Infrastructure & development

Elysa Chen asked about the total number and load capacity of data centres in Singapore. Josephine Teo responded that Singapore's total data centre capacity exceeds 1.4 gigawatts and that there are more than 70 data centres, including cloud, enterprise, and co-location facilities.

He Ting Ru asked about the timeline for the six Indonesian projects with Conditional Licenses for 3GW of low-carbon electricity imports to become commercially operational and their potential impact on household electricity prices. Gan Kim Yong indicated that project developers aim to start commercial operations by the end of the decade, pending regulatory approvals and development milestones. Developers are negotiating power purchase agreements with large electricity consumers, and there are currently no plans to mandate the purchase of imported electricity, leaving retail options for households at the discretion of the developers.

Valerie Lee asked for updates on the Courier Hub Scheme, including the number of applications received, its effectiveness, and the possibility of mandatory compliance for parcel sorting activities in HDB estates. Chee Hong Tat explained that the scheme was launched in September 2024 to improve last-mile delivery efficiency amid growing e-commerce. The scheme now includes 89 multi-storey car parks for courier companies, with 30 applications received so far and reported efficiency gains for faster parcel deliveries. However, there are constraints on the number of car parks available, necessitating prioritization of residents' parking and consideration of noise impacts. The Ministry will continue to monitor and review the scheme and explore additional solutions for parcel sorting.

Victor Lye asked about the installation of a bus stop near Blk 406 Fernvale Road to improve public transport access for nearby residents. Jeffrey Siow responded that feasibility studies are currently underway for the proposed bus stops. If deemed feasible, the design and construction process is expected to take approximately six to nine months.

Sylvia Lim asked about the timeline for erecting a bus stop near Blocks 174A to 174D on Hougang Avenue 1 for residents' convenience. Jeffrey Siow responded that the Land Transport Authority is currently conducting feasibility studies for the new bus stops. If deemed feasible, the design and construction of the bus stop will take approximately six to nine months.

Valerie Lee requested an update on the progress of the 15km forest-like corridor connecting East Coast Park and Changi Beach announced in 2020, along with the project's completion timeline. Chee Hong Tat responded that the East Coast Central Green Corridor is currently in the planning and design stage, and the completion timeline will be announced when it is ready.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the timeline for constructing a permanent staircase linking Block 377B Hougang Rivercourt to the nearby carpark, expressing concerns about resident safety and amenity. Chee Hong Tat responded that a temporary metal staircase has been in use since its installation about four to five years ago. The construction of a permanent staircase is scheduled to begin by the end of March 2026 and is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the mosques operating on Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs) and the long-term plans for these mosques. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim confirmed that seven mosques are currently on TOLs. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) aims to meet the long-term religious needs of the Muslim community by extending tenures of these mosques or finding alternative arrangements, depending on land use plans.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik raised questions about the effects of car-lite designations on vehicle ownership and public transport usage in 16 designated areas since 2019, as well as lessons learned from HDB estates like Bayshore and Ulu Pandan. Jeffrey Siow responded that these areas are still under development, with significant completion expected by 2030, and that the impact of car-lite designations will be assessed once the areas are mostly occupied.

Cai Yinzhou questioned the Minister for National Development about visitor trends to Sisters' Islands Marine Park, including the modes of transportation used, accessibility improvements for the public, and initiatives to enhance visitation. Chee Hong Tat reported that over 40,000 visitors have accessed Big Sister's Island since enhancements in October 2024, primarily via public ferry. A new daily boat service from Sentosa to Big Sister's Island was established in December 2025, complementing existing ferry services. Improvements include a barrier-free access route, a floating boardwalk, and wheelchair-friendly shelters, along with collaborative efforts with the Friends of Marine Park for guided activities.

Cai Yinzhou asked if the Ministry of National Development would review the retail mix in Toa Payoh to better accommodate younger families moving into new HDB BTO flats and whether there are plans for a new shopping center in the area. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Housing and Development Board regularly assesses the planning and provision of commercial facilities to match residents' needs. HDB considers demographic profiles and current retail offerings for upcoming developments in Toa Payoh East, Caldecott, and Mount Pleasant, with details to be announced when available.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong requested updates on the progress and opening months for Circle Line Stage 6, Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 5, and Downtown Line 3 extension. Jeffrey Siow stated that tunnel strengthening for Circle Line must be completed before resuming further testing, with an expected opening in the first half of 2026 if on schedule. Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 5 and Downtown Line 3 extension are projected to open in the second half of 2026. Additional details on specific opening dates and service adjustments will be provided later.

Diana Pang Li Yen asked about the planning criteria by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) for shophouse usage along Geylang Road, specifically regarding trades like massage, TCM, hair salons, and pubs, and whether URA would reconsider restrictions due to noise complaints. Chee Hong Tat explained that Geylang Road is zoned for commercial and hotel use, allowing certain shop types, while public entertainment establishments requiring licensing are prohibited to minimize disturbances and protect local amenity.

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked about Singapore's energy resilience and grid stability with the rise of renewable energy, specifically regarding measures to manage intermittency and ensure supply reliability. Gan Kim Yong reported that solar energy is Singapore's primary renewable source, with 1.7 GWp deployed, aiming for 2 GWp by 2030, despite fluctuations in generation. To address these intermittency challenges, the energy market utilizes regulation reserves and has implemented battery energy storage systems (BESS) for immediate demand-supply response. Additionally, there are plans to import electricity from the region, necessitating mitigation of intermittency at the source. Enhancements to grid infrastructure and technology will be made to ensure reliable power supply as solar energy deployment increases.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about noise from North-South Corridor works and MRT tracks in Yio Chu Kang, asking about noise fatigue for residents, maintenance of noise barriers, and plans for proactive barrier installation. Jeffrey Siow responded that noise mitigation measures are implemented to keep cumulative noise levels within guidelines and that noise barriers are regularly maintained near residential areas. Contractors for the North-South Corridor must perform noise impact assessments and employ measures to minimize noise during construction. Railway noise is monitored, and if levels exceed guidelines, additional mitigation strategies will be enacted.

David Hoe raised concerns about improving pedestrian flow and safety at the Clementi MRT station link bridge to Clementi Mall due to peak-hour congestion and requested long-term upgrades for future foot traffic from the new Cross-Island Line interchange. Jeffrey Siow responded that two additional entrances and link bridges were added in 2015 to alleviate crowding and that service ambassadors help manage pedestrian flow during peak hours. The Land Transport Authority plans to replace the current link bridge with a wider one as part of the Cross Island Line project to accommodate the expected increase in foot traffic.

Sharael Taha asked about the expected benefits of the Loyang Viaduct for commuters and businesses traveling between Pasir Ris, Changi, and the Airport Cargo Complex. Jeffrey Siow explained that the viaduct is part of the Changi Northern Corridor developments aimed at supporting industrial and aviation growth in the region. It will provide an alternative road corridor, alleviate traffic on existing roads, and enhance road network resilience. Travel times from Tampines Expressway and Loyang Avenue to Nicoll Drive during peak hours are anticipated to decrease by about 30%, from 22 minutes to 16 minutes.

Lee Hong Chuang raised concerns to the Minister for Digital Development about the adequacy of current cooperation with neighboring countries to protect Singapore's submarine cable network and the potential for investing in alternatives like satellite-based systems. Mrs. Josephine Teo responded that the Infocomm Media Development Authority leads the ASEAN Working Group on Submarine Cables, which aims to strengthen regional cable resilience through guidelines and cooperation. The Enhanced ASEAN Guidelines for strengthening submarine cable protection and repair were endorsed recently. Singapore plans to pursue improvements in digital connectivity, including exploring satellite options.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik questioned whether the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth plans to build a larger alternative stadium than the 6,000-seater Jalan Besar Stadium to host major football matches, given scheduling conflicts at the National Stadium. David Neo responded that the NS Square and Toa Payoh Integrated Development, with capacities of 30,000 and 10,000, will be operational by 2027 and 2030, providing more venue options for major events. In the interim, innovative solutions like adding temporary stands at Bishan Stadium have been used to accommodate larger crowds for specific matches.

Diana Pang Li Yen raised concerns about privacy for residents in landed estates that may be overlooked by new BTO projects. Chee Hong Tat responded that all BTO projects follow building codes, including guidelines on spacing between developments. The Housing and Development Board incorporates sensitive design elements, such as strategic building placement and landscaping, to enhance privacy, including planting tall trees for visual screening.