Infrastructure & development

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik questioned the Government about plans to expand the number of car-lite HDB estates beyond those currently designated. Jeffrey Siow confirmed that since 2019, 16 car-lite areas have been gazetted, including public housing estates like Tengah, Bayshore, and Ulu Pandan. The authorities will continue to evaluate land use and transport plans, taking into account nearby amenities for future car-lite area considerations.

Rachel Ong questioned the Acting Minister for Transport regarding ongoing disruptions on the North-South and East-West Lines despite upgrades since 2015, asking for explanations on the nature of these disruptions, their causes related to upgraded parts, and their impact on future upgrading plans. Jeffrey Siow indicated that this issue has been addressed in previous parliamentary sessions and referred to the Official Report from 22 September 2025 for details.

He Ting Ru questioned the Minister for National Development about previous measures to prevent and assess sinkhole risks, the regularity of tests conducted by BCA on underground structures, and any potential updates after the July 2025 sinkhole incident. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has strict regulations for underground works, requiring project owners and contractors to monitor ground movement during construction. Investigations into the July 2025 sinkhole incident are ongoing, and BCA will review its assessment measures post-investigation.

Yip Hon Weng asked about the impact of increased electric vehicle (EV) adoption on Singapore’s electricity grid, the status of ceasing internal combustion engine vehicle sales by 2030, and the transition to a car-lite society. Jeffrey Siow emphasized the importance of an accessible public transport network in achieving a car-lite vision while limiting vehicle population through the Vehicle Quota System. He noted that over 80% of new vehicle registrations this year were cleaner-energy models, with plans to end new registrations of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030. The Land Transport Authority will collaborate with relevant agencies to support EV adoption and ensure the electricity grid can accommodate increased demand.

Ang Wei Neng asked for updates on the Jurong Region MRT Line (JRL) and the earliest operational date for Phase 1, with the Senior Minister of State for Transport indicating it is over 70% complete and set to open between 2027 and 2029, with more details to come in 2026. Ang Wei Neng raised concerns about residents in Nanyang lacking direct access to the Gek Poh MRT station and requested additional bus services for areas in Jurong West. Murali Pillai acknowledged the concerns, stating the Land Transport Authority (LTA) monitors travel demand and improves services as needed, but emphasized that bus route planning follows the completion of MRT stations.

Ng Chee Meng inquired about the progress of feasibility studies for the Seletar MRT Line, initially announced in 2019, expressing concerns about transport connectivity in the Jalan Kayu area. Sun Xueling confirmed that the studies are ongoing, focusing on land use, engineering feasibility, and environmental impact, and emphasized the importance of thorough planning. She stated that while rail projects require careful consideration, interim measures to improve bus connectivity in the region are being implemented, including new peak hour services and enhancements to existing bus routes. Andre Low raised the issue of overcrowding on the North East Line (NEL) and asked about possibly accelerating the Seletar Line's timeline, to which Sun Xueling reiterated that studies would determine feasibility, with completion expected in phases starting in the 2040s.

Poh Li San questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the use of the Tekong Polder approach to protect coastal areas against rising sea levels and the resting period required for construction on reclaimed land. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the Government will monitor the Pulau Tekong polder closely to gather insights for future land reclamation projects. She noted that soil improvement works have been completed to prepare the polder land for building development, as with other reclamation projects.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the progress of the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) project to install green roofs on bus stops to reduce heat and improve commuter comfort. Jeffrey Siow reported that LTA has collaborated with the National Parks Board to implement green roofs at 200 bus stops, which can lower ambient temperatures by around two degrees Celsius. The plan includes expanding the green roof project to additional bus stops near residential areas, health institutions, parks, and transport nodes, including those in Hougang, aligning the rollout with upgrades to bus stop shelters.

Poh Li San asked the Minister for National Development about plans to clear more land beyond the 10.4 hectares scheduled for clearance starting in 2026. She also inquired about how the Ministry would ensure the retention of biodiversity in the northern area during development. Chee Hong Tat referenced a previous reply given on 23 September 2025 regarding mitigation measures for the upcoming Woodlands Gateway development and directed attention to the official report for details.

Valerie Lee asked about the criteria for establishing Community Clubs (CCs) and plans for new ones with multi-facilities. Edwin Tong responded that the People's Association considers factors like population growth, geographical location, and existing facilities when planning CCs, aimed at serving around 15,000 households or 50,000 residents. Efforts are made to ensure all residents have access to community spaces within a reasonable distance, including alternative community facilities when CCs are not feasible. Upcoming developments include new community clubs at Bukit Timah, Yew Tee, and Tampines Boulevard.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat questioned the framework for assessing the intangible civic and heritage values of libraries versus their land's economic value, particularly regarding the relocation of Ang Mo Kio and Geylang East public libraries. Josephine Teo emphasized the crucial role of libraries as knowledge custodians and community institutions, part of the National Library Board's 15-year "Libraries of the Future" Masterplan aimed at enhancing accessibility by relocating libraries to transportation hubs. The decision to relocate libraries involves consultations with government agencies and considers factors like land use, accessibility, and potential patron service. Teo noted that mall libraries attract significantly more visitors than standalone libraries, and plans will be made to celebrate the heritage of relocated libraries through various interpretive means.

Sharael Taha asked for an update on the aviation and aerospace sector's attractiveness for Singaporeans, considering upcoming growth, including developments at Changi Airport Terminal 5. Jeffrey Siow highlighted that Singapore is investing in Terminal 5 and related areas to capitalize on the anticipated growth in international travel, with the sectors collectively employing over 80,000 workers. Efforts to enhance the sectors include job redesign and technology adoption, a pilot project aimed at improving job appeal, and partnerships for AI capability building. Training and upskilling initiatives, such as the Career Conversion Programme, have reskilled over 5,000 individuals for growth job roles. Finally, there are strengthened outreach and recruitment efforts targeting youths through partnerships with educational institutions and sector-wide events to showcase opportunities in aviation and aerospace.

Dr. Wan Rizal raised concerns about the availability of affordable public sports facilities for residents in Kolam Ayer and Jalan Besar following the closures of Kallang Basin Swimming Complex and St Wilfred Sport Centre. David Neo affirmed Sport Singapore's commitment to providing affordable access to sports facilities, while noting that these closures are part of a strategy to address housing demand. New sports facilities, including Sport-in-Precinct facilities in Kolam Ayer and Whampoa, are expected to open by the end of the year. Residents can also utilize nearby existing facilities, such as various ActiveSG complexes and sports courts, to maintain an active lifestyle.

Foo Cexiang raised concerns about the potential lottery effect of the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) and whether it should apply to all HDB flats. Low Wu Yang Andre sought clarification on compensation terms under VERS compared to the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) and emphasized the importance of protections for seniors in the scheme. Minister Chee Hong Tat outlined that VERS aims to facilitate orderly redevelopment of aging estates, will prioritize ensuring that Singaporeans have homes for life, and is designed to be voluntary. There will be a careful consideration of how the voting process is managed and how to support both participants and non-participants in VERS, while keeping flats liveable for those who choose not to participate. The Minister acknowledged the complexities of balancing the attractiveness of upgrading programs with the need for VERS to succeed in achieving its objectives.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised concerns regarding the assessment of risks from recent seismic activity near the Mersing Fault Zone and the ability of HDB blocks to withstand shaking. Chee Hong Tat responded that all buildings, including HDB blocks, are designed to endure seismic forces, and tremor sensors are installed to monitor real-time data, which indicated no impact from the recent Johor earthquake on Singaporean buildings. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and HDB will continue to monitor seismic developments and adjust risk assessments accordingly, alongside a rigorous regime of periodic structural inspections to ensure safety.