Environment & climate — Topics

28 Jan 2016

National Environment Agency (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources presented the National Environment Agency (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill to amend certain statutes related to or administered by the Agency.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting.
The debate focuses on updating legal frameworks to support the National Environment Agency's functions and operations.
The amendments are intended to streamline administrative processes and enhance regulatory effectiveness.
The bill was formally introduced and will be printed for legislative consideration.

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28 Jan 2016

Steps Taken to Prosecute Errant Companies that Caused Haze

The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act provides the legal basis to investigate and prosecute any entity, whether local or foreign, that causes or contributes to haze pollution in Singapore, defined as when the 24-hour PSI is at 101 or higher for a continuous 24-hour period.
During the 2015 haze, the National Environment Agency issued Preventive Measures Notices to six companies, requiring them to take specific actions to extinguish or prevent fires and submit action plans.
The agency also served a notice to Asia Pulp & Paper Co Ltd in Singapore to provide information on its subsidiaries and suppliers in Indonesia, and has received and is reviewing the submitted information.
Two companies have responded to the notices, while the other four have not, and the agency is corresponding with the responding companies and seeking assistance from Indonesian authorities to verify information.
Investigations are ongoing, and no further details can be disclosed at this time.

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27 Jan 2016

Use of Portable Airconditioners and Air Purifiers in School Classrooms when PSI > 100

Christopher de Souza asked if the Ministry of Education would use portable air conditioners and air purifiers in classrooms when the PSI exceeds 100.
Ng Chee Meng announced that the Ministry will deploy about 25,000 air purifiers to all primary and secondary schools, MOE Kindergartens, and special education schools by July 2016.
The decision follows a haze management review, considers the prolonged 2015 haze season, and was made in consultation with the NEA and MOH.

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15 Jan 2016

Prime Minister's Office (National Climate Change Secretariat)

Singapore faces climate risks as a low-lying city state and aims to reduce emissions while sustaining economic growth, having committed to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 16% below business-as-usual by 2020 and further to 36% emissions intensity reduction by 2030.
The government will enhance energy efficiency across industries, buildings, transport, and households through policies, incentives, and regulations like the Energy Conservation Act and Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme, while scaling up solar energy deployment.
Stakeholder engagement is planned to gather feedback on new measures, and investment in research and technology will focus on clean energy, emissions reduction, and climate resilience to support high-value jobs and sustainable development.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources

The Minister outlined Singapore’s long-term vision to build on its clean, green legacy through the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2015, focusing on a liveable home, sustainable city, and active community.
Plans include tightening air and industrial emissions, improving food hygiene and disease control, and leveraging technology for waste management while promoting the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) to achieve a Zero Waste Nation.
The government will strengthen community involvement through programmes like Bright Spots, enhance hawker centres as social spaces, expand the ABC Waters Programme, and collaborate with industries to tackle transboundary haze and climate change.
Singapore will commit to international climate agreements by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and adopting greener practices across government, industry, and individual levels.
The government will invest in resilient infrastructure and review plans like the Water Master Plan to safeguard against climate change impacts and ensure sustainable resource management for future generations.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of National Development

The Ministry will continue to prioritize inclusive homeownership, with schemes to help first-timer families, second-time buyers, singles, seniors, and vulnerable groups like divorcees and low-income households.
Efforts will focus on nurturing cohesive communities through shared spaces, inter-generational bonding facilities, and revitalized heartland shops to foster a vibrant "Kampong Spirit."
Singapore's sustainability goals include expanding green spaces, promoting energy-efficient buildings, increasing local food production, and developing walkable, cycling-friendly towns to enhance livability.

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17 Aug 2015

Measures to Minimise Traffic Noise Level along Central Expressway Facing Residential Homes

Ang Hin Kee asked about additional measures beyond tree planting and porous road mixtures to reduce noise from expressway expansion and traffic near residential areas like Seletar and Sunrise estates.
The Land Transport Authority is trialling road noise barriers at four high-traffic locations to assess their effectiveness, visual impact, and installation challenges.
Following the trials, LTA will consider the feasibility of installing noise barriers at other locations, including near the Central Expressway.

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17 Aug 2015

Water and Electricity Charges

Seah Kian Peng asked about the history, principles, and cost basis of water and electricity pricing, including the last price change, governing rules, price recovery, and long-term marginal cost.
Vivian Balakrishnan explained that water prices are pegged to the Long Run Marginal Cost of desalinated and NEWater, reflecting scarcity, and have remained unchanged since 2000 due to technological improvements.
He noted that energy prices affect future water costs, but currently, there is no need for a tariff adjustment despite rising labor and equipment expenses.

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17 Aug 2015

Maintaining Singapore Botanic Gardens' UNESCO Status

The Minister affirmed the government’s full commitment to protect the Singapore Botanic Gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, outlining measures such as height controls in the surrounding area, careful site planning to manage visitor distribution, and increased inspection frequency for heritage buildings.
A World Heritage Site Management Committee involving residents, experts, and volunteers has been established to oversee developments, and the public is encouraged to participate through volunteer schemes and by visiting and keeping the Gardens clean.
The National Parks Board has stepped up public education and outreach, including heritage tours, to highlight the Gardens’ historical and cultural significance following the increase in visitorship after its UNESCO inscription.

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14 Jul 2015

Rise in Singapore's Mean Daily Temperature

Christopher de Souza asked about Singapore's potential temperature rise and the country's efforts to achieve international consensus on reducing global warming.
Vivian Balakrishnan cited a study projecting a temperature increase of 1.4°C to 4.6°C by 2100, depending on future emissions, and highlighted Singapore's active role in multilateral climate negotiations, including the Paris COP-21.
Singapore submitted its mitigation pledge ahead of the Paris Conference to encourage global participation and emphasized that climate change requires collective action from all countries.

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13 Jul 2015

Measures to Conserve Environment

The government is implementing the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2015 to promote a car-lite society and a zero waste nation, enhancing public transport and cycling infrastructure.
Measures to make vehicles greener include higher emission standards from 2017, the Early Turnover Scheme, and a trial electric vehicle car-sharing programme.
Initiatives to reduce waste include food waste recycling pilots and centralized recycling chutes in new flats to encourage the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
The government supports retailers and supermarkets in reducing plastic bag use through incentives like rebates and charges, while encouraging households to reuse plastic bags for waste disposal.
Public, private, and people sectors are collaborating to foster sustainable development and environmental stewardship among all Singaporeans.

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13 Jul 2015

Singapore's Preparedness for Return of El Nino Weather Conditions

Singapore has invested in weather-resilient water sources like NEWater and desalination, which now supply 55% of water demand, and will build a third desalination plant and possibly more to ensure supply during dry spells.
Authorities are studying legislative amendments to impose water restrictions on non-essential activities during severe droughts, and encourage public conservation to maintain water resilience.
A Wildfire Task Force coordinates government-wide efforts to manage vegetation fire risks through trimming, buffers, patrols, and restrictions on pyrotechnics, with additional measures during dry spells.
Agencies conduct regular joint wildfire simulations and aerial surveillance to strengthen emergency response and protect green areas from fires.

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13 Jul 2015

Provision of Common Public Waste Collection Points in Future Urban Planning

Zainal Sapari asked whether the Ministry for National Development could consider providing common public waste collection points in future urban planning instead of individual waste bins at landed properties.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the current system of individual bins is practical, convenient for residents, and does not require setting aside land for centralized points.
He noted that the National Environment Agency's regulations help minimize disruptions from waste collection, such as controlling collection timings.
However, he acknowledged that some precincts may benefit from centralized collection and said the Ministry would consider the proposal if there is strong local resident interest.

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13 Jul 2015

Balancing Needs of Conservationists and Recreational Visitors at Nature Reserves

NParks allows recreational activities in nature reserves provided they do not cause serious environmental damage, having developed trails, boardwalks, and amenities that attract about 1.2 million visitors annually.
Higher-impact activities like mountain biking are directed to nature parks, which act as buffers for the reserves, exemplified by the Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail minimizing impact on the adjacent reserve.
The Butterfly Trail is closed during nearby park construction, but new biking trails at Chestnut Nature Park will bring the total to 30 kilometers, supporting both conservation and public enjoyment.
NParks emphasizes sustainable management of the reserves, which host fragile ecosystems with over 1,000 plant and 500 animal species, many endangered and unique to Singapore.
The overall approach aims to balance conservation needs with recreational access so Singaporeans can enjoy natural heritage now and in the future.

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13 Jul 2015

Rebates on Service and Conservancy Charges for Yuhua Residents Involved in Green and Energy-saving Initiatives

Mrs Lina Chiam asked the Ministry for National Development when it would consider reducing service and conservancy charges for Yuhua residents who participated in HDB’s Greenprint energy-saving initiatives since 2012.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan replied that the decision rests with the local Town Council, which must weigh net savings from Greenprint against rising operational costs.
He noted that while Greenprint generates some savings, it represents only a small portion of the Town Council’s total annual expenditure.

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13 Jul 2015

Pruning Guidelines for Trees in Public Spaces

NParks determines pruning needs based on tree health, public safety, and vehicular clearance, with officers assessing requests and avoiding excessive pruning to maintain tree stability.
Landscape contractors must follow NParks guidelines, with workers trained under the WSQ System for Landscape and key supervisors certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.
The public can submit requests for tree pruning, which NParks evaluates, and guidelines are communicated through these interactions, though formal public awareness measures are not detailed.

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13 Jul 2015

Pigeon Problem in Sembawang Drive

Dr Lim Wee Kiak raised questions to the Minister for National Development about actions to solve the pigeon problem in Sembawang Drive, including complaints received, studies on bird habits, and collaboration with NGOs.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that AVA received 6,694 bird nuisance complaints in the past year and emphasized the need for cooperation among the public, Town Councils, and agencies to manage the issue.
AVA is addressing the Sembawang Drive pigeon problem by focusing on stopping pigeon feeding through public education and enforcement, while Town Councils manage population control and NEA handles food waste and littering.
A 2012 study on bird ecology was completed, and trials like using bird deterrent gel in Choa Chu Kang are ongoing, with plans to extend effective solutions to other areas if proven successful.

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13 Jul 2015

Considerations when Installing CCTV to Deter High-rise Littering

Ms Lee Li Lian asked the Minister for Environment and Water Resources about the considerations for installing CCTV to identify high-rise litterers.
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that high-rise littering is a serious offence causing hygiene and safety issues, with 2,500 feedback cases in 2014.
He noted that outreach and education often improve situations, but CCTV will be deployed in persistent cases to catch offenders.
In 2014, over 800 enforcement actions were taken against high-rise littering offenders.
The Ministry, Town Councils, and grassroots organisations collaborate on these efforts to deter littering.

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13 Jul 2015

Noise Generated by Low-flying Commercial and Military Aircraft near Seletar Airport

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked about measures to mitigate excessive noise from low-flying aircraft near Seletar Airport and a new noise impact study.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that flight paths are designed to minimise noise over residential areas, with aircraft flying at least 1,500 feet over homes and restrictions on night flights.
The 2014 noise study found that current and future noise levels are within planning guidelines, and CAAS regularly reviews and implements noise abatement measures.

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13 Jul 2015

Environmental Surveillance and Air Quality Readings at Industrial Estates near Residential Areas

Air quality near industrial estates like Sungei Kadut is monitored continuously by NEA through four dedicated stations, with factories required to comply with emissions standards and submit annual test reports.
Over the past five years, seven factories in Sungei Kadut were fined for breaching emissions standards or failing to maintain pollution control equipment.
The Ministry has tightened industrial emissions standards effective from July 2015, with new plants required to comply immediately and existing plants given three to eight years to meet the new requirements.

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