Environment & climate — Topics

2 Feb 2021

Study on Presence of Microplastic in Seafood from Kelongs in Singapore Waters

Mr Louis Ng asked whether the Ministry has studied microplastics in seafood from local kelongs, what the results are, and if not, why not and whether it plans to do so.
Grace Fu responded that microplastics are a global concern but current scientific assessments indicate low human health risks from them.
The Singapore Food Agency is developing testing methods and conducting surveys on food products to gather baseline data, with findings expected in about two years.
The Ministry will continue monitoring international developments before deciding on specific studies for seafood from Singapore waters.
Efforts to prevent and reduce marine plastic debris through pollution management will continue with stakeholders.

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2 Feb 2021

Piloting Separate Recycling Bins for Biodegradable Plastics

Christopher de Souza asked if the Ministry would consider piloting separate recycling bins for biodegradable plastics.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated there are no plans to do so, as biodegradable plastics offer no environmental benefits in Singapore due to waste being recycled or incinerated, not landfilled.
She explained that all plastic waste, including biodegradable, is treated similarly, and ocean pollution is prevented through litter traps and removal.
The government will continue efforts to reduce and recycle all types of plastic waste, especially single-use plastics.

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2 Feb 2021

Impact on Jobs and Trades with Shift Away from Fossil Fuel and Traditional Automotive Industries

Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that the shift to low emissions mobility is not expected to cause significant job losses in Singapore, as the petrochemical industry remains relevant for various products and the specialty chemicals sector continues to grow in demand across Asia.
Existing transport and maintenance workers are adapting to hybrid and electrified platforms, with the government supporting skill upgrades through initiatives like the Singapore Motor Workshop Association training facility to maintain electric vehicle components and charging systems.
Singapore is actively growing the EV industry by attracting investments from companies like Hyundai, Borgwarner, Continental, and Infineon, which are expected to create job opportunities in advanced manufacturing, R&D, design, and software engineering.
Government agencies will collaborate with companies, training providers, and unions to prepare Singaporeans for new roles in the transitioning mobility sector, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.

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2 Feb 2021

Progress of Plan to Plant 1 Million Trees

The OneMillionTrees movement, launched in April 2020, aims to plant one million additional trees across Singapore by 2030, with nearly 150,000 trees already planted involving over 1,000 participants from various community groups.
The new trees are expected to sequester an estimated 78,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, with carbon sequestration capacity increasing as the trees mature.
The movement is part of the larger City in Nature vision to enhance green spaces and connectivity, and it complements existing greenery replacement measures to offset forest clearing from development.

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2 Feb 2021

Heat-reduction Retrofits in HDB Upgrading and Estate Renewal Programmes

Leon Perera questioned the Ministry for National Development on how HDB Upgrading and Estate Renewal Programmes incorporate heat-reduction retrofits like solar panels, green roofs, and cool paints, with focus on low-income areas.
Desmond Lee outlined HDB’s Green Towns Programme, which includes piloting cool coatings on building facades and driveways with Town Councils, with potential island-wide expansion if effective.
HDB has increased its solar target to install 540 MWp on 70% of HDB blocks by 2030, which may reduce heat by shading roofs from direct sunlight.
The plan also involves adding urban farms, greenery, and community gardens to Multi-Storey Car Park rooftops to help lower ambient temperatures in estates.

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2 Feb 2021

Effectiveness of Anti-littering Enforcement Actions and Possibility of Scaling Up

The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported a multi-pronged approach to combat high-rise littering, including a 50% increase in surveillance camera deployments in 2020, leading to over 1,000 enforcement actions, while also emphasizing public education and community partnerships to foster social responsibility.
A Member of Parliament questioned the effectiveness of current measures, noting persistent littering in estates and asking whether the deterrent effect is failing, whether surveillance can be scaled up, and if new technologies and community efforts could reduce the problem.
The Senior Minister of State responded that high-rise littering is difficult to tackle due to dense housing, but NEA is enhancing enforcement through better technology, streamlined investigations, and increased penalties, with data showing a lower rate of repeat offenders indicating some deterrent effect.
Both speakers agreed that while enforcement and technology are being strengthened, long-term success requires community cooperation to cultivate good habits and collective responsibility to keep Singapore clean.
The debate highlighted ongoing efforts to scale up surveillance and adopt new technologies, with NEA committed to continuous improvement and community engagement to address high-rise littering effectively.

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1 Feb 2021

Plans and Measures to Reduce Impact from Loss of Greenery and Biodiversity from Deforestation of Tengah and Dover Forests

The Minister outlined Singapore’s need to balance dense urban development with nature conservation, emphasizing constraints as a small city-state with limited land for housing, infrastructure, and green spaces.
The government adopts a science-based approach to protect key biodiversity areas, has safeguarded over 7,800 hectares of green spaces, and plans to extend this by 1,000 hectares while implementing species recovery plans by 2030.
Specific sites like Clementi and Ulu Pandan are under review, with public consultations ongoing for Ulu Pandan to integrate housing and nature, reflecting trade-offs between development demands and environmental preservation.

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1 Feb 2021

Additional Surcharge on Certificates of Entitlement for Owners Purchasing Second Vehicle or More

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked if the Ministry would impose an additional surcharge on Certificates of Entitlement for owners buying a second or subsequent vehicle.
Ong Ye Kung responded that such a surcharge is unlikely to promote cleaner vehicles and would function more as a wealth tax, posing policy challenges.
He noted that second-vehicle buyers might have genuine needs, such as large families, and that loopholes could arise, necessitating complex rules.
The Minister emphasized that general incentives for cleaner vehicles and surcharges for pollutive vehicles are more effective than linking surcharges to vehicle ownership numbers.
He concluded that adding rules for second-vehicle surcharges would complicate the COE system without effectively advancing environmental goals.

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1 Feb 2021

Measures to Address Potholes on Roads from Heavy Rainfall

Murali Pillai raised concerns about increasing potholes due to heavy rainfall from changing climate patterns and asked what steps LTA will take.
Ong Ye Kung responded that he had already addressed the issue in a previous Parliament sitting on 1 February 2021.
The debate highlighted the link between climate-related heavy rainfall and road infrastructure challenges in Singapore.

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1 Feb 2021

Number of Enforcement Actions on Vehicles and Motorcycles with Illegal Modifications Resulting in Excessive and Unnecessary Noise in Last Three Years

In the last three years, the Land Transport Authority took enforcement action on 1,123 cases in 2018, 1,686 in 2019, and 1,650 in 2020 of illegal vehicle modifications causing excessive noise, with most involving motorcycles.
Noise emission standards for vehicles are set and regularly reviewed by the National Environment Agency under internationally benchmarked regulations.
The Land Transport Authority will continue strict enforcement, including targeted actions and compliance checks during mandatory vehicle inspections.

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1 Feb 2021

Update on Operational Situation at Tuaspring Desalination Plant after PUB's Takeover

Gerald Giam asked about the current operational status, necessary capital for optimal capacity, and long-term plans for the Tuaspring Desalination Plant after PUB's takeover.
PUB has been operating the plant since May 2019, performing repairs including membrane replacements costing around $80 million, with work scheduled for completion in mid-2021.
PUB intends to continue operating the plant long-term to ensure Singapore's water security.

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1 Feb 2021

Environmental Costs of Digital Currencies and Estimated Costs of Bitcoin and Related Digital Currency Mining in Singapore

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment to examine the environmental costs of energy-intensive digital currency mining, estimate related costs in Singapore, assess their magnitude, and consider restricting such mining.
Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that cryptocurrency mining is not regulated in Singapore and is uncommon due to high land, labour, and electricity costs, as well as the hot climate, which make it economically unfavorable.
She added that the Singapore government will continue monitoring cryptocurrency developments and associated risks, indicating no immediate plans to regulate or restrict mining.

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1 Feb 2021

Active Recycling Collection Points across Singapore and in Community Centres

There are over 90,000 active recycling collection points across Singapore, including recycling bins, Cash-for-Trash stations, reverse vending machines, and e-waste points.
Recycling facilities are available in selected Community Clubs and all CCs can request free recycling bins from Public Waste Collectors.
Efforts to promote recycling include ground-up programmes, eco interest groups, and sustainability activities by grassroots organisations.
The government plans to continue collaborating with stakeholders to raise awareness and improve convenience for recycling.
Locations of specific collection points like Cash-for-Trash stations and e-waste recycling are accessible via the NEA website.

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1 Feb 2021

Biohazardous Waste Generated and Disposed in Past Five Years and Efforts to Reduce Biohazardous Waste Generated

In the past five years, an average of about 4,800 tonnes of biohazardous waste is generated annually in Singapore.
Biohazardous waste is regulated by the NEA, collected by licensed toxic industrial waste collectors, transported via enclosed vehicles on approved routes, and incinerated at dedicated facilities.
Efforts to reduce biohazardous waste focus on ensuring safe collection and disposal to protect public health, with most waste arising from essential healthcare activities.

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1 Feb 2021

Upgrading Rubbish Trucks into Newer and Quieter Electric Vehicles

Christopher de Souza asked if the Ministry will collaborate with companies to upgrade rubbish trucks into newer, quieter electric vehicles.
Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency (NEA) encourages Public Waste Collectors (PWCs) to use electric vehicles (EVs), awarding higher tender scores for EV proposals and mandating minimum EV deployment in contracts.
NEA is adopting a phased approach to electrify the waste collection fleet, allowing PWCs to build expertise and manage operational considerations like charging logistics.
All PWCs have voluntarily introduced EVs ahead of requirements, with specific examples of EV deployment in various sectors.
The Ministry will continue working with PWCs to advance sustainable solutions in waste collection.

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1 Feb 2021

Prohibit Feeding of Community Animals through Inclusion in Wildlife Act

Seah Kian Peng raised concerns about inconveniences and property damage caused by feeding community animals, suggesting the feeding be included under the Wildlife Act.
Desmond Lee explained that the Wildlife Act is designed for wildlife protection and not intended to cover the feeding of domestic species like community animals.
Instead, NParks collaborates with stakeholders to promote responsible feeding practices, such as using receptacles and cleaning up after feeding.
Enforcement actions can be taken under the Environmental Public Health Act for littering or by agencies for property damage caused by irresponsible feeding.

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1 Feb 2021

Number and Capacity of New Data Centres

Over the last five years, Singapore approved 14 new data centres with a total IT capacity of 768 MW, a significant increase from the previous five-year period.
The government imposed a temporary pause in 2019 on releasing state land for new data centres and on developing existing state land for such projects to moderate growth.
This moratorium aims to ensure environmentally sustainable development while consulting the industry, with review conclusions and future plans to be shared later this year.

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1 Feb 2021

Preservation of Dover Forest in Ulu Pandan

Christopher de Souza proposed using vacant and under-utilized plots in Ghim Moh, such as the land next to Ulu Pandan CC and the old RJC campus, to build BTO flats and rejuvenate older estates instead of developing Dover Forest.
He outlined a long-term vision for Ulu Pandan to become a green constituency with a nature loop, preserving Dover Forest and enhancing connectivity via the Rail Corridor and other green spaces.
The Minister of State for National Development acknowledged residents' concerns, noted the site was rezoned for residential use in 2003, and stated that HDB would extend the public consultation period for another four weeks to gather more feedback on the plans for the Ulu Pandan site.

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1 Feb 2021

Accelerate and Deepen Efforts Against Climate Change

MP Jamus Lim argued that Singapore's current carbon tax is too low and narrowly focused, urging a higher price per tonne and broader coverage to drive meaningful emissions reductions, while endorsing a carbon tax over a cap-and-trade system for its transparency and revenue benefits.
Minister Grace Fu outlined Singapore’s climate commitments and constraints, highlighting the new whole-of-nation Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the government's intention to review the carbon tax rate by 2023, aiming for a balance between economic growth and sustainability.
MPs Leon Perera and Rachel Ong emphasized protecting natural carbon sinks like mature forests, integrating climate goals into national planning, and ensuring policies address social equity, such as through green dividends and enhanced nature education.
The debate concluded with cross-party consensus to accelerate climate efforts, adopting amendments to recognize climate change as a global emergency and to include civil society in national partnerships, while proposing measures like standardized ESG reporting and green job development.

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1 Feb 2021

Accelerate and Deepen Efforts Against Climate Change

A motion was debated to accelerate and deepen Singapore’s climate efforts, with proposals for a higher carbon tax, stricter building standards, and better climate education, while balancing economic growth and environmental needs.
Some MPs urged the government to declare a climate emergency, include civil society in policymaking, and set more ambitious targets for renewable energy and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Discussions also emphasized protecting forests, promoting nature-based solutions, and enhancing public-private-people partnerships to drive sustainable development and green job creation.

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