Environment & climate — Topics

2 Sep 2019

Measures Taken to Ensure Early Detection and Efficient Deployment of Resources to Handle Vegetation Fires

The inter-agency Wildfire Task Force Committee led by SCDF coordinates preventive measures, including increased patrols during the dry season and the removal of fire hazards like dead leaves.
NParks has intensified patrols in vegetated areas and is exploring the use of technology such as video analytics and drones, alongside constructing fire breaks to limit fire spread.
SCDF educates the public on fire prevention, such as properly extinguishing embers and avoiding discarded materials that can ignite fires, with stricter penalties for illegal cigarette disposal.
Amendments to the Penal Code, effective in 2020, introduce a new offence for causing or contributing to dangerous fires and a presumption clause holding offenders liable if a fire occurs shortly after illegal disposal.

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2 Sep 2019

Midges Outbreak at Pandan Reservoir and Long-term Preventive Measures Planned

The Minister explained that midges are non-biting insects thriving in Singapore’s water bodies and their outbreaks, like the recent one at Pandan Reservoir, are influenced by environmental factors such as hot weather and climate change; PUB has implemented mitigation measures including biological larvicide, fogging, and netting, but cannot permanently eradicate midges due to their role in the ecosystem.
MPs raised concerns about the severe impact on residents, the health risks from prolonged fogging, and the effectiveness of larvicide, while also suggesting additional measures like insect screens, vegetation barriers, and protecting public spaces; the Minister responded that fogging pesticides are WHO-certified and safe, and while support for residents is being studied, resources are limited and must be prioritised for broader climate-related issues.
The debate highlighted the need for long-term strategies, including potential collaboration with other agencies, exploration of micro-climate changes around reservoirs, and enhanced protection for vulnerable households and public areas, while acknowledging that climate change may increase the frequency and severity of such outbreaks.

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6 Aug 2019

Export of Singapore’s Recyclable Waste

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked how much of Singapore's recyclable waste is exported and which countries are the largest receivers.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that around 60% of Singapore's total waste is recycled, with 30% of recyclable materials exported to countries like Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand.
The Ministry is focused on building local recycling capabilities, including studying e-waste and plastics recycling solutions to support a circular economy.

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6 Aug 2019

Findings from Project to Measure Singapore’s Carbon Footprint

The five-year study from 2013 to 2018 by the National Parks Board found that Singapore's Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry sector accounts for about 0.1% of net greenhouse gas emissions, with nature reserves and urban trees serving as key carbon sinks.
The carbon tax of $5 per tonne, effective January this year, covers about 80% of Singapore’s greenhouse gas emissions and is intended as an economy-wide price signal to incentivize reductions, with the government prepared to spend more than the estimated $1 billion collected over five years to support industry transition.
The carbon footprint of Changi Terminal 5 has not yet been determined as it remains in the design stage, but solutions to improve its energy efficiency are being explored by Changi Airport Group and its consultants.

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6 Aug 2019

Removal of 3,000-tonne Heap of Scrap Rubber Materials Left at Sarimbun Recycling Park

The 3,000-tonne scrap rubber heap at Sarimbun Recycling Park is on a leased plot owned by Morelastic Green Resources Pte Ltd, which was terminated in January 2019 for rental arrears, placing removal responsibility on the tenant.
The heap poses no health or environmental risks, has not affected park operations or surrounding vegetation, as the plot is inaccessible and located on an old landfill.
Morelastic began clearing the stockpile on 17 June 2019 and has removed most of it; the National Environment Agency will reinstate the land, clear any leftovers, and recover costs from the company.
NEA will investigate and take firm enforcement action against any environmental public health offenses related to the incident.

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6 Aug 2019

Achieving Goal of 80% Green Mark Buildings by 2030

The government confirmed that 40% of Singapore’s gross floor area is currently greened and is aiming for the 80% Green Mark target by 2030, with existing regulations requiring new projects and major retrofits to meet sustainability standards.
To boost private sector uptake, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) offers financing schemes tied to energy savings, and the Green Mark Scheme encourages solar PV adoption while recognizing physical constraints for some buildings.
The BCA continuously updates its Green Mark criteria to include energy efficiency, water use, sustainable operations, and indoor environmental quality, and requires air-conditioning temperatures to be set between 23–25°C in compliant buildings.

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6 Aug 2019

Companies Prosecuted for Illegal Discharge of Wastewater into Public Sewage System

The Senior Minister of State reported that since 2014, PUB has prosecuted 119 companies for illegal discharge into the public sewage system, with 21 being second-time offenders and 23 being multiple repeat offenders, and emphasized that repeat offenders face harsher penalties, more frequent inspections, and possible suspension or revocation of their discharge approvals.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh questioned the effectiveness of constant surveillance as a deterrent for repeat offenders, asked about the criteria and frequency for revoking discharge approvals, and raised concerns about the adequacy of fines, noting that reported fines for repeat offenders have not exceeded $20,000 despite a legal maximum of $100,000.
The Senior Minister of State responded that for repeat offenders, PUB may increase surveillance to as often as twice a month, require installation of online monitoring sensors, and engage them closely; approvals can be revoked for severe cases involving toxic or hazardous substances, with an immediate stop-order issued, and penalties may include fines up to $100,000 or imprisonment.

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6 Aug 2019

Likelihood of Ban on Single-use Plastics for Singapore

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked whether Singapore would study bans on single-use plastics in the UK and Ireland and the likelihood of adopting a similar ban locally.
The Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources responded that the government focuses on reducing all types of disposables, not just plastics, and promotes reusables, citing life-cycle assessments that show substituting plastics may not improve environmental outcomes.
Several MPs, including Louis Ng and Lim Biow Chuan, urged the government to consider a plastic bag charge to reduce consumption, noting overseas successes where charges led to over 80% reduction in plastic bag use.
The government highlighted initiatives like the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign, mandatory packaging reporting, and plans for an Extended Producer Responsibility framework by 2025, while noting that charging for plastic bags is already possible for retailers voluntarily.
MPs also requested public disclosure of the full life-cycle assessment study on packaging, with the Senior Minister of State indicating that some details are available but the full methodology could be shared.

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5 Aug 2019

Amount of Food Waste Generated in 2018 and Progress on Its Segregation and Treatment

In 2018, Singapore generated 763,000 tonnes of food waste, half from residential households and the remainder from sources like food manufacturers, hotels, shopping malls, and hawker centres, with the NEA not tracking specific amounts by sector.
Food waste segregation and treatment for households is voluntary, with a pilot in Tampines GreenLace collecting over 4000 kg in three months and now extended, while for commercial and industrial premises, 23 sites have on-site treatment systems and another 23 segregate waste for treatment at Ulu Pandan Water Reclamation Facility.
The Ministry will require large-scale commercial and industrial premises to segregate food waste for treatment from 2024, and new developments expected to generate large amounts must allocate space for on-site treatment from 2021, to be enforced through the Resource Sustainability Bill.

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5 Aug 2019

Measures to Incentivise Businesses to Rely on Sustainable Packaging Material Instead of Single-use Plastics

The Ministry and NEA are promoting reusable packaging through the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign, engaging over 1,600 partners across sectors to encourage waste reduction.
Mandatory reporting on packaging waste will be introduced for large producers and supermarkets next year, laying groundwork for an Extended Producer Responsibility framework by 2025.
NEA is supporting recycling initiatives like reverse vending machines and studying advanced recycling technologies to enhance local circular economy capabilities.
The government emphasizes a holistic approach focusing on reducing all packaging waste, not just single-use plastics, and encourages public participation in waste reduction efforts.
Efforts include collaborating with industry to develop sustainable recycling solutions that are environmentally and economically viable for Singapore.

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5 Aug 2019

Plans to Reduce Negative Impact of Climate Change on Older HDB Flats

Chong Kee Hiong asked whether new technologies from HDB's research collaborations with Evonik and V-Key could be adapted for older flats or what plans exist to reduce climate change impacts if retrofitting is not viable.
Lawrence Wong responded that the collaborations are in early stages, and if viable, HDB will explore incorporating the technologies into new designs and potentially retrofitting existing blocks, considering technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
HDB has already implemented measures like optimizing natural ventilation, orienting blocks to reduce heat gain, and increasing greenery to ensure comfortable living environments.
HDB will continue studying ways to mitigate climate change impacts on flats, with a focus on both new and existing HDB blocks.
The response emphasizes a balanced approach of exploring new technologies while maintaining current measures, without committing to specific timelines for older flat replacements.

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5 Aug 2019

Proposal to Review Penalties Imposed on Convicted Wildlife Traffickers

Rahayu Mahzam proposed reviewing penalties for wildlife traffickers to ensure they align with the value of illegal shipments, following a S$66 million seizure.
Lawrence Wong outlined current laws under the Endangered Species Act, which allow fines up to S$500,000 and/or two years imprisonment for trafficking CITES-regulated species.
NParks will review these penalties to maintain robust and effective measures against wildlife trafficking.

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5 Aug 2019

Use of Solar Panels and Solar Power by Households

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Trade and Industry about the number of households with solar panels, their contribution to the national grid, and the resulting carbon emission reduction, as well as the status of a blockchain-enabled platform for selling renewable energy and its potential extension to the open market.
Minister Chan Chun Sing reported about 950 private residential and over 1,400 HDB rooftop solar installations, contributing 0.16% of electricity generation and reducing carbon emissions by 35 kilotonnes annually, with a blockchain REC Marketplace launched for businesses and plans to extend it to households later.
The government is encouraging solar adoption through simplified grid sales processes, commercial arrangements with retailers, and HDB tenders for over 5,500 blocks, actively working to maximize solar energy use given Singapore's land constraints and geographic conditions.

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5 Aug 2019

Resource Sustainability Bill

The bill aims to impose obligations for collecting and treating electrical, electronic, and food waste, while requiring reporting on packaging imported or used in Singapore.
It seeks to regulate operators of producer responsibility schemes and promote overall resource sustainability across the country.
The bill was presented by the Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources on behalf of the Minister, read for the first time, and scheduled for a second reading in a future sitting.

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8 Jul 2019

Measures to Increase Awareness of Vertical Gardens in Singapore

NParks offers financial incentives and awards to encourage building owners to install vertical gardens, leading to over 110 hectares of skyrise greenery in the last decade.
Government agencies like HDB and JTC integrate vertical gardens in public housing and industrial estates through features like rooftop gardens and sky terraces.
The Community in Bloom programme engages volunteers to manage green spaces, fostering community involvement in vertical gardening.

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8 Jul 2019

Assistance to Elderly Homeowners who May Have Difficulty Checking Areas in their Homes for Mosquitoes to Prevent Spread of Dengue

Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for Environment and Water Resources what assistance can be given to elderly homeowners who struggle to check hard-to-reach areas like gutters for mosquitoes.
The Minister highlighted a sharp rise in dengue cases, with most breeding habitats found in homes, and urged all residents to practice the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout and cooperate with NEA officers.
Community groups like Residents’ Committees can assist elderly households with home checks and removing stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.
Homeowners with difficult-to-access roof gutters are advised to engage pest control operators to check for water and apply Bti insecticide, which lasts about 30 days.
The government is increasing dengue prevention efforts, but national success depends on collective action, with the public encouraged to promote dengue prevention in their communities.

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8 Jul 2019

Shared Responsibility of Organisations to Maintain Trees in Vicinity of Public Areas

Murali Pillai proposed that NParks introduce regulations to require all organisations maintaining trees near public areas to adhere to the same or higher tree inspection and maintenance standards as NParks, citing concerns over rainfall volatility and safety risks.
Lawrence Wong explained that many organisations already follow NParks' standards by referencing their contracts, which require certified arborists and align with ISA guidelines, and noted that the Parks and Trees Act empowers NParks to enforce compliance through maintenance notices and penalties.
NParks also supports tree management through training and workshops to enhance the capabilities of contractors and organisations, and will continue collaborating to ensure trees are well maintained across Singapore.

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8 Jul 2019

Designated Areas for Recycling Bins at HDB Blocks

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry to consider having designated areas for recycling bins at each HDB block and a waste bin beside each recycling bin to reduce contamination.
The Ministry and NEA are making recycling more convenient by providing recycling bins at every HDB block and installing recycling chutes in new BTO flats since 2014.
NEA is working with Public Waste Collectors and Town Councils to demarcate recycling bin locations and ensure sufficient general waste bins are available.
The Ministry and NEA have launched the #RecycleRight campaign to educate the public on proper recycling and reduce contamination, including redesigning bin labels for clarity.
These initiatives are part of the Year Towards Zero Waste to improve recycling rates and promote sustainable waste management practices.

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8 Jul 2019

Singapore's Efforts in ASEAN to Lead Green Economy and Counter Climate Change

Singapore has been actively leading ASEAN's climate change initiatives, including chairing the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change and launching the Climate Action Package to provide training and capacity building for member states.
The country has promoted green financing through measures like the Sustainable Bond Grant Scheme, which has facilitated over SGD 6 billion in green bonds, and works closely with the Monetary Authority of Singapore to enhance sustainable financing ecosystems.
Singapore advocates for a collective approach involving governments, financial sectors, and businesses to mobilize private capital and support the region's transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

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8 Jul 2019

Managing Fumes and Odour from Converted Eateries in Residential Areas

Murali Pillai asked the Ministry for National Development to consider an approval system and quantifiable standards for fumes and odours from eateries converted in shopping malls near residential areas.
Lawrence Wong explained that shopping malls are on commercially zoned land and eateries are allowed, but there are currently no established standards for food-related odours.
To minimize disamenities, authorities require exhaust systems with air cleaning functions, proper direction of exhaust outlets, and regular maintenance.

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