Environment & climate — Topics

9 May 2023

Building and Related Works (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Building and Related Works (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill aims to amend several Acts to streamline approval requirements for building works and related activities.
It introduces new approval requirements under the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999 and the Environmental Public Health Act 1987 for building and related works to ensure environmental and public health standards are met.
The bill includes consequential amendments to other Acts to align existing legislation with the new approval frameworks and maintain legal consistency.
It was presented by Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How on behalf of the Minister and read for the first time, with a second reading scheduled for the next sitting after 3 July 2023.

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9 May 2023

Impact of "Bilge Dumping" by Tankers

Ms He Ting Ru questioned the impact of illegal bilge dumping by tankers on Singapore, the methods used to track it in local waters, and whether Singapore collaborates with neighbouring countries to address the transnational issue.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport stated that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) regularly inspects ships for compliance with international regulations and has not detected any illegal oil discharges from engine rooms in the last five years.
MPA shares information with regional authorities if pollution is suspected to originate beyond Singapore’s waters and has measures in place to monitor and prevent illegal discharges in local port waters.

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9 May 2023

Collection Rate of Bloobox for Recycling Campaign

The Bloobox initiative, launched in November 2022, saw 93% of the 530,000 boxes distributed by April 2023, with the remaining boxes to be used in ongoing recycling campaigns.
Households not collecting Blooboxes were typically those already using other containers for recycling, while feedback from collectors highlighted the boxes' utility in identifying recyclables.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary noted that data on recycling rates by estate is collected annually, but no micro-level analysis linking Bloobox collection to recycling rates was available.
After the deadline, the public can access Blooboxes through future recycling initiatives, and uncollected boxes will be repurposed rather than wasted.
The cost of the Bloobox programme was not disclosed, but the government emphasized the high collection rate and the programme's role in promoting recycling habits.

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8 May 2023

Recycling Bins to Complement Rubbish Bins in Public Parks

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development if NParks would add recycling bins alongside rubbish bins in all its public parks to reduce recyclable waste.
Desmond Lee confirmed that NParks has already introduced recycling bins in some parks like HortPark, Jurong Lake Gardens, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
NParks and the National Environment Agency will explore further measures to encourage recycling in other public parks.

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8 May 2023

Findings in Report on Transparent Recycling Bin Pilots and Follow-up Plans

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked why contamination rates were higher in Bedok than in Bukit Batok, whether the pilots would be expanded to more resident profiles over a longer period, whether segregated transparent bins would be tested in high-footfall areas, and what Singapore could learn from overseas studies.
Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien stated the pilot findings were inconclusive and differences in contamination rates between locations could not be explained, noting that overseas studies are not directly comparable due to differing waste management contexts.
The Ministry has no immediate plans to expand the transparent recycling bin pilots, as it is focusing on other initiatives like Extended Producer Responsibility schemes for e-waste and beverage containers and requirements for large food waste producers to segregate and treat waste.

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8 May 2023

Collection of Free Blooboxes and Plans to Encourage Recycling in Households

Melvin Yong asked about the number of free Blooboxes collected by end-April 2023, plans for uncollected boxes, and future household recycling encouragement after the current distribution.
Wan Rizal inquired about measures to increase Bloobox adoption given low collection rates and how public education campaigns would be strengthened to boost participation.
Grace Fu indicated that these Bloobox-related questions would be addressed during the 9 May 2023 Parliament Sitting, referencing a related official report.

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8 May 2023

Monitoring and Regulating Use of Plastic in Packaging

The Resource Sustainability Act requires producers and retailers with over $10 million annual turnover to report packaging use and reduction plans to the National Environment Agency (NEA).
The Packaging Partnership Programme supports companies in adopting sustainable packaging practices, benefiting over 1,100 firms through best practice exchanges.
The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and NEA are exploring further measures to encourage companies to reduce packaging waste.

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8 May 2023

Disclosure of Information by Companies on Carbon Emissions, Use of Renewable Energy and Climate Change Measures

The Government is enhancing climate-related disclosure requirements, with SGX mandating sustainability reports since 2016 and progressive mandatory climate reporting for listed companies in high-impact sectors from this year, aligned with TCFD recommendations.
The Sustainability Reporting Advisory Committee, formed in June 2022, is developing a roadmap for climate reporting for all Singapore-incorporated companies, with recommendations to be consulted publicly later this year.
These measures aim to provide investors with comparable and credible information on companies’ climate performance, emissions, and renewable energy use to support informed investment decisions.

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8 May 2023

Percentage of Resolved and Repeated Feedback on Second-hand Smoke in Homes

Louis Ng asked the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment for the percentage of resolved and repeated feedback on second-hand smoke in homes over the past five years.
Grace Fu responded that from 2018 to 2021, most feedback cases on smoking in homes did not recur after advisories were issued to residents in surrounding units.
She added that fewer than 10% of feedback providers gave further feedback on smoking in homes within a year.

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8 May 2023

Semakau Landfill's Current Utilisation and Estimated Remaining Capacity

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about Semakau Landfill's current utilisation and estimated remaining capacity by tonnes of waste.
Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that at current waste disposal rates, Semakau Landfill is expected to run out of space by 2035.
Ongoing efforts to extend the landfill's lifespan include regulatory measures, research and development, and public outreach.
The Ministry plans to provide an update when there is greater certainty on future plans.

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8 May 2023

Reports of Electronic Waste in Green Spaces Like Clementi Forest

Two reports of improper disposal of bulky electronic waste in forested areas were received from January 2021 to March 2023, and agencies acted on them, with illegal dumping being an offence under the Environmental Public Health Act.
The delayed removal of an abandoned refrigerator in Clementi Forest was due to miscommunication between agencies, but it was cleared by NParks and NEA in April 2023, prompting improvements in interagency coordination and feedback management.
Agencies are strengthening staff training and feedback systems to ensure correct referral and completion of cases, while the public is encouraged to use designated parks and trails for safety and environmental protection.

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8 May 2023

Campaign on Need to Bag Trash Thrown Down Rubbish Chutes Post Plastic Bag Levy

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment to collaborate with HDB on a public awareness campaign reminding residents to bag rubbish for disposal in chutes following the plastic bag levy.
Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, responded that the supermarket bag charge aims to nudge reusable bag use but does not remove access to disposable bags, and residents should continue bagging waste responsibly.
The Ministry will continue suggesting alternatives to disposable carrier bags for waste bagging.
No supplementary questions were taken, and the debate moved to Ms Joan Pereira.

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21 Apr 2023

Rewilding Efforts Resulting in Wild Boars Recolonising More Green Spaces in Singapore

NParks’s rewilding efforts, such as replacing introduced oil palms with native vegetation, have kept the wild boar population in nature reserves stable rather than driving significant expansion across green spaces.
Wild boars can pose unpredictable risks to park and park connector users even when not provoked, primarily becoming aggressive if they feel cornered or threatened.
NParks mitigates risks through habitat modification, studies on distribution, hoarding to prevent straying into residential areas, and population control measures where needed.
NParks also engages in public education and enforcement against illegal feeding to promote safe human-wildlife encounters and responsible behavior.
The public is advised to remain calm and keep a safe distance during encounters, and NParks will continue community engagement on appropriate responses to wildlife sightings.

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21 Apr 2023

Percentage of Healthcare System's Carbon Footprint due to Desflurane and Plans to Reduce Its Use

Leon Perera asked for the percentage of Singapore’s healthcare carbon footprint caused by anaesthetics, the share of desflurane in anaesthetic use, and whether there are plans to reduce or phase out desflurane due to its high carbon footprint.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that the Ministry of Health tracks public healthcare emissions from fuel and electricity but does not collect data on medical gas impacts.
The Ministry noted ongoing efforts to reduce desflurane use where medically appropriate, with its proportion dropping from 28–68% across institutions in 2019 to 5–42% in 2022.

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21 Apr 2023

Studies on Microplastics Contamination in Our Reservoirs and Water Sources from Foreign Countries

Yip Hon Weng asked whether any studies have been conducted on microplastics contamination in Singapore's reservoirs and water sources from foreign countries, and whether there are independent local studies on microplastics intake and health risks.
The Public Utilities Board (PUB) has conducted biennial surveillance since 2017, with the 2021 results showing no microplastics in treated water and low counts in raw water sources like reservoirs, under 10 particles per litre.
No local studies have been done on microplastics intake or health risks, but PUB continues to monitor international scientific developments on the issue.

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21 Apr 2023

Probe into White Discharge Found in Outlet Drain along Hougang Avenue 10

The white discharge in the Hougang Avenue 10 drain was traced to paint products from a construction site in Serangoon North.
The Public Utilities Board directed the site contractor to clean up all remnants of the discharge from the drains.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and enforcement action will be taken against those found responsible under the Environmental Protection and Management Act.

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21 Apr 2023

Further Mitigation Measures to Address Urban Heat Island Effect

Ms He Ting Ru asked if further mitigation measures are needed to address the urban heat island effect, citing a Singapore Meteorological Service report from March 2023, and sought updates on the inter-agency work group established in 2019.
Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien noted that this question was previously raised and answered jointly by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the Ministry of National Development in August 2022, with no new updates provided at this time.
The response referred members to the official report from August 2022 for details on measures to mitigate extreme weather conditions and rising temperatures.

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21 Apr 2023

Rationale for Singapore Being Potential Claimant from Loss and Damage Fund Set Up in COP27

Leon Perera questioned why Singapore, a high-income country, is considering claiming from the COP27 Loss and Damage Fund, suggesting instead that Singapore should donate as a developed country, similar to others with comparable GDP.
Minister Grace Fu reiterated that Singapore's position remains open and undecided, as international negotiations on the fund's terms are ongoing, and she emphasized that Singapore is not classified as a developed country under the Paris Agreement.
Perera clarified his stance, advocating for Singapore's contribution to be benchmarked against other developed countries of similar economic size, and for fund disbursement to be based on developing countries' biodiversity challenges and resource needs.
The Minister challenged whether Perera's proposal aligns with the Paris Agreement, which defines developed and developing countries distinctly, noting that Singapore does not fall into the developed category.
The debate concluded without a final decision, with the Minister noting Singapore would consider both domestic and international perspectives in future UN climate negotiations.

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10 Apr 2023

Prime Minister's Office (Strategy Group)

The Strategy Group will lead public service efforts to address long-term challenges through the Forward Singapore initiative, aiming to refresh social compacts, promote fairness and inclusion, and develop new policies for lifelong opportunities and resilience.
It will strengthen whole-of-government planning to tackle complex issues like geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions, and societal changes, while enhancing economic, social, and national resilience amid resource constraints.
Population strategies will be updated to harness longevity, manage foreign worker and immigration flows for Singaporeans' benefit, and support families through pro-family measures and a collaborative societal effort.
Climate change efforts will focus on mitigating and adapting to global warming, including raising the carbon tax, diversifying energy sources, developing low-carbon technologies, and preparing for climate impacts like rising sea levels.
The government will bolster forward planning capabilities and engage Singaporeans to ensure a sustainable, thriving future, working with international partners to shape global climate action.

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10 Apr 2023

Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport will strengthen Singapore’s aviation and maritime hubs through infrastructure upgrades like Changi Airport Terminal 5 and Tuas Port, while enhancing workforce capabilities and digitalisation to support growth and competitiveness.
Sustainability is a key focus, with plans for cleaner energy vehicles at Changi Airport, electric harbour craft, and regulatory milestones to phase out diesel and combustion engine vehicles, alongside expanding EV charging infrastructure.
The government will expand the rail network by 100 kilometres to improve public transport accessibility, while ensuring fiscal sustainability through a shared responsibility model and reviewing fare adjustments for affordability.
Initiatives to make transport more inclusive include retrofitting pedestrian facilities, expanding cycling paths, and piloting Friendly Streets to better serve seniors and persons with disabilities.

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