Environment & climate — Topics

16 May 2014

Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources

The Minister outlined a vision for a cleaner, greener Singapore, emphasizing the need to build on the legacy of the Pioneer Generation through improved recycling infrastructure, enhanced public cleanliness, and stricter vehicle emission standards.
The government will invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System and expanded drainage, while integrating climate risk assessments across agencies to better manage unpredictable weather and urban challenges.
A key focus is promoting a greener economy by working with industries to improve resource efficiency, extending energy and water management requirements, and fostering innovation through research, test-beds, and green job creation.
The approach relies on collective responsibility, with plans to empower community initiatives, support volunteers, and engage the public and private sectors through the updated Sustainable Singapore Blueprint to achieve a sustainable and liveable city.

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16 May 2014

Ministry of National Development

The Ministry commits to housing all Singaporeans in affordable, quality homes, supporting family structures, uplifting low-income and vulnerable groups, and helping the elderly age in place through enhanced housing options and estate upgrades.
It aims to build cohesive and vibrant communities by creating well-designed public spaces, promoting harmonious HDB living, conserving heritage sites, and engaging residents in community bonding initiatives.
The Ministry will pursue a green and sustainable Singapore by expanding parks and park connectors, integrating greenery into housing estates, and developing SMART towns and technologies for energy, water, and waste management.
It seeks to enhance liveability through improved public transport, cycling and walking paths, and bringing jobs closer to residential areas, while supporting R&D for sustainable development and food security.

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14 Apr 2014

Organising Singapore Day

Ms Faizah Jamal queried the cost, attendee numbers, and eco-friendly measures for Singapore Day 2014 in London, referencing the PSTLES initiative.
Teo Chee Hean responded that the event had a $4.4 million budget, over 9,000 attendees, and 182 personnel from Singapore were involved, with costs close to budgeted amounts.
He noted that Singapore Day follows strict park environmental regulations, recycles portable items, and that future events will continue addressing sustainability in line with green procurement efforts.

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14 Apr 2014

Enhancing Commitment to Climate Change

Ms Faizah Jamal called for a comprehensive "whole-of-Government" review of development plans and past strategies to align Singapore's climate commitments with the UN IPCC's recommendations.
Teo Chee Hean, for the Prime Minister, outlined Singapore's multi-pronged approach, including the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change, the Centre for Climate Research Singapore, and specific measures like raising coastal land reclamation levels and diversifying food and water sources.
The government highlighted Singapore's international climate commitments, including a 7–11% emissions reduction by 2020 and a deeper 16% cut if a global agreement is reached, with energy efficiency as a key domestic strategy due to limited renewable energy options.

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14 Apr 2014

Personal Responsibility for Climate Change Issues

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene queried the Prime Minister on the reasons for declining public concern and personal responsibility on climate change, as well as strategies to enhance outreach to Singaporeans.
Teo Chee Hean, representing the Prime Minister, cited a survey showing a slight dip in public concern and a significant drop in respondents believing individuals should take primary action on climate change, potentially influenced by the 2013 transboundary haze.
The survey also noted that over 80% of respondents adopted climate-friendly behaviors, an improvement from 2011, indicating ongoing public engagement in sustainable practices.
The National Climate Change Secretariat employs a whole-of-nation approach through community events, schools, and social media, including annual student competitions and a new exhibition at the Science Centre to promote climate awareness and personal responsibility.

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14 Apr 2014

Reinforcing Public Sector's Commitment to Environmental Sustainability Initiative

Faizah Jamal queried the government on measures to educate procurement officers, track agency compliance with PSTLES, and whether a compulsory green procurement policy could be implemented.
Mrs Josephine Teo outlined existing sustainability measures such as requiring ENERGY STAR for ICT equipment, Green Mark standards for buildings, and regular reviews to improve energy efficiency.
She noted that agencies track PSTLES progress and provide assistance, with 52 public sector buildings achieving top Green Mark ratings.
Jamal raised a concern about paper procured from unsustainable palm oil sources and called for greater vigilance in green procurement.
Teo responded that the government would investigate specific suppliers if their sourcing details were provided.

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11 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head L (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources)

The Minister outlined Singapore's responses to multiple environmental crises, including the worst haze and dengue outbreaks, while emphasizing long-term planning for water security, resource efficiency, and climate resilience.
Key measures were discussed for managing transboundary haze, such as enacting a new law to hold polluting companies accountable and appointing an international panel to advise on legal options, alongside efforts to improve air quality reporting and vehicle emission standards.
The Second Minister detailed initiatives to enhance public cleanliness, hawker centre management, and the Progressive Wage Model for cleaners, while promoting community responsibility and technological solutions like surveillance cameras to deter littering.

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10 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head L (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources)

Members called for stronger measures against transboundary haze, including implementing the ASEAN haze monitoring system and passing legislation to hold companies accountable for haze pollution caused overseas, with some urging that products from irresponsible companies be boycotted.
Several speakers raised concerns about public health issues, particularly the severe dengue outbreak and the need for more effective mosquito control, better coordination between agencies, and increased research funding for dengue vaccines.
Debates on environmental sustainability included proposals for more smoke-free zones and better enforcement of smoking laws, as well as enhancing the energy efficiency of public buildings and promoting water conservation amid the prolonged dry spell.
Issues with public cleanliness were highlighted, with calls for more diligent cleaning in private estates, better management of hawker centres including affordable rentals and hygiene standards, and stronger public education and enforcement against littering.
The government was urged to review the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint and enhance community engagement to foster a greener lifestyle, including better recycling efforts and promoting sustainable practices in businesses and daily life.

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7 Mar 2014

Singapore's Water Sufficiency during Dry Spell

Singapore has maintained healthy water reserves during the dry spell by increasing desalination and NEWater production, with recent infrastructure investments such as the desalination plant adding significant capacity and the Linggiu Dam ensuring stable supply from Johor.
The government emphasized the importance of water conservation and urged both households and non-household users to reduce consumption, with measures like reducing water features and optimizing washing practices to manage demand.
There is no immediate operational need for water rationing, but public education on water scarcity is being prioritized, and rationing exercises may be considered as a preventive measure to reinforce conservation awareness.
The current situation underscores Singapore's water security strategy, which relies on diversified sources including local catchment, NEWater, desalination, and imported water, while aiming for self-sufficiency by 2061.

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6 Mar 2014

Price of Raw Water from Malaysia

Ms Ellen Lee asked if Malaysia can unilaterally raise the price of raw water before 2061, why Johor proposed a review now, and how bilateral relations would be affected if Singapore rejects the increase.
Minister Shanmugam stated that neither country can unilaterally change the 1962 Water Agreement terms, as it is guaranteed by the 1965 Separation Agreement and international law, and Malaysia forfeited its right to review prices in 1987.
He noted that Malaysia benefits from the current pricing, as Johor buys treated water from Singapore at a low rate, and Singapore’s subsequent investments like the Linggiu Dam also benefited Malaysia.
The Minister clarified that no official approach has been made by Malaysia on a price review, and Singapore will continue to work on enhancing cooperation while honouring all agreements.
When asked if Singapore still needs Malaysian raw water given its own water sources, the Environment Minister deferred the answer to a future session.

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21 Feb 2014

Actions against Parties Responsible for Oil Spills

The Ministry of Transport and Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) enforce the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act, prosecuting responsible parties for oil spills with fines up to $1 million, imprisonment, or both, and share investigation findings with the International Maritime Organization and shipping community.
In response to recent vessel collisions, MPA conducts thorough investigations, takes swift cleanup actions, and implements interim measures like safety briefings and navigational advisories to prevent future incidents.
The Parliamentary Secretary assured that while investigation reports are shared with IMO and stakeholders, public scrutiny is facilitated through IMO channels, and environmental protection remains a priority through collaboration with relevant organizations.
Measures include enhancing navigational safety via the Port Operation Control Centre, developing safe passage guides, and emphasizing preventive efforts to minimize risks to marine habitats and public safety.

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18 Feb 2014

Monitoring Noise Levels at Construction Sites

Construction companies are legally responsible for installing and maintaining noise monitoring devices at construction sites, with stricter real-time monitoring required for major or demolition/piling projects.
NEA conducts site inspections and may prosecute contractors who tamper with meters, and noise levels exceeded permitted limits in 248, 568, 572, and 483 cases from 2010 to 2013 respectively.
The government has introduced measures like banning construction work on Sundays and eve of public holidays since September 2011 and is promoting better technology and practices to reduce noise.

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18 Feb 2014

Waste Disposal at Fish Farms

The Minister outlined that AVA conducts quarterly inspections and night raids on all coastal fish farms, including the southern and western areas, to enforce waste disposal regulations and deter illegal dumping.
AVA explored door-to-door waste collection for eastern fish farms in 2013 but found the cost of $160 per month per farmer too high; a new jetty at Lorong Halus will soon provide a central waste disposal facility similar to the western farms' system at Lim Chu Kang.
Following recent fish deaths due to a plankton bloom, the Minister emphasized government support for farmers to improve technology, such as better aeration systems, while noting that license revocation remains a last resort for non-compliance.

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17 Feb 2014

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

The Bill strengthens enforcement against high-rise littering by allowing authorities to require flat owners to provide information on occupants and doubling maximum fines to deter offenders.
It introduces a mandatory licensing regime for cleaning businesses, requiring them to adopt the Progressive Wage Model, which sets wage floors and mandates training for cleaners to improve wages and standards.
Amendments enhance penalties for food safety and water supply offences, and require large commercial premises to submit waste management plans to improve recycling rates.

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20 Jan 2014

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources presented the Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill to amend the Environmental Public Health Act and relatedly the National Environment Agency Act.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting.
The amendments aim to update environmental public health regulations and align with the National Environment Agency's operational framework.
The debate focuses on legislative improvements to enhance public health standards and environmental management in Singapore.
The bill seeks to modernize existing laws to address current and emerging public health challenges.

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12 Nov 2013

Rodents in Sennett Estate

Sitoh Yih Pin asked whether NEA can help tackle rodent issues in Potong Pasir’s Sennett Estate and if there is a comprehensive plan to address them.
Vivian Balakrishnan confirmed NEA received feedback and has been taking active steps since August 2013, including checks on food shops and construction sites, placing traps, and repairing defects in drains to prevent rodent harboring.
NEA will implement an integrated rodent management plan for Sennett Estate, involving residents and stakeholders, with surveillance, intensive control measures, and enforcement on refuse management.

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12 Nov 2013

Flood-Proofing Walkways and Footpaths

Png Eng Huat asked about efforts to reduce water ponding on walkways during heavy storms and whether PUB tracks flood-prone walkways.
Vivian Balakrishnan explained that walkways are built above road levels to minimize flooding, but lower sections may accumulate water, prompting the use of open gratings, camber, and scupper drains.
PUB will install more open gratings and drop inlet chambers in flood-prone areas to improve water flow into drains and prevent overflow.
Localised depressions from ground subsidence or tree roots will be addressed by PUB advising relevant agencies and Town Councils for rectification.

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12 Nov 2013

Noise Reduction Measures at Lorong 8 Toa Payoh

Mrs Lina Chiam inquired about measures to reduce increased traffic noise from the widened slip road near residential blocks in Lorong 8 Toa Payoh.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew explained that the slip road is part of a project to facilitate bus access into the bus bay along Braddell Road.
The widened road remains within URA guidelines for distance from residential blocks.
Dense tree planting will be implemented along the strip to mitigate any rise in road traffic noise.

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11 Nov 2013

Measures against High-rise Littering

Mr. Gan Thiam Poh, Mr. Liang Eng Hwa, and Mr. David Ong posed questions to the Minister regarding the effectiveness, resources, and specific statistics on the use of surveillance cameras and other measures to combat high-rise littering.
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan reported that the National Environment Agency (NEA) has increased enforcement hours by 50% and deployed cameras in nearly 500 locations, successfully prosecuting 56 offenders with fines ranging from $400 to $2,100.
To enhance deterrence, NEA will no longer provide advance notice to residents about the installation or removal of surveillance cameras at housing blocks.
The government has initiated a pilot scheme training 104 community volunteers to apply peer pressure and identify litterbugs for further investigation by NEA.
The Minister emphasized that while stepping up enforcement, cultivating social graciousness and collective responsibility remains essential to sustainably address high-rise littering.

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11 Nov 2013

Electric Vehicles in Singapore

Hri Kumar Nair inquired about the Ministry of Transport's plans to promote electric vehicles in Singapore.
Lui Tuck Yew noted that while EVs are cleaner and more energy efficient, their upfront and life cycle costs remain higher than conventional vehicles even with tax waivers under TIDES-PLUS.
The government is monitoring EV technology and costs, with a multi-agency taskforce conducting a limited-scale test-bed that will end on 31 December 2013 to gather data for future policies.

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