Environment & climate — Topics

19 Jan 2015

Preservation of Green Corridor in Bukit Timah and Green Belt along Old Holland Road

Christopher de Souza requested the preservation of a green corridor linking Bukit Timah Railway Station to the foothills and a green belt along Old Holland Road where a canal is being deepened.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed the Bukit Timah stretch is part of the Rail Corridor, which is being developed as a public space while maintaining a continuous green corridor across Singapore.
The Old Holland Road area is not part of the Rail Corridor; plans include replanting trees and exploring a park connector after canal widening.
Agencies will collaborate to integrate future developments with green spaces in both areas, though detailed planning is ongoing.
The government aims to balance preservation with community use for nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts across these green spaces.

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19 Jan 2015

Coordinated National Plan to Preserve Green Spaces in Singapore

Christopher de Souza inquired about a coordinated national plan to preserve open green spaces, green belts, and the rustic feel of smaller islands like Pulau Ubin.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that Singapore has a whole-of-Government approach, with nearly a tenth of land set aside for nature reserves and parks, integrated through the Parks and Waterbodies Plan in URA’s Master Plan.
By 2030, Singapore aims for 90% of residents to live within 400 meters of a park, develop 180 km of Nature Ways and 400 km of Park Connectors, and retain the Rail Corridor as a green corridor.
New nature parks like Chestnut, Windsor, and Thomson Nature Park are being added, alongside coastal and marine conservation such as Sisters’ Islands Marine Park and Coney Island as a rustic regional park.
Under The Ubin Project, agencies are working to enhance Pulau Ubin’s natural charm through shoreline restoration, habitat enhancement, species recovery, and a new education and research center.

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19 Jan 2015

Noise Pollution Faced by Housing Units and Schools Built next to Major Expressways

Liang Eng Hwa questioned whether planning agencies consider the impact of traffic noise on residents and students when building housing and schools near expressways and if noise-mitigating designs are used.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that agencies are mindful of noise impacts, with planning requirements ensuring sufficient setback distances and design measures like orienting buildings away from expressways and using trees as noise buffers.
He added that approval from relevant agencies is required before development, and HDB will continue exploring practical measures to protect resident and student well-being.

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19 Jan 2015

Results of Survey for Land Reclamation Project in Straits of Johor

Singapore remains committed to working with Malaysia to address concerns over reclamation projects in the Straits of Johor, having conveyed requests for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports and held consultations, but Malaysia's internal EIA processes are not yet completed and reclamation works have been suspended pending finalization.
Singapore has reiterated that under international law, particularly UNCLOS, both countries are obliged to share EIA reports for projects with transboundary impact before commencement, and is seeking clarification and the finalised EIA reports from Malaysia expeditiously.
Singapore plans to conduct its own independent assessment of the project's environmental impact once sufficient information is obtained from Malaysia, and prefers to work within the international legal framework rather than unilaterally stopping the project.

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3 Nov 2014

Air-conditioning B2 and C Class Hospital Wards to Keep Out Haze, Dust and Noise

K Karthikeyan asked the Minister for Health about considering air-conditioning for B2 and C class hospital wards to protect against haze, dust, and noise, noting that other areas like waiting and triage rooms are already air-conditioned.
Gan Kim Yong explained that B2 and C class wards are designed for natural ventilation due to affordability and infection control, with some patients preferring non-air-conditioned environments similar to their homes.
The Ministry of Health takes additional measures during severe environmental conditions, such as providing funding for air purifiers and portable air coolers during last year’s haze and planning to add filter systems in new healthcare facilities.

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3 Nov 2014

Access to Fishing along Waterways

Seah Kian Peng asked about the percentage of waterways set aside for fishing, future plans to expand access, issues with irresponsible anglers and regulations, and how Singapore compares globally, citing safety, water quality, and multiple recreational uses.
Vivian Balakrishnan responded that fishing is allowed at designated sites like Pang Sua Canal and 10 reservoirs, with safety and water quality as key concerns, and noted that global comparisons are less meaningful due to Singapore's unique urban conditions.
PUB conducts daily surveillance, issues fines for illegal fishing, and encourages the public to report violations via a hotline while promoting responsible practices.
The Ministry will continue reviewing sites to open for public fishing while balancing safety and multiple uses of water bodies.

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3 Nov 2014

Incidence of High-rise Littering

From September 2013 to September 2014, the National Environment Agency received feedback on 2,200 high-rise littering cases, with most resolved through outreach and education.
During the same period, 169 litterbugs were identified through surveillance cameras, and since 2012, over 1,500 cameras have been deployed in HDB estates, leading to the apprehension of 273 litterbugs.
The Minister emphasized that high-rise littering is a safety hazard and each case will be rigorously investigated to apprehend culprits.

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7 Oct 2014

Findings of Greenprint pilot programme in Jurong East

The HDB Greenprint pilot in Jurong East is testing sustainable initiatives like rainwater harvesting and solar panels, with completion expected by end of next year and potential extension to another pilot town for further feedback.
The rainwater harvesting system is primarily for non-potable uses like washing and irrigation, and while not viable as a standalone flood mitigation measure due to space and construction constraints, HDB is exploring integration with detention tanks in new estates.
The $1 million Greenprint Fund has awarded $350,000 to five innovative proposals, including community farming and solar-powered lighting, with projects now in various stages of construction and installation.

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5 Aug 2014

Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement's Impact on Singapore's Environmental Laws and Green Spaces

Ms Faizah Jamal questioned if the TPP would allow corporations to challenge environmental laws and court decisions, and if so, what safeguards would protect Singapore’s environment and natural spaces.
Minister Lim Hng Kiang stated that TPP negotiations are ongoing but noted one objective is to ensure environmental protection is not compromised while pursuing trade interests.
He argued that the TPP would complement rather than harm Singapore’s environmental efforts and natural space protections.
No specific details on provisions or safeguards were provided, as the negotiations were not yet concluded.

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5 Aug 2014

Preparations for Singapore to Respond to Provisions in Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Related to Public Health and Environment

Gerald Giam questioned how Singapore can legislate on public health and environment under the TPP's Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions, and asked about past ISDS cases against Singapore.
Lim Hng Kiang explained that the TPP ensures a stable investment regime for both foreign and Singaporean investors, with safeguards against frivolous ISDS suits.
He stated that the TPP does not restrict Singapore from adopting measures for legitimate public policy reasons, including protecting public health and the environment.
He confirmed that no multinational company has challenged or threatened to challenge Singapore through ISDS to date.
The response emphasized that Singapore can implement public interest legislation while maintaining commitments under the TPP.

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5 Aug 2014

Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill

The Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill aims to hold companies accountable for transboundary haze pollution in Singapore by imposing fines up to $2 million for industrial-scale land-clearing fires, with extra-territorial application to target entities with a Singapore presence.
Debaters expressed concerns about implementation challenges, such as collecting evidence from abroad, potential legal overreach, the complexity of land ownership in Indonesia, and ensuring that penalties sufficiently deter large agribusinesses.
The bill is seen as a step toward stricter regional enforcement, but it is not a standalone solution; effective action requires continued diplomatic cooperation with Indonesia and ASEAN, alongside efforts to improve transparency, monitoring, and sustainable practices.

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5 Aug 2014

Government Audit of Waste Disposal by Offshore Fish Farms

Ms Faizah Jamal queried whether the Ministry has an environment audit process for offshore fish farms' waste disposal and requested its implementation if absent.
The Minister of State responded that AVA enforces waste disposal through licensing conditions, quarterly inspections, ad hoc raids, and collaboration with the Police Coast Guard, instead of formal audits.
Following a query about a recent fish death incident at Sungei Buloh, the Minister confirmed AVA's investigation found no abnormal farm mortalities and that wild fish were affected, with further probes ongoing.
The Minister also committed to studying a US algae bloom case for precautionary measures in Singapore's context, given weather variations and potential risks.

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4 Aug 2014

Ascertaining Mosquito-breeding Sites in Covered Drains

Sylvia Lim queried how agencies detect mosquito-breeding sites in covered drains.
Covered drains have access points for weekly cleaning by PUB, with twice-weekly cleaning in dengue cluster areas.
Town Councils must maintain similar inspection and cleaning regimes for drains under their responsibility.

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4 Aug 2014

Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill

The Minister introduced the Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill to hold companies accountable for haze pollution in Singapore, imposing criminal penalties and civil liability for entities causing or contributing to haze, even if they operate overseas.
The Bill includes features such as extraterritorial reach, daily fines up to a cap of $2 million, and civil claims for affected individuals, with legal presumptions to aid enforcement and investigations.
Supportive speakers emphasized the need for stronger penalties, whistleblower protections, and consumer awareness to pressure companies, while also highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, especially with Indonesia, to address the root causes of haze pollution.

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9 Jul 2014

Contingency Plans to Minimise Impact of Transboundary Haze on SEA Games 2015

The Minister for Culture, Community and Youth outlined contingency plans to address transboundary haze during the 2015 SEA Games, including engaging regional partners, scheduling buffers for postponements, and developing a framework to decide on moving events indoors or cancelling them based on air quality.
Nicholas Fang asked for clarifications on potential overseas training for athletes, specific air quality thresholds for triggering event changes, and the possible extra costs incurred by SINGSOC due to haze-related adjustments.
The Minister responded that overseas training is already part of some plans and could be expanded if needed, that a solid framework for air quality decisions is being developed, and that costs are manageable through existing contract provisions and scheduling buffers.

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9 Jul 2014

Singapore's Response to Land Reclamation Works in Johor Straits

Singapore expressed serious concerns over Malaysia's land reclamation projects in the Johor Straits, citing potential transboundary environmental impacts such as changes in water flow, erosion, and damage to marine ecosystems, and has formally requested Malaysia to share all relevant information including Environmental Impact Assessment reports.
Singapore has engaged Malaysia through multiple diplomatic channels, including letters, notes, and ministerial discussions, to address these concerns and has proposed consultations to exchange information, while Malaysia has committed to fulfilling its obligations under international law and avoiding adverse transboundary effects.
Both countries are bound by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, general international law, and the 2005 Reclamation Case Settlement Agreement, which require prior environmental assessments, consultation, and information sharing for reclamation projects near international boundaries.

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7 Jul 2014

Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill

The Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill aims to address conduct that causes or contributes to haze pollution in Singapore, with related provisions for enforcement and accountability.
The bill was presented by Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, and received its First Reading in Parliament, with the Second Reading scheduled for the next sitting.
The debate emphasizes Singapore's commitment to tackling transboundary haze issues through legislative measures, focusing on holding entities accountable for activities leading to haze pollution.

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7 Jul 2014

Impact of Weather Patterns on Return of Transboundary Haze

Nicholas Fang asked whether recent weather patterns have changed the Ministry's assessment of the potential return of transboundary haze, noting the unpredictability of the situation and whether Singaporeans need to adjust their preparedness.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan explained that the Southwest Monsoon season brings drier conditions, with a 60–80% likelihood of El Niño increasing haze risks from uncontrolled burning in Indonesia, and highlighted recent hotspot escalations and regional cooperation efforts.
The Minister assured that Singapore is better prepared after last year's experience, with masks distributed, the Haze Task Force activated, and plans in place for rapid response to haze events.

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26 May 2014

Radiation Protection (Amendment) Bill

The Radiation Protection (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend the Radiation Protection Act, presented by the Minister for Transport on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources.
The bill received its First Reading and was scheduled for a Second Reading at the next available sitting of Parliament.
The debate focused on legislative updates to enhance radiation protection measures in Singapore.
The amendment aims to align the Act with current international standards and address emerging risks in radiation use.
Concerns were raised about the practical implementation and enforcement of the updated regulations.

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16 May 2014

Prime Minister's Office (National Climate Change Secretariat)

Singapore, a low-lying island state, is particularly vulnerable to climate change and will lead in environmentally responsible urban living and economic development despite constraints on alternative energy sources.
Singapore supports global climate efforts through the UNFCCC, has pledged to reduce emissions by 7–11% below business-as-usual by 2020, and aims for a 16% reduction if a global agreement is reached, while facilitating a post-2020 agreement.
The country is developing long-term measures, including technology roadmaps for low-carbon technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and deploying renewable energy like solar as it becomes cost-effective.
Singapore is creating climate resilience plans for coastal protection, biodiversity, public health, and infrastructure, with studies to guide adaptation to rising sea levels and long-term climate projections.
The government will collaborate with industry and academia to grow green industries, create jobs, invest in R&D for clean energy and technology, and engage the public to promote climate-friendly actions across all sectors.

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