained that Singapore's land constraints necessitate some development but emphasized that it will be done sensitively with environmental protection measures. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been commissioned to identify and recommend mitigation strategies, including transplanting significant plant species and implementing a Wildlife Management Plan. The EIA report was reviewed with nature groups and made available for public feedback.

Saktiandi Supaat raised concerns about the impact of Indonesia's shift in liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade on Singapore's energy supply and security. Gan Kim Yong confirmed Indonesia is a key supplier of natural gas, but growing domestic demand may limit exports. He highlighted Singapore's current strategy, including the operation of an LNG terminal and plans for a second terminal to boost import capacity. Singapore aims to diversify its energy sources, targeting at least two Gigawatt-peak of solar capacity by 2030 and exploring low-carbon electricity imports and alternative energy options like geothermal, low-carbon ammonia, and nuclear energy.

Foo Cexiang asked if the Ministry of Trade and Industry would disclose carbon tax relief and emissions data for individual companies to enhance accountability and incentivize decarbonization. Gan Kim Yong responded that aggregated data on carbon tax allowances will be released in 2027, emphasizing the need for a balance between transparency and commercial confidentiality. He assured that carbon tax allowances are not a free pass for high-emission companies, who must submit credible net-zero plans that the government will review and monitor. Adjustments to allowances will be based on companies' decarbonization progress and advancements in technology.

• Valerie Lee raised concerns about the need for a joint environmental impact assessment for the Pulau Tekong and Changi reclamation projects due to their close proximity.
• She inquired whether such an assessment had been conducted and if the Ministry for National Development would consider implementing one.
• Chee Hong Tat responded that the Environmental Impact Assessments for the Changi reclamation projects have already accounted for the cumulative impacts of the Pulau Tekong works.
• The latest EIA for Changi North found that the cumulative impacts from both projects resulted in negligible to minor environmental effects.

• Ms. Lee Hui Ying inquired about the intended carbon tax rate beyond 2027 and whether Singapore is on track to meet the $50 to $80 per tonne target by 2030.
• Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien confirmed that the carbon tax is set to increase to $45 per tonne in 2026 and 2027, aiming for $50 to $80 per tonne by 2030.
• The government regularly reviews the carbon tax trajectory and will provide updates as necessary.

• The Ministry for National Development follows an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) framework for reclamation projects with potential ecological consequences.
• Detailed environmental studies are conducted to assess impacts on coastlines and marine environments, including surrounding habitats.
• Stakeholders such as nature groups, academics, and researchers are engaged for feedback on the environmental studies and proposed mitigation measures.
• The public can access environmental study reports and provide feedback during the EIA disclosure process.
• Stakeholder engagement occurs early in the planning process to incorporate inputs into reclamation and development plans.

• The debate focused on the future adjustments to the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) and the Electric Vehicle (EV) Early Adoption Incentive beyond 2027.
• Melvin Yong Yik Chye sought clarity on how these adjustments would align with the SG Green Plan and impact the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) market.
• Jeffrey Siow confirmed that the EV Early Adoption Incentive will end on January 1, 2027, while the VES will continue until the end of 2027, with future reviews considering EV adoption rates and cost differences among powertrains.

• Ms. Nadia Ahmad Samdin proposed that the Ministry consider structuring carbon relief allowances to support emissions-intensive trade-exposed companies, aiming to retain jobs for Singaporeans.
• Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong affirmed the government's approach to providing allowances to help these companies transition while maintaining their operations in Singapore.
• The government recognizes the risk of losing emissions-intensive companies to regions with lower carbon prices, which could negatively impact local jobs and integrated value chains.
• The commitment is to ensure that these companies can continue to contribute to Singapore's economy and provide employment opportunities.