Environment & climate — Topics

7 Nov 2017

Consideration of Environmental, Social and Governance Factors in Investment Decisions of Singapore's Government Investment Funds

The Minister for Finance confirmed that Singapore’s sovereign wealth funds, GIC and Temasek, operate independently on a commercial basis but emphasise sustainability and long-term value in their investments.
GIC integrates sustainability considerations holistically into its investment processes to protect and enhance long-term returns, recognising that poor sustainability practices pose business and reputational risks.
Temasek is committed to sustainable value as a responsible investor, actively addressing sustainability challenges and opportunities, and has established Temasek Foundations to champion causes like sustainability and climate resilience.

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6 Nov 2017

Sensor Systems to Monitor Vehicle Emissions and Industrial Odours

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh questioned the rationale behind NEA’s calls for proposals to monitor diesel vehicle emissions and industrial odours, and whether the sensors would support action against polluters.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that vehicular and industrial emissions are major air pollution sources, and real-time monitoring will help NEA assess emissions more efficiently and effectively.
For diesel vehicles, the system will address the gap between laboratory tests and actual road emissions, supporting better pollution control measures.
For industrial emissions, the sensors will detect and characterise odours, identify sources, and enhance NEA’s current monitoring capabilities.

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6 Nov 2017

Results of PUB's Checks on Water Pipes in Bukit Batok SMC

PUB completed an early inspection of all 100km of water pipes in Bukit Batok following recent leaks, finding no additional issues and confirming the two incidents were due to localized corrosion on 35-year-old pipes that were still within their 70-year design lifespan.
The affected pipe sections have been replaced, with work at Bukit Batok West Avenue 6 completed and the 170-meter replacement at Bukit Batok East Avenue 3 expected to finish ahead of schedule by end-November.
PUB noted that Singapore's leak incidence rate is among the lowest globally at six leaks per 100km of pipes per year, and it maintains continuous monitoring with over 300 sensors and annual physical checks across its 5,500km network.
To address aging infrastructure, PUB is increasing its pipe renewal pace, aiming to replace 30km of pipes this year and 50km annually from next year, while test-bedding new technologies like acoustic sensors and using more corrosion-resistant pipes.
PUB acknowledged that leaks can still occur due to corrosion, soil settlement, or construction damage, but it aims to resolve most incidents quickly within a few hours, with some requiring additional time to switch residents to alternate supplies to avoid disruption.

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6 Nov 2017

Lifecycle Assessment of Plastic Bags and Takeaway Containers

Pritam Singh asked whether the Ministry has completed its lifecycle assessment study on single-use carrier bags and takeaway containers, and if bio-degradable plastic bags have lower emissions than non-biodegradable ones.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M confirmed that the National Environment Agency is conducting the study and will release results on single-use carrier bags by the end of this year.
The study on disposable food packaging materials is expected to be completed by end-2017, with results released in the first half of 2018.
The analysis covers environmental impacts, including emissions, and costs of the materials.
No statement was made on whether bio-degradable bags have lower emissions than non-biodegradable ones, as the study is ongoing.

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6 Nov 2017

Measures to Mitigate Encounters with Wild Boars

Government agencies will monitor and manage wild boar populations by removing food sources like oil palms, taking enforcement action against public feeding, and installing low railings to prevent boars from wandering into roads and residential areas.
During land clearing for development, the National Parks Board will advise developers to shepherd wild boars to other forested areas and secure boundaries near homes and roads to reduce encounters.
Public education efforts will be increased to inform residents on safe practices during human-wildlife encounters, with agencies collaborating to ensure community safety.

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6 Nov 2017

Impact of Heat on Workforce and Productivity Given Global Warming

Member of Parliament Saktiandi Supaat inquired about the government’s efforts to study heat’s impact on outdoor labor-intensive sectors and the workforce’s preparedness for climate change.
Minister S Iswaran responded that the government is monitoring temperature rises and noted that industries like construction, landscaping, marine, and logistics have implemented measures such as mobile shelters, cool clothing, hydration access, and air-conditioning.
The Workplace Safety and Health Act requires employers to minimize heat stress risks, and the WSH Council has issued guidelines including heat acclimatization and work-rest cycles.
For the long term, the government is collaborating with industries to adopt technologies like prefabrication in construction and robotics in marine work to reduce outdoor labor exposure.
Agencies are also supporting R&D to mitigate heat stress impacts in urban Singapore.

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6 Nov 2017

Use of Public Spaces by Private Outdoor Educators under National Outdoor Adventure Education Masterplan

Private outdoor educators may use public spaces like parks as long as their activities do not deprive other public users of the space, with larger or structured activities requiring an online application.
For reservoirs and waterways, private organisations must apply on a case-by-case basis, with considerations for operational impact, environmental safety, and participant safety.
The government supports private outdoor education providers using public spaces provided activities do not disrupt agencies’ operations or cause significant environmental or public inconvenience.

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6 Nov 2017

Review List of Birds for Sale as Pets to Restrict Sale of Endangered Species

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority regularly reviews the list of birds for sale as pets in Singapore based on CITES requirements to restrict trade in endangered species.
CITES classifies species into three appendices with varying protection levels, and its listings are updated every three years, prompting AVA to review the local bird list accordingly.
AVA conducts compliance checks on bird shops and enforces strict penalties, including fines up to $500,000 and/or imprisonment up to two years, for illegally selling endangered species.

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6 Nov 2017

Grooming Talent for Clean Technology

The Singapore government is investing in research centres and talent grooming initiatives to develop local skills for clean technology jobs, focusing on areas like clean energy and water.
The cleantech sector currently employs over 20,000 workers, with projections of 2,000 new PMET jobs in clean energy by 2025, at least two-thirds of which are expected to be filled by Singaporeans.
Increased focus on clean technology is positioned to boost Singapore’s economy through domestic innovation, exportable solutions, and job creation in high-value sectors.

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6 Nov 2017

Investigation into Chemical Odour from Pasir Gudang

The Minister explained that the September 2017 chemical odour was traced to a factory in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, after Singaporean agencies found elevated but safe levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with no local source, and commended Malaysia's cooperation in resolving the incident.
The Ministry outlined safety measures, including strict Singapore regulations for hazardous chemicals, real-time air monitoring by the NEA, and preparedness for chemical incidents by the SCDF, which includes public alerts and In-Place Protection Procedures.
Ministers addressed public concerns, advising that residents can rely on constant air quality monitoring and should follow SCDF guidance to evacuate or seal indoor spaces during toxic gas incidents, while noting that long-term health studies on low-level VOC exposure are limited.

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2 Oct 2017

Outcome of Pilot Installation of Food Waste Digesters in Schools

The National Environment Agency piloted food waste digesters in 10 schools under the "Love Your Food @ Schools" Project, resulting in reduced daily food waste, such as at Greendale Primary School from 18 kg to under 10 kg.
The Ministry will evaluate the two-year pilot to consider future expansion to more schools and other venues like hawker centres, coffee shops, and shopping malls, subject to economic and space constraints.
Onsite food waste treatment is being piloted at hawker centres in Ang Mo Kio and Pasir Ris-Bedok, with plans to deploy digesters where suitable and support businesses through the 3R Fund.

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2 Oct 2017

Effectiveness of Enforcement of Two-hour Rule on Disposal of Leftover Cat Food in Public Spaces

Miss Cheryl Chan asked about the effectiveness of enforcing the two-hour rule for disposing leftover cat food in public spaces over the past three years.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) stated that most feeders comply with clearing food within two hours, with only two enforcement actions taken out of about 1,600 feedback cases.
NEA noted that non-compliance can lead to fines up to $2,000 and that collaboration with town councils and animal welfare groups helps promote responsible feeding practices.

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2 Oct 2017

Noise Level Breaches at Construction Sites

Between January 2013 and June 2017, 411 construction companies were penalised for exceeding noise limits and 723 for breaching the no-work rule on Sundays and public holidays, with about half being repeat offenders.
Over the last five years, NEA conducted more than 45,500 inspections of construction sites and issued over 4,500 summonses for mosquito breeding, with over 420 Court prosecutions and more than 380 Stop Work Orders.
The National Environment Agency has introduced a Quieter Construction Fund to subsidise contractors for investing in noise-reducing technologies and equipment.

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2 Oct 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment/Studies for Land Acquisition for Expansion of Tengah Air Base

Louis Ng asked if an environmental impact assessment was conducted for land acquisition for the Tengah Air Base expansion.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that an environmental study will be carried out before land preparation works begin.
The study will guide mitigation measures to minimize the expansion's impact on local flora and fauna.

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2 Oct 2017

Preserving Green Spaces and Heritage in Jalan Kayu Constituency

Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed preserving Kampong Lorong Buangkok, Singapore's last mainland kampung, as a heritage education site to integrate it with planned schools rather than displacing residents for a highway and school construction.
She also suggested converting a planned highway strip near Gerald Drive into a linear nature park with cycling and footpaths to preserve green space and address residents' concerns about traffic and environmental impact.
The Second Minister for National Development responded that the kampung's development plans are not immediate and will involve stakeholder engagement in the future, while the highway is needed to support upcoming housing and traffic demands, though alternative green spaces exist.

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11 Sep 2017

Extension of Additional 50% Rebate and Surcharge for Taxis under Vehicle Emissions Scheme to Private Hire Cars

Mr Yee Chia Hsing asked if the additional 50% VES rebate and surcharge for taxis would apply to private hire cars due to similar high mileages.
The Minister for Transport, Khaw Boon Wan, replied that the rebate and surcharge would not be extended to private hire cars.
The Minister explained that private hire cars generally have much lower mileages compared to taxis.

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11 Sep 2017

Prioritise Installation of Solar Panels in Mature HDB Estates with More Senior Citizens

Mr Gan Thiam Poh proposed prioritizing solar panel installation in mature HDB estates with many seniors to provide cheaper common corridor lighting.
HDB explained that solar PV deployment under the SolarNova programme considers technical feasibility, logistics, and cost-efficiency rather than demographic factors.
Energy savings are also pursued through initiatives like replacing common area lighting with LEDs to reduce consumption.

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11 Sep 2017

Measures to Deter Feeding of Pigeons

The Ministry collaborates with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority and National Environment Agency to enforce laws against pigeon feeding through surveillance at hotspots, using cameras and working with Town Councils to gather information for targeted operations.
Offenders face fines of up to $500 for feeding pigeons and up to $2,000 for littering, with the possibility of a Corrective Work Order upon conviction.
Enforcement is complemented by public education efforts, including advisories, posters, and events, to raise awareness about the environmental and health impacts of pigeon feeding.
Community and grassroots leaders are encouraged to help spread awareness and reinforce the message against feeding pigeons.

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11 Sep 2017

Southern Islands as National Parks

Christopher de Souza asked how the Southern Islands could be more accessible as national parks for Singaporeans while preserving their rustic charm and biodiversity.
Lawrence Wong explained that most Southern Islands are already accessible via ferries or chartered yachts, and Sisters’ Islands Marine Park was designated to protect biodiversity hotspots.
NParks is enhancing accessibility with guided walks, dive trails, school visits, and new infrastructure like boardwalks and pontoon on Big Sister’s Island.
The government aims to balance public enjoyment with conservation by introducing rules for harmonious co-existence of activities in the Marine Park.

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1 Aug 2017

Food Waste Management Strategies

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked the Minister to identify the percentage of food waste generated by surplus food and to fund sharing economy platforms that allow businesses to better procure surplus food.
Mr Seah Kian Peng inquired about introducing a Good Samaritan Law for food to reduce the 790,000 tonnes of food wasted annually in Singapore.
The Minister confirmed food waste comprised 10% of total waste in 2016 and outlined ongoing studies to better understand its composition.
The Ministry is promoting surplus food redistribution through guidebooks for businesses and supports private initiatives like the "11th Hour" app, while being open to ideas from the public for funding.
The Ministry is studying the introduction of Good Samaritan laws and will work with relevant agencies to ensure donated food is safe for consumption.

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