Environment & climate — Topics

8 Jul 2013

Ensuring Indoor Air Quality during Occurrence of Haze

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) requires buildings to follow Singapore Standard SS553 for air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation, but after completion, building owners are responsible for operation and maintenance.
During the haze, building owners were advised to monitor indoor air quality, minimize outdoor air intake, and maintain filters more frequently, but there are no specific regulations or enforcement steps by BCA or NEA during haze periods.
A multi-agency review is underway to assess if current codes need refinement, but any new measures would depend on technical data to ensure they are implementable and measurable.

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8 Jul 2013

Safeguarding Singaporeans' Health during Occurrence of Haze

The Minister confirmed that N95 masks are not certified for children and advised parents to keep children indoors during unhealthy haze levels, while noting that the Ministry is exploring suitable alternatives and working with schools on mitigation measures.
The Ministry outlined its haze readiness plans, including a scheme offering subsidised treatment at participating GP clinics for vulnerable groups, steps to free up hospital beds, and measures to protect patients and maintain supplies in healthcare institutions.
The Minister reported that haze-related healthcare impacts have been manageable, with a temporary increase in polyclinic attendances but no significant surge in hospital A&E visits, and confirmed the subsidised GP scheme will remain in place pending review after the dry season.
Dr Lam and Mr Giam raised concerns about the proper use of N95 masks for vulnerable individuals and the dissemination of public health advisories, with the Minister emphasizing outreach efforts and the importance of timely information through media and community channels.

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8 Jul 2013

Long-term Strategies for Dealing with Environmental Aspects of Haze

The Minister outlined Singapore's multi-level strategy involving early detection via satellite imagery, diplomatic engagement with Indonesian authorities at both national and provincial levels, and strengthening regional frameworks like the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, while pressing for the publication of concession maps to hold companies accountable.
Emphasis was placed on empowering consumers and stakeholders to exert commercial pressure through purchasing decisions and NGO actions to discourage unsustainable practices, alongside encouraging Singapore-based companies to adopt and verify responsible environmental standards.
The government reviewed and affirmed its crisis response mechanisms, including the Inter-Agency Haze Task Force and the distribution of masks to vulnerable groups, while committing to improve public information transparency and haze forecasting capabilities for better preparedness.

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8 Jul 2013

National Emergency Response to Occurrence of Haze

Government officials assessed that Singapore’s emergency response to the 2013 haze was largely effective, with clear organisational structures and action plans activated, though areas like public communication and mask distribution need improvement.
Measures taken included distributing free N95 masks to vulnerable households, subsidising healthcare visits, providing utility rebates, and ensuring business continuity support to maintain essential services during the haze.
The government emphasised enhancing real-time communication, such as providing next-day haze forecasts and a one-stop information website, while acknowledging the need for more tailored and timely health advisories.
Community resilience was highlighted, with grassroots networks and citizen-led initiatives playing a key role in mask distribution and information sharing, reinforcing trust and collective action during the crisis.
The debate underscored the importance of learning from past crises, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and preparing for future national threats through robust contingency plans and public engagement.

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8 Jul 2013

Foreign Relations Response to and Legal Options in Dealing with Occurrence of Haze

Singapore engaged Indonesia through diplomatic channels, including high-level communications, a special envoy, and offers of technical and haze mitigation assistance, while emphasizing the need for Indonesia to take action on the ground and against errant companies.
The government is considering introducing extraterritorial legislation and exploring legal options against companies linked to Singapore, contingent on receiving credible evidence from Indonesia, while also examining international law avenues to address transboundary haze.
Singapore is pursuing regional cooperation through ASEAN, including the Trilateral Cooperative Process with Malaysia and Indonesia, and efforts to expedite Indonesia’s ratification of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, with countries required to report actions to ASEAN leaders.

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13 May 2013

Incidents Involving Fallen Trees

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the Minister for National Development about the number of tree failures and casualties in recent years, plans to increase tree safety inspections, removal of storm-vulnerable trees, and a timeline for such exercises.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that NParks manages over 1.4 million trees, with 1,050 tree failures in 2012 and 438 cases up to April 2013, noting a 5% drop from the previous year.
Over the past decade, there were four fatalities and 62 injuries from tree failures, and NParks has increased inspection frequency for mature and flood-prone trees since June 2012, with removals and pruning to enhance stability.
NParks identified and removed over 4,000 storm-vulnerable trees last year, such as Albizia, Wild Cinnamon, and African Tulip, and advises other landowners to do the same.

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13 May 2013

Close Circuit Cameras to Monitor High-rise Littering

Since the 2011 pilot, 12 suspects were caught on camera for high-rise littering, with five prosecuted and fined between $800 and $1,500, but the Minister is not satisfied given over 8,000 annual complaints.
The Minister emphasized that CCTV should be a last resort after community efforts and door-knocking, and called for higher penalties, better use of social norms, and a review of surveillance SOPs to increase deterrence.
MPs raised concerns about "killer litter," suggested technology like DNA testing, and asked for case breakdowns, but the Minister noted privacy and legal hurdles and committed to specific follow-ups.

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8 Apr 2013

Railway Noise Survey and Installation of Noise Barriers

Alex Yam asked about the findings of the railway noise survey, the sites for noise barriers, and whether Yew Tee and Keat Hong would be considered.
The island-wide study found some MRT tracks near residential areas exceed the NEA's 67 dBA guideline, with higher noise at turnout sections.
LTA will install noise barriers at identified hotspots, with the first phase covering 16 stretches from 2014 to 2016, including the Yew Tee area.
The second phase, including Keat Hong, is expected to be completed by 2020, with details being finalized.
The barrier installation will be coordinated with other MRT renewal works due to physical constraints.

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8 Apr 2013

Waste Disposal Guidelines for Public Waste Collectors (PWCs)

Zainal Sapari asked whether waste collectors could dispose of more waste at Senoko and Tuas incineration plants and if operating hours could be extended for better efficiency.
Vivian Balakrishnan explained that two plants already operate round the clock while Senoko and Tuas have fixed morning hours, with waste collectors allowed extended disposal up to 6 pm at Senoko subject to a daily tonnage cap.
The Minister noted that extending hours further at Senoko and Tuas is not feasible due to capacity constraints, but NEA will continue monitoring and a new plant is planned to support future growth and review operating hours.

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8 Apr 2013

AVA's Plan to Tackle Mynah Nuisance

Png Eng Huat requested an update on AVA's study of mynah population and roost distribution, as well as its comprehensive plan to address the mynah nuisance.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that AVA commissioned a study with the Raffles Museum to determine mynah population size, roost preferences, and distribution, expected to be completed by May 2013.
The findings will inform a management plan involving multiple agencies and public cooperation to effectively mitigate the mynah issue.

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13 Mar 2013

Coal burning at Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex on Jurong Island

Mrs Lina Chiam questioned why the coal-burning Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex on Jurong Island is allowed to operate given coal's high pollution, and asked if Singapore has met its international carbon emission reduction obligations.
The Second Minister for Trade and Industry explained that the complex uses a mix of low-ash, low-sulfur coal and biomass to lower costs and emissions, meets strict environmental standards, and that Singapore is on track to meet its greenhouse gas reduction pledge through various energy efficiency measures.
Mrs Lina Chiam asked for a committee to study solar panel installation on HDB blocks and questioned the reintroduction of coal despite a push for liquefied natural gas.
The Minister responded that existing schemes already encourage solar energy use across different settings and that keeping energy options open, including clean coal for localized needs, is important for diversification while maintaining environmental safeguards.

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12 Mar 2013

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

Members raised concerns about public cleanliness, urging stricter enforcement against littering, better training for NEA officers, and community initiatives like "HABIT" to promote civic responsibility.
The Ministry updated on hawker centre policies, including new builds, lease renewals for existing hawkers, and pilot projects with social enterprises to keep food affordable.
Discussions covered public health issues such as dengue research, smoking bans, rodent control, and food hygiene standards, with the Ministry outlining ongoing efforts and improvements.
The Ministry highlighted long-term environmental strategies, including water security, waste management, air quality improvements, and climate change adaptation, emphasizing sustainable urban planning.
Members suggested enhancements to ABC Waters projects, energy conservation incentives, and recycling infrastructure, with the Ministry committing to address these in future plans.

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25 Feb 2013

Upgrading Plans for Pasir Ris Park

Zainal Sapari inquired about upgrade plans for Pasir Ris Park due to population growth from new housing and the timeline for such works.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that minor upgrades, including improvements to the playground, drainage, footpaths, and park facilities, would be carried out this year.
He added that in the long term, the coastal Round Island Route would connect Pasir Ris Park with other parks and recreational areas to enhance the experience for residents.

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25 Feb 2013

Noise and Environment Pollution Preventive Measures at Loyang Offshore Supply Base

The Minister stated that TOPS complies with noise regulations, has implemented measures such as quieter generators, real-time noise monitoring, and scheduling of noisy activities, with NEA taking two enforcement actions against noise violations between 2010 and 2013.
MPA and NEA have enforced water and air pollution rules, with eight cases of vessels emitting black smoke and one case of TOPS discharging industrial effluent, leading to enforcement actions during the same period.
The Minister explained that the offshore base has been operational since 1970, predating nearby residential areas, and emphasised the need for balanced regulations and standards rather than relocation, aiming for practical solutions that allow business continuity while addressing residents' concerns.

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5 Feb 2013

Car Ownership Trends

Over the last five years, Singapore's car population grew by an average of 4% annually, reaching 617,556 cars by end-2012, with about 45% of households owning a car and 8-9% owning more than one.
The growth rate has slowed to 1.9% per annum in recent years due to reduced allowable vehicle growth rates, which have been cut from 3% to 0.5% per annum to ensure sustainability amid land constraints.
Road infrastructure occupies nearly 12% of Singapore's land, and future vehicle growth will be moderated further, with projections indicating continued low growth rates.
A study on environmental impact was conducted under the National Climate Change Strategy 2012, leading to initiatives like the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme to reduce transport emissions.

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14 Jan 2013

Corrective Work Order for First-Time Littering Offenders

Lim Biow Chuan suggested imposing Corrective Work Orders (CWO) for first-time littering offenders instead of higher fines.
The Ministry explained that CWOs, introduced in 1992, are effective for recalcitrant offenders, with only 2.5% re-offending after serving them.
After reviewing the penalty regime, the Ministry decided to increase fines for first-time offenders while keeping CWOs for repeat offenders to deter repeat littering.
CWOs are now performed at offence locations on weekdays to increase visibility and burden.
The Ministry will continue education efforts and review the penalty regime as needed.

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14 Jan 2013

Train Noise Measurement Study

LTA completed an island-wide MRT noise measurement study in May 2012, which found noise levels exceeding guidelines in several locations, especially near turnout sections of rail viaducts.
A trial at Jurong East and Bishan showed that noise barriers could reduce train noise by about five decibels over an hour, leading LTA to award a contract in October 2012 to pilot barriers at Tampines, Jurong East, and Toh Guan.
The pilots aim to determine the most efficient design and installation methods, with findings to help LTA develop mitigation plans and share details at a later date.

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16 Nov 2012

Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill introduces the Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle (CEV) scheme, which replaces the Green Vehicle Rebate with rebates and taxes to encourage lower-emission vehicle purchases.
It extends licensing and security measures to bus depots, allowing for conditions on maintenance and crisis management, and empowers officials to conduct bag checks in buses and interchanges.
The bill enhances penalties for illegal vehicle modifications, including impounding vehicles for up to three months, and expands owner liability for traffic offenses like illegal parking and driving in bus lanes.

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16 Nov 2012

ABC Waters Programme for Sungei Ulu Pandan

The Minister provided an update on the ABC Waters Programme, noting that 20 vicinities have been completed with three more, including Sungei Ulu Pandan, set for 2013, and that 31 further projects are planned.
The Minister shared an artist's impression of the Sungei Ulu Pandan project, describing it as a "river classroom" to enhance ecology education and biodiversity, with resident suggestions incorporated and regular updates promised.
Mr. de Souza asked if residents could have closer physical access to the water for learning, to which the Minister agreed the goal is access but emphasized the need to balance this with safety, citing examples like the Bishan canal.

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15 Nov 2012

Update on Plans to Promote Eco-friendly Transport

Under the National Cycling Plan, more than 50km of dedicated off-road cycling paths will be provided at seven HDB towns by 2014, linked to the Park Connector Network where feasible.
Additional secure and well-lit bicycle parking spaces are being added at major transport nodes, with 900 more racks at 10 more MRT stations by 2Q2013.
A $74 million programme to build covered link-ways connecting transport nodes to key amenities is largely completed, with plans to review its extension.

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