Environment & climate

• Shawn Loh proposed setting vehicle noise thresholds at residential facades near expressways and installing noise-reducing vegetation or panels if breached. Grace Fu Hai Yien noted NEA requires noise assessments for new developments near hotspots, and LTA implements mitigation like low-noise pavement and barriers for existing areas. (49 words)

• Cai Yinzhou inquired about the scale of human-otter conflicts, criteria for population control, supporting studies, and ecosystem safeguards. Chee Hong Tat responded that about half of annual feedback cases involved conflicts, with sterilisation and education as measures, and ongoing monitoring of ecological impacts.

• Elysa Chen urged expanding community interventions and alternative penalties for seniors involved in illegal bird-feeding, citing their high case numbers.
• Chee Hong Tat confirmed NParks’ multi-pronged approach, partnering agencies to address motivations and planning to broaden sentencing options to include community-based orders.

• The Minister stated that Singapore enforces CITES rules via inter-agency collaboration, market surveillance, and industry engagement at borders and wholesale markets to prevent illegal marine species trade.
• Offenders face prosecution under the Endangered Species Act with severe penalties, including fines up to $1 million or imprisonment.

• Ministers addressed strategic energy stockpiles, sector impacts, and supply diversification amid Middle East tensions, including Singapore-Australia LNG commitments.
• They discussed targeted household assistance, conservation measures for low-income families, and potential mandatory energy-saving initiatives.
• Responses covered monitoring profiteering risks, price triggers for support, and ensuring affordability during global volatility.

• Edward Chia asked how rising energy costs affect water production, especially desalination and NEWater, and how water prices will stay affordable.
• Grace Fu explained that fixed-rate contracts moderate near-term costs; the government reviews prices, seeks energy-saving tech, and offers U-Save rebates to support households.

• Parliament supports the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill to close regulatory gaps, requiring imported equipment to meet efficiency standards for national resilience.
• Members seek clarification on SME support, cost impacts, and enforcement practicality, especially for online imports and compliance burden.
• The Bill aims to ensure fair competition, drive energy savings, and enhance Singapore’s sustainability and energy security.

The Bill extends Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Mandatory Energy Labelling to regulated goods imported for personal use, closing a regulatory gap. It also empowers removal of non-compliant online listings. Members support the intent but raised concerns on SME compliance costs, enforcement practicality, and clarity for consumers.

The Ministry reported no significant rise in haze-related medical consultations. Seniors are vulnerable, and Community Health Posts offer proactive support including monitoring and telehealth.

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms. Grace Fu Hai Yien, described "Transiently Floodable Areas (Coastal)" during the Second Reading of the Coastal Protection and Other Amendments Bill, which are defined by an Absolute Protection Boundary landward and a Protection Boundary seaward. A correction was issued indicating that these areas need protection against permanent flooding but not against transient coastal flooding.

Gerald Giam Yean Song raised questions regarding the solar reflectance standards for cool coatings under the Green Towns Programme, specifically about the limitations on using darker colors like red brick. Chee Hong Tat responded that the HDB is expanding the cool coatings initiative across all HDB towns, with the paint required to comply with the Singapore Standard Specification for solar reflective coatings. There are currently over 60 colors that meet these standards, and suppliers may offer more options if there is demand. HDB will provide guidance to Town Councils on best practices for implementing cool coatings.

The Coastal Protection Bill was introduced to establish a framework for safeguarding Singapore against rising sea levels, projected to rise by up to 1.15 meters by 2100. The Bill designates the Public Utilities Board (PUB) as the primary agency responsible for coastal protection efforts, including defining boundaries for areas requiring protection. The responsibility for implementing coastal protection measures largely falls on landowners, who must ensure their measures are effective and connected to adjacent properties to create a continuous line of defence. The government will provide grants and technical assistance to support landowners in fulfilling these obligations, particularly as they navigate the financial burdens associated with construction and maintenance. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders, as well as environmental considerations, will play a critical role in shaping effective coastal management strategies.

A proposal was introduced to amend the Energy Conservation Act 2012 by the Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr. Janil Puthucheary. The amendment will be read a second time during the next available Sitting of Parliament. The proposal is set to be printed for further discussion.

Valerie Lee asked the Government about measures to promote AI adoption in the energy generation sector and support for businesses and households in energy conservation. The Minister of State for Trade and Industry highlighted the launch of a regulatory sandbox for Virtual Power Plants and the use of AI for optimizing energy management and forecasting. The Government is also focusing on developing specialized skills in AI for the energy workforce and is collaborating with industry and educational institutions to meet sector demands. Additionally, the Government is studying international use cases of AI in power generation and efficiency to learn from other countries' advancements.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the government’s assessment of Singapore's export potential in water recycling and management, and whether there are plans to enhance support for local water technology firms to compete internationally. The Minister of State for Trade and Industry emphasized Singapore's global recognition in integrated water management and ongoing government initiatives to support water tech companies, such as funding and international missions. Tan proposed several supplementary questions regarding the establishment of a circular economy export office, marketing integrated solutions to regional hubs, and the use of government platforms to support Singaporean water technologies in emerging markets. The Minister acknowledged these suggestions but noted there are no immediate plans for the export office, while reiterating the government’s commitment to enhance platforms for testing and validating water technologies.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about littering enforcement in public parks, specifically regarding the number of individuals caught littering and the identification of recalcitrant litterbugs. Grace Fu Hai Yien reported that in 2025, 48 offenders were caught for littering in public parks, with two classified as repeat offenders. Surveillance cameras may be used to monitor cleanliness hotspots, and NEA can publicly display footage of offenders to seek community support, although they have not done so yet.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about measures to monitor littering in public parks and whether enforcement patrols will be increased. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency and National Parks Board use ground surveillance and public feedback to monitor cleanliness. They focus on littering hotspots by increasing enforcement patrols, deploying additional surveillance cameras, and using educational banners to promote social responsibility among park users.

Charlene Chen asked about the timeline, operational constraints, and interim management for resuming crow shooting operations to address crow-related issues. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that NParks will begin these operations progressively from March 2026, with established safety protocols to minimize risks to the public. The shooting will be conducted by licensed contractors under strict oversight, with priority given to locations based on public feedback and safety feasibility. This initiative is part of a broader pest bird management strategy that includes trapping and nest removal, emphasizing community responsibility in managing the crow population.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong requested an update on the Heavy Vehicle Zero Emissions Scheme, focusing on public trials for hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles and necessary refueling infrastructure. As of February 2026, 119 electric heavy vehicles have been registered under the scheme since its launch. The Acting Minister noted that electrification is currently the most viable decarbonization option for the land transport sector and emphasized ongoing monitoring of hydrogen and other cleaner energy technologies.

Jackson Lam questioned the Minister for National Development about the number of crow-related complaints received over the past two years, the effectiveness of bird effigies in reducing crow congregation, and plans to expand their use. Chee Hong Tat reported approximately 10,500 complaints about crows in 2024 and about 15,000 in 2025. NParks found bird effigies to be temporarily effective in dispersing crows and has incorporated them into a comprehensive crow management strategy alongside other measures like trapping and removal.