Environment & climate — Topics

11 Nov 2013

Curbing Use of Plastic Bags

Faizah Jamal questioned the ministry on future measures to discourage plastic bag use, including potential legislation and improvements to waste management infrastructure.
Vivian Balakrishnan highlighted that plastic bags are not an environmental threat in Singapore due to waste-to-energy incineration and existing recycling bins, emphasizing waste reduction over legislation.
The minister encouraged reusing plastic bags for household refuse and supported retailer and community efforts to reduce consumption, stating no new laws are needed beyond current anti-littering regulations.

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11 Nov 2013

Energy-saving Requirements in Government Procurements

The Government has actively promoted green procurement since 2006 through initiatives like PSTLES, including adopting ENERGY STAR standards for ICT equipment and achieving Green Mark certifications for public buildings.
Tender processes already evaluate long-term cost savings and energy efficiency, with awards given to proposals offering the overall best value and meeting performance criteria.
The Government encourages greener alternatives in sourcing and will continue to review policies to ensure sustainability in procurement practices.

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11 Nov 2013

Waste Disposal by Fish Farm Operators

Ms Faizah Jamal asked the Minister for National Development about AVA’s plans to monitor and penalize fish farm operators who dump waste on Pulau Ubin, and when an effective door-to-door trash collection system will be implemented.
The Minister responded that fish farmers are required under their license to dispose of waste properly, with collection points at Lim Chu Kang jetty, Changi Creek, and Senoko Fishery Port, and noted that door-to-door collection was deemed too costly for farmers.
AVA conducts routine inspections, including night raids, and works with the Police Coast Guard to monitor and enforce against illegal dumping, while also providing regular briefings on proper waste management.
A new jetty with a waste collection centre at Lorong Halus is planned for early 2014 to better facilitate waste disposal for eastern fish farmers.

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21 Oct 2013

Greenprint Pilot Project in Jurong East

Low Thia Khiang sought an update on the Greenprint pilot in Jurong East and suggested developing rainwater harvesting for flood control.
Khaw Boon Wan outlined ongoing Greenprint initiatives, including bicycle parking, elevator energy regeneration, rainwater harvesting, and waste transport systems.
He added that cycling tracks, greenery, and LED street lamps will be implemented over the next two years in Jurong East.
The rainwater harvesting system is currently for non-potable use but has potential for flood mitigation, with HDB planning further feasibility studies.

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21 Oct 2013

Sports Event in Nature Reserve

Ms Faizah Jamal questioned the rationale for allowing a commercial high-impact sports event in a nature reserve since 2009, including its environmental impact and compliance with the Parks and Trees Act.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that NParks evaluates each event's impact and imposes strict conditions to protect flora and fauna, with enforcement action for breaches.
For the North Face 100, only a small segment of the route is within the nature reserve, and organizers must implement measures like spacing runners and setting up rubbish disposal areas.

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21 Oct 2013

Safety and Remedial Measures for Reactor Accident or Radioactivity Leak Affecting Singapore

Strict measures prohibit fuel handling or reactor repairs on nuclear-powered vessels at Changi Naval Base, and foreign governments must submit annual safety audit reports.
An Integrated Environment Monitoring System provides continuous tracking of air, water, and seabed radiation levels, with all readings to date within international safety limits.
A whole-of-government emergency response plan involving multiple agencies is in place to address and contain any incident.

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16 Sep 2013

Economic Cost of Haze Occurrence in June 2013

R Dhinakaran questioned whether the Singapore Government had calculated the economic cost of the June 2013 haze and any productivity losses from employees being unable to work effectively.
Ng Eng Hen, speaking for the Prime Minister, acknowledged adverse economic impacts, particularly on tourism and outdoor-dependent sectors, noting past haze episodes like in 1997 cost up to S$318.6 million.
He added that the 2013 haze was shorter due to early alert to Indonesia and favourable winds, limiting absenteeism and business disruptions, though polyclinics saw increased haze-related visits.

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16 Sep 2013

Engaging Companies to Tackle Transnational Haze Problem

Assoc Prof Eugene Tan questioned the Ministry’s engagement with Singapore and Singapore-based palm oil companies on responsible practices and proposed requiring ESG reporting and chain of custody certification as licensing conditions.
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan identified illegal land clearing by errant companies as the root cause, noting diplomatic efforts with Indonesia for evidence and consideration of stricter domestic legislation to penalize environmentally harmful corporate actions.
The Ministry is engaging companies to promote sustainable practices, with industry groups like the Singapore Compact and Singapore Business Federation encouraging sustainability reporting and organizing forums on sustainable agriculture.

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16 Sep 2013

Anti-littering Patrols in Tanjong Rhu Area

Lim Biow Chuan asked if there will be increased anti-littering patrols in the Tanjong Rhu area on weekends.
The NEA has been enforcing anti-littering efforts at Geylang Park Connector and Tanjong Rhu Promenade since 2013 to address irresponsible behavior.
Enforcement focuses on late night to early morning on weekends, as littering is most prevalent during these times.
The government encourages public cooperation to discourage littering and create a norm against anti-social behavior.
The goal is to keep parks clean for everyone’s enjoyment through active enforcement and community responsibility.

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12 Aug 2013

Installation of Noise Barriers along Stretches of Central Expressway

Ang Hin Kee requested a pilot trial of noise barriers along Central Expressway sections facing residential areas to reduce elevated noise from expanded lanes and vehicles.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that the Land Transport Authority is launching a three-year trial of road noise barriers at three locations to assess technical feasibility and effectiveness.
The trial will determine the potential for wider implementation, while existing measures for CTE include tree planting and porous road pavement to lower noise.
LTA will continue exploring additional noise reduction measures with relevant agencies for Central Expressway.

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12 Aug 2013

Update on AVA's Study of Population of Mynahs

Mr Png Eng Huat requested an update on the AVA study to determine the mynah population, roost distribution, and a comprehensive plan to tackle the mynah nuisance by May 2013.
The study was completed by the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity at NUS and is being reviewed by AVA in consultation with NEA and NParks.
Key findings indicate that the main causes of mynah presence are irresponsible feeding, uncovered rubbish dumps, improper waste disposal, and littering, which require cooperative action from all stakeholders.
The study confirms the need for full cooperation among residents, Town Councils, and other parties to collectively address the mynah nuisance problem.

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12 Aug 2013

Regular Trimming and Pruning Schedule for Roadside Trees and Plants

NParks manages approximately 1.4 million trees, 57 hectares of roadside flower beds, and over 500 kilometres of guard-rail plants across Singapore.
Trees along major roads are inspected every 12 months and minor roads every 24 months, with quarterly maintenance checks to assess pruning needs.
Flower beds are maintained every three months through weeding, pruning, fertilising, and mulching.
Guard-rail plants are pruned every two to three months to prevent overgrowth.
Pruning is carried out promptly when dead or overgrown branches are identified during inspections or routine checks.

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12 Aug 2013

Indonesia's Agreement to Share Concession Maps to Tackle Occurrence of Haze

Gerald Giam asked how Indonesia’s limited sharing of concession maps on a case-by-case, government-to-government basis would help identify companies responsible for slash-and-burn, what specific situations allow or block map sharing, and whether a launch date for the ASEAN Haze Monitoring System (HMS) was set.
Vivian Balakrishnan explained that haze stems from cheap forest burning and that ministers agreed to share concession maps and use satellite tech to monitor hotspots, with Singapore developing the HMS platform to overlay maps and pinpoint errant companies.
However, the July 2013 ministerial agreement fell short of Singapore’s push for a public, fully functional system due to Indonesia’s claimed legal impediments, resulting only in government-to-government data sharing pending ASEAN Leaders’ approval in October 2013.
Balakrishnan stressed that even limited map sharing would still enable governments to identify and act against offending companies, and urged ASEAN to launch the HMS with Indonesia’s maps promptly and for Indonesia to ratify the ASEAN Haze Pollution Agreement.

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12 Aug 2013

Regulation of Noise Pollution

Member Baey Yam Keng questioned why NEA is outsourcing noise level reviews for entertainment and food outlets and how the Ministry will maintain in-house expertise on noise pollution.
The Ministry explained that the consultancy study will use 3-D noise contours to analyze noise impact in commercial and residential zones and recommend mitigation measures, complementing NEA’s existing skills with specialized modeling and external insights.
NEA maintains in-house expertise through technical staff who receive regular training and participate in local and international seminars to stay updated on noise pollution management.
The Ministry stated that NEA engages external consultants only when necessary to augment its capabilities, depending on the nature and scale of the work.

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12 Aug 2013

Preventing High-rise Littering

The Minister reported that surveillance cameras installed since 2012 have led to 700-800 monthly complaints and three prosecutions with $600 fines in 2013, with NEA now withholding camera installation schedules to increase deterrence.
In response to a query on high-rise littering trends, the Minister did not state whether the trend has fallen or remained the same, focusing instead on camera enforcement outcomes.
The Ministry plans to study the feasibility of penalizing flat owners where littering originates without identifying the exact culprit, as suggested by Ms Tin Pei Ling.
The Minister emphasized that surveillance cameras are a last resort and that primary defences against littering include cultivating social graciousness and collective responsibility.

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8 Jul 2013

Advice on Ways to Reduce Level of Indoor Air Pollution

The Ministry advises parents with young children and pregnant women to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid activities that generate particulate matter during haze periods.
Air cleaners such as mechanical filters, electrostatic precipitators, and ionisers are recommended for households, childcare centres, kindergartens, and schools, while ozone-generating cleaners should be avoided.
More detailed guidance on reducing indoor air pollution during haze is available on the NEA Haze website.

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8 Jul 2013

Measures to Prohibit Public Misuse of Recycling Bins

Mary Liew asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether the Ministry will consider preventive measures to stop the public from misusing recycling bins as common waste bins.
The National Environment Agency has observed that 20–30% of recyclables are contaminated, with higher misuse near food outlets, far from litter bins, and in high-traffic areas.
To reduce contamination, NEA is educating the public with clear labels on new recycling bins and engaging schools, community groups, and building operators through seminars and guidebooks.

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8 Jul 2013

Licences for Commercial Rock Concerts in Residential Areas

Ang Hin Kee questioned why arts entertainment licences are approved for commercial rock concerts at open fields next to residential areas at night and what measures address the resulting noise pollution.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim explained that the Media Development Authority (MDA) works with the Police to impose conditions such as sound level limits and event hours to minimize noise, and considers community feedback.
Most licensed commercial rock concerts are held at commercial venues away from residential areas, but for those near homes, MDA consults on law, order, and traffic measures and may require approvals from Town Councils and the Singapore Land Authority.
Non-compliance with licensing conditions can result in fines up to $10,000, and the track record of organizers and venues is monitored for future license assessments.

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8 Jul 2013

Clearing Potential Breeding Grounds for Aedes Mosquitoes

Ms Mary Liew sought plans to intensify inspection and clearing of blocked public drains as potential breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, amid a severe dengue epidemic with over 12,000 cases and four deaths.
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan detailed government actions, including recruiting 300 additional officers for inspections, weekly drain checks by PUB, and increased flushing and larvicide application in dengue clusters.
The Ministry emphasized public cooperation, urging people to report choked drains via the Department of Public Cleanliness and avoid littering to prevent drain blockages that create mosquito breeding sites.

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8 Jul 2013

Minimising Impact of Haze on Athletes' Training

The Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth outlined existing measures like switching training to indoor facilities and using air-conditioned sports halls to mitigate haze impacts on athletes.
For the 2015 SEA Games, the organising committee is developing contingency plans, learning from recent haze situations to ensure the event can proceed smoothly.
The government is engaging neighbouring countries and regional forums to manage transboundary haze issues upstream, although predictions for 2015 remain uncertain.

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