Environment & climate — Topics

6 Feb 2017

Early Warning Systems for Better Management of Flash Floods

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan questioned the Ministry on regular checks for drainage-impairing works, the existence of an early warning system for flood threats from such works, and whether penalties for errant contractors match the severity of potential damage.
Ang Wei Neng asked the Ministry to collaborate with other agencies to reduce flash floods in key areas, citing recent incidents and climate change.
The Minister outlined a holistic "source-pathway-receptor" approach, including upgraded drainage standards, source and receptor solutions, and close monitoring with technology like CCTV and sensors for early warnings and public alerts.
The Minister confirmed that recent floods in Paya Lebar and Tanjong Pagar are not part of the 90 ongoing drainage improvement locations, and that action will be taken against the contractor responsible for the Upper Thomson Road flood due to unauthorised and under-sized diversion works.
The Minister emphasized that while flood-prone areas have been drastically reduced, complete elimination of floods is not possible, and urged collective responsibility to keep drains clear and respond effectively to flood events.

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9 Jan 2017

Update on NEA's Rodent Control Efforts

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about NEA’s progress on rodent control, the success of the Rat Attack Programme, and whether Singapore is learning from international practices.
Masagos Zulkifli shared that NEA detected 32,000 burrows in early 2016—a 12.5% drop from 2015—with 90% in housing estates, and outlined the Rat Attack Programme and Rat Coordination Task Forces to improve stakeholder collaboration.
NEA conducts regular inspections, enforces licensing actions for infestations, and studies overseas approaches, while stressing that effective rodent control depends on collective responsibility and proper waste management.

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9 Jan 2017

Update on Cross Island MRT Line Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Site investigation works on the two alignment options for Phase 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment have started and are slated for completion by end-2018.
The Ministry engages nature community volunteers through regular consultations to monitor and manage environmental impacts, particularly during the rainy season.
The Land Transport Authority has appointed a nature group representative as an advisor to audit the implementation of the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan from Phase 1.

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9 Jan 2017

Energy Usage Trends and Future Energy Conservation Plans

Singapore's energy demand grew from 38,300 GWh in 2005 to 50,300 GWh in 2015 and is projected to increase at a slower rate of 1.2%–1.8% annually over the next decade, with sufficient supply expected to meet demand.
The government is enhancing energy security and sustainability through measures like the LNG terminal and promoting solar energy adoption, while relying on market-based pricing without subsidies.
Green initiatives have improved efficiency across industrial, building, and household sectors, with programs like the GREET scheme and Green Mark targets yielding significant energy and cost savings.
For street lighting, Singapore will not turn off lights for safety reasons but is switching to LED lights to save energy, while regulatory enhancements are being made to support solar panel installation in private residences.

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9 Jan 2017

Encouraging Building Owners and Developers to Adopt Solar Energy Technology

Lawrence Wong outlined plans to increase solar generation capacity to 350 MWp by 2020, representing 5% of peak electricity demand, and highlighted the SolarNova programme that has installed solar panels on about 1,000 HDB blocks with a goal to expand to 5,500 blocks and 100 government buildings.
The Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Scheme awards points to buildings for sustainable features like solar panels, with over 100 developments committed to adding about 20 MWp of solar capacity.
Private landed home owners can install solar panels and offset electricity bills by selling excess power back to the grid, with guidance provided by the Energy Market Authority and Singapore Power.
The government will continue to explore incentives, research and development, policy enhancements, and user engagement to further encourage solar energy adoption.

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9 Jan 2017

Impact of Low Water Levels at Johore River Dams on Singapore-Malaysia Water Agreement Obligations

Singapore’s 1962 Water Agreement with Johor is sacrosanct, granting PUB the right to abstract up to 250 million gallons per day from the Johor River, with Johor entitled to up to 5 million gallons of treated water in return.
The low water levels at Linggiu Reservoir, which has dropped to 27%, pose a risk to PUB’s ability to abstract its full entitlement and may affect Johor’s water treatment plants, with a potential reservoir failure in 2017 if dry conditions persist.
Singapore has been supplying Johor with treated water beyond its contractual entitlement, including during dry periods, as a goodwill gesture despite potential constraints on its own abstraction.
Both governments have acknowledged the issue and agreed to cooperate, with Malaysian officials committed to upholding Singapore’s rights and planning measures to enhance the Johor River’s yield to ensure reliable water supply.
Senior officials from both countries will discuss solutions, and agencies will work closely to sustain water supply amid the current challenges.

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9 Jan 2017

Measures to Reduce Food Waste

Melvin Yong asked the Ministry to outline plans, key causes, and targeted approaches to reduce food waste, highlighting 785.5 million kg generated in 2015.
The Minister responded that food waste has risen 50% over a decade, with households and commercial sources each contributing half, and emphasized a multi-pronged strategy: avoid excess, redistribute surplus, and segregate waste for recycling.
The Ministry collaborates with agencies and private partners on initiatives like the 3R Fund, onsite treatment systems at hawker centres and hotels, and district-level biogas production, alongside public education campaigns.

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9 Jan 2017

Parks and Trees (Amendment) Bill

The Parks and Trees (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend the Parks and Trees Act and make related changes to the National Parks Board Act.
The bill was presented by the Senior Minister of State for National Development, Mr Desmond Lee, and was read for the first time in Parliament.
The bill is scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting and will be printed for further consideration.

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10 Nov 2016

Decisions on Tree-cutting and Replanting Activities within Estates

NParks makes tree-cutting and replanting decisions based on tree health, public safety, development needs, and site conditions, with arborists assessing whether to save or transplant trees before removal.
Replanting choices consider factors like space constraints, landscaping schemes, and species suitability, including biodiversity, shade, privacy, and urban resilience, with resident feedback sought during estate upgrades or large projects.
When replacing trees, species selection may change due to resident feedback, maintainability, biodiversity needs, and urban stress factors, though formal consultation occurs mainly during landscaping rejuvenations.
HDB and NParks collaborate on tree management in estates, with Town Councils advised to consult HDB and NParks when addressing issues like tree roots damaging car parks in mature estates.

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9 Nov 2016

Charge on Plastic Bags at Supermarkets

The Ministry is considering a charge on plastic bags at supermarkets but notes that Singapore’s waste management system, which incinerates plastic bags safely, differs from many countries and that plastic bag use already serves a hygienic purpose for households.
While there is support for a plastic bag charge to curb excessive use, concerns include unintended consequences like substitution with paper bags, wastage of reusable bags, and the need for sufficient education and enforcement to complement the measure.
The Ministry is engaging stakeholders, reviewing survey data, and conducting a life-cycle assessment study to compare the environmental impact of different bags before deciding on potential policies, including the scope and manner of any charge.

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8 Nov 2016

Impact of Transboundary Haze Pollution Act on Air Quality

The Minister acknowledged that improved air quality in 2016 was largely due to wetter weather and Indonesian efforts, not solely the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, noting its enforcement is ongoing and long-term effectiveness is not yet clear.
He emphasized the need for sustained efforts, including stricter enforcement of the Act, adoption of sustainable practices by companies, consumer choices favoring certified palm oil, and regional cooperation via ASEAN frameworks.
The response highlighted the commercial drivers of haze, the environmental impact of peatland fires, and initiatives like the ASEAN Haze Monitoring System and the 2020 haze-free roadmap to hold polluters accountable.

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8 Nov 2016

Scaling Water Conservation Tax to Allow for Minimum Hygiene Standards

Leon Perera proposed that the Water Conservation Tax (WCT) be scaled so that no tax is applied to water consumption deemed necessary for minimum hygiene standards.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that the current tiered WCT and tariff system aims to discourage excessive water use, with tax applied from the first drop to reflect water's scarcity and cost.
The Ministry maintains that applying WCT on all consumption, including basic uses, reinforces the principle that water is precious and ensures pricing reflects its long-term marginal cost.
The government addresses affordability through cash grants via the Utilities-Save scheme for HDB households, supporting lower-income groups while promoting prudent water use.

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7 Nov 2016

Encouraging Residents and Volunteers to Help Curb High-rise Littering

Miss Cheryl Chan suggested allowing residents and volunteers to submit evidence of high-rise littering to enable immediate action by the NEA.
The Minister acknowledged the challenge of identifying offenders and outlined current efforts, including community outreach and surveillance cameras, which have led to over 2,800 enforcement actions since 2012.
The Ministry welcomed the suggestion and encourages the public, including patrols and volunteers, to provide information or video footage to assist NEA investigations.
Beyond enforcement, the Ministry emphasized community involvement and education, particularly through school programs, to inculcate cleanliness habits and prevent littering.
The government continues to collaborate with community partners to ensure effective enforcement and outreach in creating a clean and safe living environment.

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10 Oct 2016

Education on Wildlife Treatment for Residents of Nature-inspired Developments

Louis Ng asked if the Ministry will mandate education for residents in "nature-inspired" developments on proper wildlife response and why feeding wildlife should be avoided.
Lawrence Wong responded that agencies like NParks and AVA already run public awareness programs, distribute guidelines, and conduct outreach to discourage feeding and minimize human-wildlife conflict.
He noted that while most residents act responsibly, targeted enforcement like warnings is used for those who persist in feeding wildlife, and the government will continue engaging the community through education.

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10 Oct 2016

Solar Panels for HDB Flats under SolarNova Tender

Pritam Singh requested data on the number of HDB blocks selected for solar panels under each Town Council and those shortlisted for the 2016 SolarNova tender.
Lawrence Wong stated that around 6,000 HDB blocks islandwide are suitable, with progressive installation planned under SolarNova.
To date, about 1,800 blocks have been selected across all Town Councils, including Aljunied-Hougang, for installation or ongoing work.
For the 2016 tender, 600 blocks in Ang Mo Kio and Marsiling-Yew Tee Town Councils have been selected.
The selection is based on roof design, space availability, and solar irradiance potential.

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13 Sep 2016

Update on Delayed Construction of Singapore's First Co-digestion Plant at PUB's Ulu Pandan Water Reclamation Plant

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked for an update on the delayed co-digestion plant at Ulu Pandan, whether fraud was involved, and what assistance would be provided to affected SMEs.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli explained the project aims to test Anaergia Inc's technology under a co-funded scheme, faced delays due to the local representative's issues, but resumed after the parent company appointed another subsidiary, with completion expected by December 2016.
PUB paid the main contractor promptly but does not directly handle subcontractor payments; subcontractors facing non-payment from APL were advised to seek legal redress, with some having obtained court judgments, and fraud involvement is not commented on.

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13 Sep 2016

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Measures on China's Planned Floating Nuclear Power Plant in South China Sea

Mr. Low Thia Khiang questioned whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had assessed risks and planned mitigation measures for China's potential floating nuclear power plant in the South China Sea.
The Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, stated that the Ministry is unaware of any official Chinese government announcements about specific plans for such a deployment, citing only media reports.
He highlighted that China, as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency and a party to UNCLOS and other nuclear legal instruments, has obligations regarding nuclear safety and environmental protection in its activities.

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13 Sep 2016

Criteria Used in Determining Location, Nature and Length of MRT Noise Barriers

Leon Perera asked the Ministry for Transport about the criteria for determining MRT noise barrier location, nature, and length, and whether barriers could be extended to fully cover residential areas near tracks.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the Land Transport Authority prioritizes installing noise barriers along elevated MRT tracks where noise levels in adjacent residential developments exceed the NEA's recommended threshold of 67 decibels averaged over an hour.
The response did not directly address the second part of the question regarding extending barriers to fully cover residential areas, focusing instead on the existing noise threshold criterion.

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13 Sep 2016

Complaints of Foul Smell during Rubbish Collections

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about resident complaints on foul smells during rubbish chute collections, the resolution of such complaints, and plans to introduce the Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS) to Sembawang GRC.
Lawrence Wong stated that HDB has not received any such complaints over the past three years and that Town Councils manage rubbish chutes, regularly cleaning them and covering bins during transport to minimise odours.
HDB has implemented PWCS in selected new developments like Tampines North and Punggol, and will study its feasibility for other new estates.
For existing estates, PWCS is challenging and costly due to extensive excavation work, and HDB will assess the Yuhua test-bed results before deciding on broader rollout.

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13 Sep 2016

Provision of Recycling Bins in Schools to Educate Students on Environmental Responsibility

Miss Cheng Li Hui proposed installing separate recycling bins for paper, plastics, glass, and metals in school common areas and canteens to foster environmental responsibility among students.
The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources highlighted its existing Schools Recycling Corner Programme since 2002, which uses co-mingled recycling bins in schools to make recycling easier and cost-effective, with all primary, secondary schools, and junior colleges implementing recycling programmes since 2009.
Additional initiatives like educational kits, Youth for the Environment Day, and awards such as the 3R Awards and President’s Award for the Environment support environmental education, alongside visits to recycling facilities and landfills to enhance student awareness.
The Ministry indicated ongoing reviews of its efforts and encouraged stakeholder partnerships to continue promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) among youths.

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