Infrastructure & development

Ang Wei Neng asked for updates on the Revitalisation of Shops (ROS) scheme, specifically the selection of neighbourhood centres and funding adjustments due to rising construction costs. The Senior Minister of State, Sim Ann, confirmed that 11 centres have been selected for upgrading, with HDB increasing its co-payment share for owners to reduce their financial burden. Ang Wei Neng raised concerns about implementation timelines for shop owners, ongoing high construction costs despite increased subsidies, the possibility of installment payments for co-payments, and the repercussions for shop owners who refuse to pay. Sim Ann responded that local committees are being set up to facilitate the ROS, and that HDB has been empowered to collect unpaid upgrading fees as arrears.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about planned upgrades to Singapore's national grid to integrate new energy sources, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and ammonia, as well as the timeline and alignment with commercial availability. Dr. Tan See Leng responded that the Energy Market Authority is collaborating with Singapore Power to enhance grid infrastructure, focusing initially on renewable energy imports. While SMRs are still in the early stages and have not been fully commercialized, the government is monitoring their potential and considering safety and feasibility for Singapore. The Future Energy Fund will support infrastructure upgrades, but specific funding amounts for new technologies have not yet been determined.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about the safety and usability of the newly segregated paths in the Park Connector Network (PCN), seeking improvements for different user types like pedestrians, cyclists, and those using mobility devices. The Minister of State for National Development, Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, acknowledged ongoing efforts to enhance user experience through revised typologies and lane markings, while emphasizing the importance of public education. Tan highlighted inconsistencies in path markings and urged NParks to minimize confusion by standardizing segregation along similar stretches. Both Tan and another MP, Assoc Prof Jamus Lim, called for clearer demarcations to improve understanding among users of their designated paths. The minister assured that feedback will be considered as NParks rolls out further improvements to the PCN.

Gerald Giam Yean Song raised concerns about establishing community standards to improve etiquette and reduce conflicts between motorised and non-motorised device users and pedestrians. Chee Hong Tat responded that the existing Active Mobility Code of Conduct promotes safe interactions, advising users to give way to pedestrians and use bells considerately. The Ministry plans to enhance safety by converting some footpaths to pedestrian-only paths, with enforcement starting July 2025. Public education campaigns, community engagements, and materials in vernacular languages are employed to disseminate guidelines effectively, with volunteer community ambassadors assisting in outreach.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the expected operational date for the three-runway system at Changi Airport and the projected increase in passenger handling capacity. Chee Hong Tat referred him to a previous written reply given during the 4 October 2022 Parliament Sitting for detailed information.

Leong Mun Wai asked if the National Library Board (NLB) has plans for a public library in Tengah New Town and requested details about its location and completion timeline. Josephine Teo responded that NLB is collaborating with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Housing and Development Board to include a library in the land use plans for Tengah New Town. Currently, the location and completion date cannot be confirmed as the planning for the new town is still underway.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the status and timeline for the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB), specifically whether it remains on track for completion by 2030. Ng Eng Hen confirmed that the relocation is still anticipated around 2030 or later, following expansions at Changi and Tengah Air Bases. He noted that while there have been delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they expect to meet the projected timeline, though it's premature to set a specific date for completion.

Gan Thiam Poh questioned the Minister for Transport about the utilization rate of the Thomson-East Coast MRT Line (TEL) since the opening of its latest stage and whether assessments were made on traffic conditions in the east coast region post-launch. Chee Hong Tat responded that average weekday ridership on the TEL increased from around 200,000 in May 2024 to over 250,000 by October 2024, with expectations for further growth as new developments progress and TEL Stage 5 opens in 2026. Additionally, there has been a 15% improvement in traffic speeds during peak hours along Marine Parade Road, parallel to Stage 4 of TEL.

• Yip Hon Weng asked for updates on noise barrier installations near Nuovo condominium in Yio Chu Kang, new noise assessments at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, maintenance effectiveness on ageing MRT tracks, and further collaboration to address noise where barriers are challenging.
• Chee Hong Tat explained that noise barriers are installed only where residential developments are close to MRT viaducts and noise exceeds guidelines, and that LTA also works with manufacturers and operators to reduce noise at the source through various measures.
• The MRT viaduct near Nuovo condominium is not slated for noise barriers as the nearest residences, including Nuovo condominium at about 70 metres away, are beyond the typical distance requiring such installations.

• Usha Chandradas asked the Minister for National Development about the extent of artists' involvement in the Urban Redevelopment Authority's city planning work.
• The Urban Redevelopment Authority collaborates with agencies, local stakeholders, and the artistic community to implement public art projects and placemaking initiatives that create distinctive public spaces.
• An example provided is the transformation of facades at 45 and 47 Sultan Gate in Kampong Gelam, where artists engaged the community to create a mural inspired by local iconography, supported by URA's Lively Places Fund.

• The most common wildlife-related directions for development projects involve pre-felling checks for bird nests and other wildlife, as well as restricted working hours to mitigate impacts.
• Compliance is verified through Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans and monitoring reports submitted to NParks, supplemented by site inspections when necessary.
• For the three projects with recorded contraventions, NParks took enforcement action against the main contractors involved.

• Leong Mun Wai asked whether there are plans for a mosque in Tengah New Town, including reasons if not, location details, and expected completion timeline.
• Masagos Zulkifli explained that MUIS centrally coordinates mosque development and upgrading based on demographic changes and new town developments across Singapore.
• The Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF), funded by working Muslims, supports building mosques in new estates like Sengkang and Punggol and upgrading in mature estates like Jurong and Woodlands.
• MUIS will prudently use MBMF to address religious needs and continue collaborating with agencies to assess the need for new mosques or rejuvenation of existing ones.

• Gan Thiam Poh asked whether lifts will be installed at overhead bridges in Fernvale to assist seniors and families with young children.
• Chee Hong Tat stated that since 2018, all new pedestrian overhead bridges include lifts, and retrofitting of older ones focuses on high-traffic locations near transit hubs and healthcare facilities.
• LTA has already included the Fernvale bridge along Sengkang West Way in its retrofitting programme and will continue evaluating other bridges in the area.

• The 995 and 999 hotlines are served by multiple Singtel exchanges but lack hot-swappable backup to other telcos, as confirmed by the Minister for Home Affairs.
• During the Singtel disruption, emergency hotlines remained partially operational, and the public was directed to use SMS and the SGSecure app as alternatives.
• Authorities are conducting a comprehensive review with IMDA to assess enhanced resiliency measures, including possible multi-telco diversity for emergency hotlines.

• The opening of Punggol Regional Sports Centre was rescheduled to 2026 due to construction delays caused by material and labour shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The project began in 2020 and was originally slated for 2023 but faced multiple industry-wide challenges.
• Punggol residents currently have access to alternative sports facilities under the Dual-Use Scheme, including indoor sports halls and a school field.
• Residents may also consider using the nearby Sengkang Sports Centre as an additional option.

• Ong Hua Han asked the Minister for Transport about the timeline for concluding feasibility studies on a new rail line in the north and northeast regions under the Land Transport Master Plan 2040 and whether an update will be provided in the next LTMP revision.
• Chee Hong Tat responded that rail projects require careful consideration of factors like land-use needs, engineering feasibility, and environmental impact, and highlighted current and upcoming enhancements including new bus services, the opening of Punggol Coast station, and the Cross Island Line Phase 1 and Punggol Extension in the early 2030s.
• The Minister indicated that feasibility studies are ongoing and that any new rail line would be considered in future LTMP updates based on study outcomes and overall transport planning priorities.

• Minister Desmond Lee stated that eligible first-timer singles can now apply for 2-room flexi flats island-wide under the new classification framework, a change from previous restrictions to non-mature estates.
• From 2024 to 2026, HDB will launch up to 14,000 2-room flexi BTO flats, representing a more than 50% increase compared to the 9,000 units launched in non-mature estates from 2020 to 2023.
• In February 2025, HDB plans to offer about 5,000 BTO flats across five projects and will hold its largest-ever Sale of Balance Flats exercise with more than 5,500 flats.

• The Bill introduces stricter penalties, including mandatory minimum fines of $40,000 for first-time offenders and $80,000 for repeat offenders, to deter illegal trade effluent discharge into Singapore’s sewerage system.
• It expands PUB’s powers to enter premises without notice during emergencies, recover costs for rectification works, and enforce maintenance responsibilities for private drainage systems, with safeguards like internal approvals and post-entry notifications.
• Amendments incorporate technical standards by reference, allow for flexibility in flood protection requirements, and clarify cost-sharing mechanisms for shared private drainage facilities.

• The Bill seeks to strengthen Singapore's sewerage and drainage systems through technology like GPS trackers to prevent illegal discharges and damage, alongside raising maximum penalties and introducing mandatory minimum fines for offences such as unauthorised discharge of harmful substances.
• It introduces measures to enhance flood resilience, including expanding regulatory powers over non-construction activities causing silt discharge and requiring property owners to maintain drainage systems, with PUB empowered to set standards like minimum platform levels.
• Amendments also update PUB's operational powers, such as allowing emergency entry for urgent repairs, enabling cost recovery for rectification works, and incorporating external codes of practice, while clarifying terms and removing certain appeal rights.
• Concerns were raised about the financial burden on homeowners for maintenance, the need for cost-sharing mechanisms, and safeguards for privacy and transparency under expanded emergency powers, with calls for phased implementation and impact assessments.
• The debate highlights the importance of balancing public safety and infrastructure resilience with fair implementation, urging collaboration between government, residents, and stakeholders to secure Singapore's water future.

• The recent LRT train breakdown was caused by a gear failure in a wheel assembly, which led to tyre deflation and a power trip; SMRT responded with shuttle services and free buses while repairs were completed overnight.
• The Bukit Panjang LRT renewal works are progressing, with new and upgraded trains entering service by end-2025, core systems being enhanced, and dual-loop services expected to resume on weekdays in the coming months, aiming for full completion in 2026.
• The Minister emphasised that safety remains a priority during upgrades, with early closures scheduled to facilitate works, and the overall MRT network's reliability has improved, meeting the target of at least one million train-kilometres between failures.