Environment & climate

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about the response to an oil spill off Changi, specifically measures taken to clean the area and protect human and marine life, as well as plans to prevent future incidents. Grace Fu Hai Yien referred him to previous parliamentary answers regarding the oil spill and the measures implemented by agencies to minimize spill risks. She suggested reviewing responses from the Minister of State for Transport related to oil spill incidents and maritime response strategies for more comprehensive information.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the possibility of conducting a new pre-feasibility study on nuclear energy in Singapore, particularly regarding small modular reactors, due to advancements since 2012. Gan Kim Yong responded that no decision has been made on deploying nuclear energy or conducting a new study. He noted that while newer technologies may be potentially suitable, they are still in early development and not commercially deployed. The government's focus is on building the necessary capabilities to assess these technologies for Singapore.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about oil pollution incidents in Singapore's port waters, asking the Minister for Transport about lessons learned regarding prevention, detection, and mitigation measures. Chee Hong Tat indicated that these topics were previously addressed in responses to earlier questions during the November 11, 2024, parliamentary sitting, detailing aspects like oil sighting mechanisms and penalties for incidents. The impact of oil pollution on waters and coastal areas was also referenced in the prior official report.

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the Minister for National Development about the Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS), including its installations, costs, savings, beneficiaries, and evaluation processes. Desmond Lee detailed that approximately 40 HDB precincts have PWCS, which utilizes automated waste collection but has higher operational costs compared to traditional methods, primarily borne by the Government and Town Councils. Residents benefit from PWCS through cleaner waste management and more space for amenities, while the system is expected to become more cost-efficient as more units are added. The Government regularly reviews PWCS implementation and supports Town Councils adopting this system.

Indranee Rajah expressed gratitude to hawkers attending the extended debate before moving to adjourn Parliament. Assoc Prof Jamus Lim highlighted the importance of decarbonizing Singapore’s corporations amid ambitious carbon reduction targets, emphasizing that all businesses, regardless of size, need to address their carbon emissions comprehensively. He discussed the significance of carbon taxation, mandatory climate disclosures for companies, the need for enhanced green skills training, and the role of sustainable finance in facilitating this transition. Minister Alvin Tan affirmed the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while supporting businesses during their sustainability efforts, highlighting strategies for decarbonization and the critical nature of community involvement in these initiatives.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about planned upgrades to Singapore's national grid to integrate new energy sources, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and ammonia, as well as the timeline and alignment with commercial availability. Dr. Tan See Leng responded that the Energy Market Authority is collaborating with Singapore Power to enhance grid infrastructure, focusing initially on renewable energy imports. While SMRs are still in the early stages and have not been fully commercialized, the government is monitoring their potential and considering safety and feasibility for Singapore. The Future Energy Fund will support infrastructure upgrades, but specific funding amounts for new technologies have not yet been determined.

Christopher de Souza asked for an update on the Maritime and Port Authority's review of oil-containment processes following recent oil spill incidents. Chee Hong Tat indicated that this question was previously addressed in a response during the Parliamentary session on 11 November 2024.

Christopher de Souza raised concerns regarding the impact of an oil spill off Changi on local wildlife and the environment. Grace Fu Hai Yien confirmed that approximately five tonnes of oil overflowed into the sea during a bunkering operation on 28 October 2024, but no visible oil was found at sea or on land. Precautionary measures, including the use of containment booms, were implemented by the National Environment Agency and other agencies. The National Parks Board has not detected oil in sensitive biodiversity areas and is conducting long-term monitoring and research on the ecological impact of the spill.

Liang Eng Hwa questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the enforcement of high-rise littering via surveillance cameras in 2024 and the types of evidence considered. Grace Fu reported that from January to October 2024, approximately 800 acts of high-rise littering were recorded from over 400 residential units, with over 150 cases having been investigated and acted upon. NEA collaborates with Town Councils during investigations and will consider eyewitness accounts, conducting interviews as necessary, while the public can also submit video evidence to NEA for investigation.

Hany Soh requested an interim update on the oil spill during a bunkering operation on 28 October 2024 and inquired about improvements in response efficiency from past incidents. Dennis Tan Lip Fong sought details regarding an oil leak from a land-based pipeline at Shell Energy and Chemicals Park on 20 October 2024, including the product leaked and detection methods. Chee Hong Tat stated that these questions had been addressed in prior oral answers during the 11 November 2024 Sitting, referencing specific official reports.

• The Minister of State for Transport confirmed that after every oil spill or incident, a study is conducted to draw lessons and improve existing plans.
• Stakeholders are engaged through cooperation to minimize the risk of future oil spills.
• A factual correction was made to the Minister's original reply, clarifying the commitment to continuous improvement and stakeholder collaboration.

• Yip Hon Weng asked for updates on noise barrier installations near Nuovo condominium in Yio Chu Kang, new noise assessments at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, maintenance effectiveness on ageing MRT tracks, and further collaboration to address noise where barriers are challenging.
• Chee Hong Tat explained that noise barriers are installed only where residential developments are close to MRT viaducts and noise exceeds guidelines, and that LTA also works with manufacturers and operators to reduce noise at the source through various measures.
• The MRT viaduct near Nuovo condominium is not slated for noise barriers as the nearest residences, including Nuovo condominium at about 70 metres away, are beyond the typical distance requiring such installations.

• Ms Joan Pereira questioned whether an active monitoring or alert system exists to detect oil sightings in Singapore’s waters and what lessons from past oil spills are being applied to improve recovery efforts.
• The Minister for Transport, Chee Hong Tat, stated that the question was already addressed in a previous parliamentary reply from November 2024 regarding pipeline inspections, spill prevention, and penalties.
• The debate highlights ongoing concerns about oil spill detection and response, with the government referring to existing measures outlined in earlier official reports.

• Between January and October 2024, NParks caught 209 offenders for illegal bird feeding, including 30 repeat offenders, with fines up to $5,000 for first offenses and $10,000 for subsequent ones.
• NParks conducted over 2,200 surveillance operations during this period, using on-site surveillance and closed-circuit television cameras at identified feeding hotspots.
• Enforcement efforts involved collaboration with the People's Association and Town Councils, with surveillance and enforcement actions carried out by NParks staff and partners.

• The most common wildlife-related directions for development projects involve pre-felling checks for bird nests and other wildlife, as well as restricted working hours to mitigate impacts.
• Compliance is verified through Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans and monitoring reports submitted to NParks, supplemented by site inspections when necessary.
• For the three projects with recorded contraventions, NParks took enforcement action against the main contractors involved.

• Derrick Goh proposed more proactive enforcement and mandatory counselling for repeat illegal bird-feeders to address behavioural issues.
• Desmond Lee outlined NParks’ multi-pronged approach involving surveillance, public education, and partnerships with agencies to deter and manage illegal bird-feeding.
• For repeat offenders or those with mental health needs, NParks works with various agencies to understand motivations, provide alternatives like community activities, and link individuals to counselling services.

• The Ministry and NEA do not track litter amounts by specific area type, as all waste is collected together during cleaning operations, but they are intensifying enforcement and community partnerships in 2024 as the Year of Public Hygiene.
• Efforts include over 100 anti-littering enforcement blitzes at hotspots and more than 130 community activities organized by partners to promote a culture of cleanliness.
• Initiatives like the Public Hygiene Council’s Keep Singapore Clean campaign and 21 CleanPods provide tools and advocate for collective responsibility to maintain a litter-free Singapore.

• Mr Saktiandi Supaat questioned how much of the EV tax rebates reach consumers and whether dealers absorb them via markups or higher COE bids.
• He asked if the Government should reform the COE system to accelerate greener vehicle uptake.
• Minister Chee Hong Tat deferred the reply to the 12 November 2024 Parliament sitting, referencing a related review on vehicle growth policy and rebates.

• Various technologies like indoor air quality monitors can detect second-hand smoke indicators such as PM2.5 and volatile organic compounds, but they cannot pinpoint the exact source or location of the smoke, making it difficult to attribute disamenities to specific activities like smoking.
• The Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment did not specify when it last reviewed detection technologies, but it emphasizes that mitigating second-hand smoke relies on social responsibility and public cooperation rather than solely on technology.
• The Minister urged smokers and their social circles to refrain from smoking where it affects neighbours, highlighting that technological solutions are limited and community efforts are essential to address the issue.

• Dennis Tan asked how often BCA reviews facade inspection regulations and whether they account for climate change, with additional inspections for potential earlier deterioration.
• Desmond Lee responded that the regime started in 2022, and BCA reviews regulations based on developments in structural safety, materials, and climate change projections, referencing international standards.
• BCA completed a study showing most facade materials can withstand projected extreme climate conditions, and the current inspection regime is deemed sufficient for timely deterioration detection.
• BCA is studying and updating design wind speeds in structural calculations in consultation with industry experts and other agencies to address more extreme weather.
• No immediate plans for additional inspections were announced, as the current regime is considered adequate to handle climate-related impacts on building facades.