Grace Fu Hai Yien
Singapore
“The Government takes a multi-pronged approach to address the disamenities from second-hand tobacco smoke. The National Environment Agency (NEA) works with Government agencies, Town Councils and community leaders to promote considerate behaviour and strengthen social norms.”
“The Government recently announced land-use changes in Lim Chu Kang to optimise our scarce land to meet our growing and evolving needs. We are at the initial planning stage and agencies are still working out the detailed development proposals.”
“Public Waste Collectors and Town Councils have trialled the collection and treatment of segregated food waste from households. However, participation rates are poor despite regular engagement and reminders.”
“The quality of incense offerings and the practice of burning incense are not regulated by law. Instead, the National Environment Agency (NEA) works with stakeholders, such as Town Councils, agencies and religious organisations, to encourage responsible burning of joss paper and incense.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) monitors public cleaning contractors through regular physical audits and remote monitoring, complemented by video analytics. NEA also regularly assesses the cleaning quality and outcomes of public cleaning contractors.”
“This question has been addressed in the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s combined answer to Question Nos 15 to 18 on the Order Paper for 7 July 2026. [Please refer to "National Recycling Rates, Plans and Targets", Official Report, 7 July 2026, Vol 96, Issue 32, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
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“Third, we are deepening our understanding of the science behind how rising temperatures affect Singapore and our residents. We are investigating the impact of heat on specific population segments. We have commissioned studies under the Cooling Singapore 2.0 project to investigate the impact of heat on different segments of the population. NEA has also launched the second grant call under the Climate Impact Science Research Programme for new research proposals in areas such as food security, human health and sea level rise. MSE will continue to work with other agencies to better understand the effects of climate change in Singapore and our population and put in place the necessary adaptation and risk mitigation measures. We will ensure that the built environment is resilient and prepared for a range of climate scenarios and empower the community to take the necessary protective measures.”
“Singapore's Third National Climate Change Study (V3) produced an updated set of climate projections for Singapore and the Southeast Asia region up to the year 2100 and beyond. V3 studied the three different emission pathways of high, medium and low greenhouse gas emissions to explore the range of climate outcomes for Singapore and the Southeast Asian region. These updated climate projections enable the Government to develop and refine our climate adaptation plans to ensure that Singapore remains resilient to the impact of climate change. Agencies involved in the Resilience Working Group include the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), National Parks Board (NParks), Public Utilities Board and National Environment Agency, which are tasked to review and update the adaption plans in their respective areas. One example is Singapore’s heat resilience efforts. Agencies including URA and NParks adopt a science-based and proactive heat resilience strategy to help Singaporeans cope with rising temperatures. First, we are implementing national-level strategies to cool our urban environment, such as by infusing more greenery and scaling up the use of cool materials on buildings. Second, we are strengthening the community’s resilience to heat. For example, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and NEA launched the Heat Stress Advisory last year for the general population. Working with the Ministry of Health, we advised the more vulnerable segments, such as the elderly and children, to exercise greater caution. The Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Education also issued sector-specific guidelines for outdoor workers and students respectively.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) launched the Recycle Right Campaign in November 2019 to raise awareness on what can and cannot be recycled, how to incorporate recycling into aspects of daily life and how to avoid contamination of recyclables. NEA's 2023 survey on household recycling found an assuring trend: 72% of households reported that they recycled their waste materials in 2023, compared to 64% in 2021. In addition, a higher proportion of respondents were aware of common items that can be deposited in the blue recycling bins and recycling chutes. NEA will monitor how the improved awareness of recycling right translates to lower contamination of recyclables over time. I urge everyone to do their part to recycle right, especially during this festive season when households may be spring cleaning. Only clean and recyclable items should be placed in the blue recycling bins or recycling chutes. Electronic waste should be recycled at designated e-waste collection points and reusable items, such as furniture and clothes, should be donated or disposed of separately.”
“The cost of operating each hawker centre varies, based on factors such as the size of the centre. There are also expenses that are incurred periodically, such as for painting, repair and renovation. A significant part of the costs is funded from the Service and Conservancy Charge (S&CC) and table cleaning fees collected. For a typical centre with about 50 cooked food stalls and 80 market stalls, this amounts to about $40,000 a month, based on median S&CC and cleaning fees.”
“The National Environment Agency rents out market and cooked food stalls through a monthly tender exercise, which is a transparent and fair process, with no minimum bid amount. In the past five years, stallholders have successfully secured stalls at bids from $1 to $8,301 a month. And 95% of the successful tender bids for a stall were less than $3,600 per month. Regardless of the successful bid amount, the rent that these stallholders pay will be adjusted towards the assessed market rent, which is determined by independent professional valuers, after the initial three-year tenancy period. Since 2019, the median assessed market rentals for non-subsidised market and cooked food stalls have remained constant at about $320 and $1,200 a month respectively.”
“The total amount of food waste generated in 2022 was 813,000 tonnes, close to the 817,000 tonnes in 2021. About 40% of Singapore's total food waste generated was from commercial and industrial sources. Under the Resource Sustainability Act, large commercial and industrial food waste generators, including hotels, shopping malls, and food manufacturers, will be progressively required – from 2024 – to segregate their food waste for treatment or conversion into useful products and to submit food waste reports annually. The reporting will help raise awareness on the amount of food waste generated and encourage building managers to work with their occupants to minimise food waste. In collaboration with industry stakeholders, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has published food waste minimisation guidebooks to help the industry reduce food waste across the supply chain. Where there is unsold or excess food that is still suitable for consumption, consumers and food establishments can donate them to food distribution organisations, such as The Food Bank Singapore, Food from the Heart and Willing Hearts. Members of the public may also refer to NEA's website for more information on food distribution organisations.”
“Smoking is prohibited in specified places within residential estates, such as void decks, common corridors and staircases, in order to limit non-smokers' exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. Smoking is also prohibited in coffee shops, except at designated smoking corners within these coffee shops. The National Environment Agency has stopped accepting applications for new smoking corners in coffee shops since June 2017 and existing smoking corners at coffee shops will be phased out when the licences of these establishments are terminated or cancelled. Makeshift smoking points are not prohibited unless they are located in places specified in the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Regulations 2018. However, premises owners should be considerate and ensure that makeshift smoking points in areas they manage do not cause disamenities to the public. We also urge smokers to be socially responsible when smoking at public places and to keep our public spaces clean.”
“Since the implementation of the mandatory disposable carrier bag charge on 3 July 2023, our public waste collectors have not observed any changes in households' waste disposal habits. Households have continued to bag their waste before throwing it down the rubbish chutes. We do not track the sales of trash bags. The National Environment Agency will monitor households' waste disposal habits and review the impact of the disposable carrier bag charge after a full year of implementation.”
“As of end 2023, there are 28 licensed tissue sellers. We do not track the number of unlicensed tissue sellers. The Vulnerable-In-Community (VIC) Network, led by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and comprising of Government agencies and community groups, was set up in November 2019. The VIC engages vulnerable individuals, including unlicensed tissue sellers, to find out their needs and link them up for support. Since its inception, the VIC network has reached out to more than 160 individuals and assisted 90 individuals to receive support, such as ComCare or employment assistance. However, a number of the unlicensed tissue sellers reject VIC's offers for help, preferring to continue with their activities. The VIC Network continues to engage them to convince them to consider other options. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) works with MSF to refer unlicensed tissue sellers to the VIC network. SFA may take enforcement action against unlicensed tissue sellers if they persist in operating illegally.”
“As mentioned in previous replies to the House, the study on ventilation conducted by the National Environment Agency and the Ministry of Manpower in 2021 was once-off and there are currently no plans to conduct another study. If we do conduct another study, we will consider the suggestions of the Member.”
“We have not detected any reservations or any impact, but we will keep a very close eye and will respond quickly, expeditiously and robustly, if need be.”
“Mr Speaker, I am not aware that the Government has contracts with Mr Ong Beng Seng's companies that are of the same nature and relevance.”
“MTI is leading in this review and we may involve other agencies in the process.”
“Members will understand that I cannot say more on this at this point. Whilst we will review any Government contracts to safeguard Singapore’s interest, we remain committed to the F1 Singapore Grand Prix. Preparations for the 2024 race have started. Mr Yip Hon Weng asked about the conduct of economic agencies in working with private entities, to ensure we uphold Singapore's reputation for integrity and good governance in the international business community. Like other Government agencies, our economic agencies abide by the Public Service Code of Conduct, which sets out the principles and rules of engagement. These include interactions with private entities, such as rules on accepting gifts and hospitality. Minister Chan will share more details about the Code and the practices Public Service officers are required to adhere to, in his reply to related Parliamentary Questions later.”
“Mr Speaker, my response today will also cover the questions filed by Assoc Prof Jamus Lim for a subsequent Sitting. If the Member is satisfied with the response, he may wish to withdraw the question after this session. Sir, I would first say that many parts of these questions relate to matters which may have to be dealt with during the trial of Mr Iswaran. It is not appropriate for us to speculate or prejudge the outcome of the proceedings. I will answer in so far as it is possible for me to do so. Mr Edward Chia asked if the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has conducted an assessment of the relationship between former Minister S Iswaran and Mr Ong Beng Seng concerning the F1 Singapore Grand Prix. Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked how we assessed the benefits of the F1 contracts. Assoc Prof Jamus Lim asked about Government’s contracts with Mr Ong Beng Seng’s companies. More than one Member asked if there has been non-compliance with processes. In 2007, STB entered into a contract with Singapore GP Pte Ltd to organise the F1 night race in Singapore. STB renewed this contract three times, in 2012, 2017 and 2022. We are in the fourth term of our contract, which will end in 2028. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) had previously said that: “The terms of all the agreements were considered carefully by the Government. There was an independent consultancy study. There is nothing to suggest as of now that either the F1 contracts or other contracts were structured to the disadvantage of the Government.” But as Members will appreciate, given the allegations of corruption, we are reviewing the terms of deal again. We have also asked STB to conduct an audit of the most recent race, held in 2022, of which accounts are ready for audit.”
“Except for the obligated larger supermarket operators, other retailers have the prerogative to decide whether to charge for disposable carrier bags as a business decision. The National Environment Agency does not track such retailers that have voluntarily implemented disposable carrier bag charges.”
“As of 31 December 2023, there are 12 hawker centres that are operated by Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre (SEHC) operators. To ensure that stall rental at SEHCs is kept reasonable and affordable, when the National Environment Agency (NEA) assesses bids, it takes into consideration the proposed rental, operating costs and ancillary costs to be paid by stallholders, such as table-cleaning fees and central dishwashing charges. The operator is not allowed to charge stallholders rent that differs from that stated in the tender bid or subject the stall rentals to bidding. The median stall rental at SEHCs is comparable to that at similar hawker centres operated by NEA, taking into account stall sizes and amenities. The ancillary costs of business operations at SEHCs, such as table-cleaning fees and centralised dishwashing services, are also comparable with those at similar hawker centres operated by NEA.”
“When a market/hawker centre has to be redeveloped, the Government will fully fund the construction of the replacement centre but will not fund or build temporary centres. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will inform the affected stallholders at least six months ahead of closure so that they can make alternative plans for their businesses. For stallholders who wish to continue their businesses during the redevelopment period, NEA will offer them the option to operate temporarily at vacant stalls in other hawker centres, subject to availability. Notwithstanding the above, affected stallholders may choose to work directly with the local Grassroots Advisers and Grassroots Organisations to discuss and collectively finance and build a temporary centre. In the case of the Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre, the stallholders were informed in March 2023, more than a year ahead of the intended closure. After discussions with the Grassroots Adviser and local Grassroots Organisations, the community decided to collectively finance and build a temporary centre. To facilitate the development of such temporary centres, NEA will work with relevant agencies to secure the use of the identified land at zero land cost, as in the case for the temporary Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre. As the temporary centre is funded, built and owned collectively by the community, the rental will be determined by the community.”
“Operators of Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres (SEHCs) have committed that all stalls will provide at least one affordable meal option as part of their tender commitment. Hawkers have the flexibility to price other food items. Typically, they would do so taking into consideration various factors, such as market competition, operating costs, location and patron demographics. SEHC operators may propose adjustments to the price of affordable meal options, subject to the National Environment Agency (NEA)’s approval. NEA will review whether the proposed increase is reasonable.”
“Under Regulation 30(2) of the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations, every licensee of a food establishment, including coffee shops, must ensure that the toilets in its premises are kept clean and properly maintained. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) inspects such public toilets to ensure that licensees adhere to the regulations and implement measures to upkeep good public hygiene. Enforcement actions will be taken by SFA if lapses are detected. Under the Environmental Sanitation Regime, coffeeshops are required to develop and implement upstream measures to achieve stipulated cleanliness outcomes at their premises, including their toilets. Premises Managers of coffeeshops have to adopt mandatory baseline cleaning standards such as minimum daily cleaning and disinfection frequency, as well as thorough cleaning and disinfection at least once every quarter. In addition, the National Environment Agency (NEA) published an advisory in March 2023 to remind public toilet owners to keep toilets clean by having a proper schedule for cleaning and maintenance. Premises Managers of coffeeshops are recommended to adopt similar toilet cleaning frequencies as indicated for hawker centres in the advisory, which is to clean their toilets once every one to two hours during non-peak period, and every half-hour during peak period. The advisory also details the cleaning method, equipment and cleaning agents to be used for different surfaces.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) provides a conducive environment for hawkers to operate to enable them to price their food affordably and sustain their livelihoods at the same time. To do this, NEA moderates the rent of hawker stalls by not setting reserve rents in the tender of stalls and disallowing subletting. In addition, NEA has put in place support measures to help hawkers enhance their productivity. For example, the Productive Hawker Centres programme provides a subsidy for hawker centres to adopt centralised dishwashing and the Hawkers’ Productivity Grant provides co-funding for the purchase of kitchen automation equipment and digital solutions. To moderate the costs of ingredients, some Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre operators have tapped on their network in the food and beverage and food supply sectors to offer bulk purchasing services. So far, the take-up for such services by stallholders has not been widespread as most of them already have established relationships with their existing suppliers or are particular on the source and quality of their ingredients. Nonetheless, NEA will continue to support such bulk purchasing options where possible.”
“They can improve their energy efficiency by switching to more energy efficient cooling and lighting systems or invest in water recycling systems. In the GreenGov.SG report, we highlighted some actions that have been adopted by government agencies, which companies can reference. The Energy Efficiency Technology Centre, set up by the National Environment Agency and the Singapore Institute of Technology, offers affordable consultancy services to help SMEs identify energy efficiency improvement opportunities, while the Public Utilities Board (PUB) has published a Best Practice Guide for Water Efficiency to help companies identify opportunities to reduce water consumption. Interested companies can utilise grant support schemes such as the Energy Efficiency Fund and Water Efficiency Fund to implement these initiatives. Sustainability is a whole-of-nation effort. The private sector, including small and medium enterprises, can contribute to building a greener Singapore. Such efforts will also help companies reap cost savings, and enhance their long-term competitiveness and resource resilience.”
“Under the GreenGov.SG initiative, the public sector has committed to achieve net zero emissions around 2045, five years ahead of the national target of 2050. We have also committed to reduce our energy and water use by 10% and waste disposed of by 30% in 2030. To achieve these targets, the public sector has introduced various measures to reduce its environmental footprint. For instance, new and existing public sector buildings that undergo major retrofitting are to achieve Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy standard. Since 2023, all cars newly procured and registered will also need to be clean energy vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions. Since the announcement of the GreenGov.SG initiative in 2021, we have established baseline measurements for our emissions, energy and water consumption. These have been published in the inaugural GreenGov.SG report. We aim to start tracking and publishing our waste data beginning from the next report. We expect to see progress towards our targets, as public sector operations stabilise post-pandemic and various measures that are being implemented start to yield results. It is premature to assess the public sector’s current progress at this point. As to the private sector, my Ministry has mandated companies with large energy or water consumption to report their resource use and submit improvement plans annually. In addition, large commercial and industrial premises must report their waste data and submit their waste reduction plans. The Singapore Exchange has also mandated climate reporting for listed companies on a "comply or explain" basis. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can do their part. They can start by tracking and reducing their electricity and water consumption.”
“I thank the Member for his question. ITMs do not come under the purview of MSE per se. We do have ITMs that are under MSE that have to do with environmental services and waste management. But I will bring that as a suggestion to my colleagues who are responsible for the respective ITMs.”
“I thank the Member and would like to commend Mr Dennis Tan for his ambition to have Singapore play a regional and global role in climate action. We will try to do our best by being, I would say, an active partner in global negotiations, as well as propagating, advocating at the regional level. So, whether it is at ASEAN or other regional groupings, we will do our best. For example, we bring our climate projections, the 3rd National Climate Change Study (V3), to many of the ASEAN fora, whether it is on agriculture, environment or water. We also bring in finance. Our Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as well as our banks are working actively to look at how we can have a taxonomy that allows transition energy and transition fuels to be financed so that, as the Member said, neighbouring countries that still have a lot of coal-fired power plants are able to benefit from finance to help them transit. There are many, many opportunities for us to play a role. But ultimately, the decision, pace, direction and investment decisions have to be taken by the respective countries. That is why I think the UNFCCC remains such an important multilateral forum for us to have those discussions on the global basis.”
“I thank the Member. Indeed, I think this is where our Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and Ministry of Transport (MOT) folks are working flat out to be ahead but, at the same time, leveraging on the massive investments in R&D that is going into new areas. The world is looking for new solutions – solutions in hydrogen and carbon capture, for example, are not an exclusive arena for Singapore. And given the kind of resources that are available globally, it will serve Singapore's interest to really tap on and leverage on such global investments. But there are certain areas that we want to invest in. So, as I have mentioned in my speech, already in our power generation system, we are making provision for hydrogen to be introduced as an alternative fuel. In the maritime sector, for example, we are also pioneering, with other ports, green shipping with alternative fuels, learning how to handle, store and move new types of fuels. So, we are moving in many, many different ways. Even in aviation, a similar undertaking is ongoing to really be at the cusp of change. The change is going to be massive. We will not be alone and we want to really be out there, to be early enough to tap the change and not to be left behind, but at the same time, also capture opportunities that may arise.”
“Mr Speaker, I would put through you, to ask the Member to, perhaps, file a separate Parliamentary Question on Singapore Pavilion because, by itself, it is quite a topic and it is not related directly to his question. Secondly, it is about the biennial transparency report as well as NDC. The preparation is in progress. There is some time for us to do it, until the end of this year. So, I think we are making good progress. Unabated coal, fossil fuel subsidies, as I mentioned in my reply, our LEDS is actually aligned to the UAE Consensus. So, we do not think we need to make major adjustments because it is out of sync or out of place with what has been agreed. So, we will, basically, progress with what we have already planned under the Singapore Green Plan.”
“I did not get a clear question from the Member because the Workers' Party has been asking us: are we contributing to L&D? So, I just wanted to know whether the Member is asking us to contribute to the L&D funds specifically. But it is okay. I think that our position is quite aligned, that we will do our part in finance. Senior Minister Teo has announced an initiative called "FAST-P" to basically galvanise up to $5 billion in seed funding and also in blended finance to help in climate action. But L&D is very specific. It has a specific purpose – loss and damage. This is where I think countries that are looking to claim are looking for outright grants. So, we believe that we can play a role to facilitate, to develop capabilities, to do technological transfers, and capability and capacity-building. That is where Singapore's strength and role as a financial centre can come into play. So, we do not think that our current capacity or resources would be meaningful in contributing grants in L&D, but we definitely will be supporting other developing countries, particularly in the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) grouping, to tap on the L&D fund because they are most badly affected. But if the Member would like to suggest a sum to the Government to contribute to L&D, I would really welcome his suggestion.”
“I think I have gone into some extent on how we are progressing on our climate action. In fact, from the Singapore Green Plan that was announced in 2021, we have been updating some of the sub-goals almost annually. Even though there are five pillars and two horizontals, there have been movements on every vertical, every pillar of work that we are doing. I would encourage the Member to watch this space, to give us suggestions as to how we can move further. And I think the Member has the assurance that all the participating Ministries are working flat out towards our net-zero 2050 goals. It is by no means easy, given our constraints. In fact, we are looking at some of the alternatives that have yet to come on stream, such as low-carbon hydrogen that is so important in our energy transition but which we are still in the process of developing a viable, commercial market for it. So, do not misunderstand that although there is a lot of effort, there are also many, many challenges. But we are not afraid of challenges, and we will do our very best for climate action and for Singapore's decarbonisation. On L&D, can I understand from the Member whether it is the Workers' Party's position that Singapore should contribute and, if so, what would the Member suggest that we contribute?”
“Although there is a consensus, the basis of the consensus is still on the basis of the Paris Agreement, where some of the basic values – for example, common but differentiated responsibilities, nationally determined contributions (NDCs), national context – are still relevant. Where we have goals, such as three times renewable energy capacity, two times energy efficiency improvements, these are global collective measures. The implementation is still dependent on countries incorporating those into their NDCs, taking into consideration their own national context. On nuclear energy, that is the same basis. A few countries have a declaration, they have started to look at it separately. These declarations outside the negotiation documents are helpful. Because these are the initiatives that are pushing movements, directions and developments in technologies, in finance and in global action. So, we need to look at it in two ways: look at what is happening outside the negotiations, look at what is in the documents and see how Singapore can leverage on some of the developments, such as the development of technology in nuclear energy. This is an area where we have some interest to understand the development, because we think that the advanced nuclear technology offers us some potential. In terms of safety, there is better safety in these technologies, and also, in terms of cost competitiveness. These are two very important metrics that feed into our energy decision. We have not made a decision on adopting nuclear energy, but we are building capabilities to understand how these technologies are advancing and also, how these technologies can potentially be of help to Singapore. I hope that answers the Member's questions.”
“Mr Speaker, with regard to the first question about the overall outcome of COP28, I think we must look at it in the context that it is being held. It is being held in a period where there is high energy inflation, there is also great geopolitical contention. But the fact that all parties were able to come together and again, re-affirm that the UN Climate Change Conference (COP) is the only relevant multilateral platform for climate discussion and negotiations is a major undertaking. On top of that, I think there were several improvements and I would say movements in negotiations. Transitioning away from fossil fuels is one major achievement – it is the first time that such language has appeared. But more importantly, it is that with a global stocktake, there was a louder and more concerted call to accelerate action in this decade. Climate projections, temperatures are telling us that we need to do more in the near term. The focus of the global stocktake has been a lot on implementation. What the Member has spoken about – whether it is three times renewable energy capacity, two times on energy efficiency improvements – these are going into the so-called "nitty gritty". It is no longer just setting net-zero targets, but, really, what is the pathway to 1.5 °C. There were some very specific recommendations and agreements. I think that is a major achievement of COP28. There are many other details. It is a very extensive and comprehensive process, and it does not do justice to the process by just answering supplementary questions. It deserves a much more extensive discussion. Having said that, I think it is important and useful for Members to also understand that this being a global UN process, we need to pay attention to the language that is being used.”
“Last year, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) announced new emissions standards for power generation units, which will require all new generation units to be at least 30% hydrogen-ready by volume, with the ability to be retrofitted to become 100% hydrogen-ready in the future. In the area of energy efficiency, Singapore's overall energy efficiency is already much better than the global average. According to the International Energy Agency, Singapore's energy intensity in 2019 was almost half that of global energy intensity. This has been achieved through consistent efforts to identify and realise energy efficiency opportunities. For example, the National Environment Agency (NEA) enhanced the Energy Conservation Act in 2017 to require energy-intensive industrial facilities to conduct regular energy efficiency assessments. Another example is the Economic Development Board (EDB)'s Resource Efficiency Grant for Emissions, which supports businesses in improving their energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For households, our Climate Friendly Households Programme continues to help eligible households offset the higher cost of energy-efficient appliances. Accelerating the energy transition in Singapore will require a whole-of-nation effort. The Government, businesses, communities and individuals must all contribute to this overall goal. Even so, no country can tackle climate change alone. Despite our natural limitations in size and natural resources, Singapore is committed to do our part as a responsible global citizen and will continue to work with like-minded countries and companies for a cleaner, greener future.”
“At COP28, Singapore signed on to the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency pledge, which is a collective global effort that aims to triple the world's renewable energy generation capacity and double annual energy efficiency by 2030. Singapore has been accelerating our energy transition as part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. We have doubled our solar power deployment since 2021 to over 1,000 megawatt-peak (MWp) currently. We aim to at least double this deployment again, to achieve our target of at least 2,000 MWp by 2030. We are also partnering like-minded countries to import low-carbon electricity from the region. Last year, the Government issued Conditional Approvals for 4.2 gigawatts of imports from Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam. When implemented by 2035, these projects will meet about 30% of our electricity needs. They will also support our neighbours' development of renewable energy projects and serve as building blocks towards our shared vision of an ASEAN Power Grid. Beyond solar power and electricity imports, we will need to leverage other energy alternatives to further expand our low-carbon energy capacity. We are working closely with the industry and academia to realise the potential of low-carbon technologies. These include research and development as well as industry projects in areas such as innovative solar power deployment, transport and utilisation of hydrogen and ammonia, carbon capture, utilisation and storage, as well as advanced geothermal energy. The Government is progressively updating our regulations to facilitate the adoption of these low-carbon alternatives.”
“Thank you. At the UN Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28), Singapore co-facilitated negotiations on mitigation and the first global stocktake that contributed to the successful adoption of the UAE Consensus. The UAE Consensus calls on countries to transition away from fossil fuels, accelerate the phasedown of unabated coal power, phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency globally by 2030, among others. Singapore supports the UAE Consensus. As part of our Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy (LEDS), Singapore has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, despite being a small, alternative energy disadvantaged city state with many natural limitations on our climate action measures. Our LEDS is aligned with the UAE Consensus. Over the past few years, many Members have spoken extensively about the urgent need to address climate change – in particular, during the two climate Motions that have been endorsed by this House, as well as the debate on the Carbon Pricing (Amendment) Bill. I am glad that Members, including those from the Opposition, who advocated for a carbon tax above $100 per tonne, agree that more should be done to support our net-zero goals. We have raised our carbon tax to $25 per tonne from 1 January 2024 and will progressively raise it further, to between $50 and $80 by 2030. Our carbon tax ensures that the negative externalities of carbon emissions are properly priced, and is an effective mechanism to spur economy-wide decarbonisation efforts to achieve our net-zero ambition.”
“Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to address Question Nos 1, 2 and 3 on today's Order Paper by a combined reply?”
“Gas flaring refers to the controlled combustion of gases, most commonly in the oil and gas sector. We are aware of reports highlighting the impact of gas flaring from oil and gas drilling activities on air quality and human health. There are no oil and gas drilling activities in Singapore. In Singapore, gas flaring takes place primarily at refineries and petrochemical plants as a safety measure, to prevent the dangerous build-up of gases during process upsets or to burn off excess gases that cannot be recovered and stored. Such flaring is typically much shorter in duration and involves smaller volumes of gas than in the case of flaring from oil and gas drilling activities. Gas flaring is required to be carried out efficiently to minimise the emission of dark smoke and avoid affecting air quality and public health. The National Environment Agency will take enforcement action against plants with flares that produce dark smoke more than three times a day, or when the dark smoke lasts five minutes or more within any one-hour period. Singapore's ambient air quality is monitored through a network of air monitoring stations, including in the western region of Singapore, where there are industries that may need to conduct gas flaring. Primary pollutants generated from gas flaring, such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, are tracked under the basket of pollutants in the Pollutant Standards Index. The overall ambient air quality in the west region has remained in the "Good" to "Moderate" range since 2020.”
“I thank the Member for the suggestion. My Ministry will continue to implement initiatives that cultivate recycling habits in households. This includes the upcoming Beverage Container Return Scheme, which will encourage the recycling of plastic and metal beverage containers by providing a deposit refund when empty beverage containers are returned at designated return points. We have no plans to grant credits on the household electricity bill to residents who recycle right. It could be technically challenging to implement and sustain a system that accurately tracks and rewards the practice of recycling right by households. Nonetheless, we are supportive of the various ground-up efforts that offer incentives to nudge households towards recycling right, such as SG Recycle's paper recycling machines, ALBA's STEP UP mobile application and Cash-for-Trash recycling stations by Public Waste Collectors.”
“So far, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has not detected any upward trend in reports regarding bedbug infestation in Singapore. Nevertheless, it is important for businesses and residents in Singapore to exercise vigilance. While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, they can cause discomfort, itching and allergic reactions in some people. Travellers returning to Singapore should exercise caution and personal responsibility to ensure that bed bugs are not inadvertently brought back into their work and living environments here. In addition, NEA has issued advisories to organisations, such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Changi Airport Group, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Hotel Association, to provide guidance on what they can do to prevent an infestation of bed bugs in premises under their purview. This includes performing thorough checks and cleaning of areas where infestations could occur, such as beds, furniture and areas where luggage is placed, transported or stored. Premises owners are also encouraged to engage professional pest control operators to eradicate bed bug infestations, should they occur.”
“More than half the available space on Semakau Landfill has been filled and it is expected to run out of space by 2035 at the current waste disposal rates. As indicated in the Ministry's replies to recent Parliamentary Questions, there are ongoing efforts to extend the lifespan of the landfill well beyond 2035, including regulatory measures on key waste streams, as well as research and development into repurposing of waste residues, such as incineration ash. For example, the National Environment Agency is working with the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore, the National University of Singapore and other partners to study the feasibility of recovering and processing landfilled incineration ash and other non-incinerable wastes from Semakau Landfill as alternative reclamation fill material for use at Tuas Port Phase 3. Preliminary indications on its feasibility are expected in the coming months. If successful, this project will help to extend the lifespan of Semakau Landfill. Notwithstanding these efforts, we need to press on towards achieving our Zero Waste vision by moving upstream to each do our part to reduce waste and recycle right.”
“Excessive vehicle noise is caused by a variety of factors, including vehicle design, illegal modifications, poor maintenance and inconsiderate driver behaviour. The National Environment Agency (NEA) sets noise emission standards for new vehicles, as well as for vehicles that are in use, to ensure that vehicles are well-maintained and do not emit excessive noise. Unlike speeding offences, which can be visually captured using speed cameras, it is challenging to accurately measure and attribute the source of the noise to a specific vehicle on the road, due to interference from surrounding vehicles and other sources of noise. The current approach is to pull aside suspected noisy vehicles for separate noise emissions testing during enforcement operations. To strengthen enforcement, NEA has been monitoring and studying developments in technologies that could overcome these challenges. NEA will consider the effectiveness of deploying such technologies on our roads in the future.”
“Since its implementation on 3 July 2023, the mandatory disposable carrier bag charge has generally been well-received. The obligated larger supermarket operators have observed approximately 50% to 80% reduction in the number of disposable carrier bags that consumers have taken. We are heartened that the supermarket operators have also indicated that they intend to use the proceeds from the bag charge to support environmental or social causes. The disposable carrier bag charge is a behavioural nudge which encourages the public to adopt sustainable habits, such as reducing the use of disposable carrier bags. We hope that the adoption of such sustainable habits will lead to wider behavioural change. However, as the bag charge was implemented less than a year ago, it may be too early to tell if it has also resulted in increased participation in other recycling initiatives. It is also difficult to directly attribute any changes in recycling habits to the bag charge, as the charge focuses on reducing usage rather than recycling.”
“Thank you. I think I have covered the points raised in my speech, but I will reiterate that we do have dedicated staff undertaking the WSH responsibilities. Also, we have taken steps to continue to strengthen the WSH practices, including in the area of risk assessment. And we will work very closely with the industry, the private operators, together with MOM to ensure compliance with the existing laws and regulations. 12.54 pm”
“Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. The response to the first question is, definitely, yes. As I have stated in my speech earlier on, we have been keeping our other operators informed as and when we undertake reviews. I think we will continue with these working relations of informing the industry about practices and processes that we have made improvements on. I would also like to repeat that we have been assisting the families from medical expenses to workmen's compensation and also psychological and well-being support. Obviously, the families had suffered, very regrettably, deep losses; and our colleagues had been long-time colleagues with these two officers as well. Psychological support and also just being there for the families has continued until today.”
“NEA is undertaking a broader operational review of its waste management facilities and seeking external validation of its workplace safety and health practices later this year. The charges against NEA and its senior officers are serious. Workplace safety is a continuous journey and remains a top priority for my Ministry and statutory boards, including NEA, to keep our operational and frontline workers safe. All of us have a part to play to ensure workplace safety and health, so that every worker can return home safely to their loved ones. We pay our tribute to Mr Kwok Yeow Wai and Mr Wee Eng Leng who passed away in the incident and offer our condolences to their families for their loss. (In English): Mr Speaker, I will now take clarifications from the Members. 12.50 pm”
“In response to some questions raised earlier for an MOM Parliamentary Question, I would like to add that WSH is one of NEA's key corporate key performance indicators (KPIs). It is also taken into consideration for performance assessment and bonuses. NEA has a dedicated WSH team supporting senior management to strengthen WSH culture and capabilities. Across NEA's premises and facilities, there are also WSH committees and appointment holders that oversee and manage WSH risks in the organisation. Sir, we have continually sought improvements and enhancements to the way we work and will continue to strive to do even better. We will continue to focus on and emphasise the importance of building a collective and strong WSH culture. The charges against NEA and its two senior officers are now before the Courts and going forward, they will be addressed as the legal process runs its course. In the meantime, NEA and all our officers will continue to carry out their duties in service of Singapore and our people. I urge all of us to play our part to ensure WSH, so that every worker can return home safely to their loved ones. Mr Speaker, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Charges were filed against the NEA and two senior NEA officers under the Workplace Safety and Health Act in relation to an explosion at Tuas Incineration Plant on 23 September 2021. Two senior NEA engineers lost their lives and another was seriously injured. MOM, SCDF and other technical agencies concurrently carried out independent investigations. NEA also convened an internal Investigation Panel, which recommended additional measures to prevent the recurrence of such an incident.”
“NEA is also in the process of seeking external validation of its WSH practices through the bizSAFE Level 3 Risk Management Audit, which will take place later this year. In terms of governance at the board level, the NEA board was restructured last year to include a dedicated Risk Committee to oversee and manage key enterprise risks, including workplace safety which is a top priority for NEA. Key enterprise risks were previously overseen by the Audit Committee, which reported to the board. The formation of a Risk Committee is part of NEA's efforts to continually strengthen the governance of its risk management. The localised explosion at Tuas Incineration Plant in 2021 was a painful chapter for NEA and the MSE family. As I have set out in my Statement, NEA has implemented measures to prevent similar incidents from taking place. More broadly, as part of its continuous journey of improvement, NEA has strengthened WSH at its waste management facilities and across the entire organisation. The charge faced by NEA is a serious one. Two of its officers have also been charged. NEA has implemented all recommendations made by the internal Investigation Panel following the incident and strengthened its workplace safety culture and practices. It would be premature to comment on the Court’s decision and the impact of the decision. After the Court's decision is released, my Ministry will work with the board of NEA to study the Court's decision and assess how it should be reflected on personnel matters, including performance assessment, remuneration and disciplinary action, if and where appropriate. Mr Speaker, WSH is a top priority for my Ministry and Statutory Boards, including NEA, to keep our operational and frontline workers safe.”
“Having covered the measures that were put in place shortly after the incident, I will now turn to how NEA is strengthening its workplace safety practices and culture, in a broader sense. First, at waste management facilities. NEA is currently undertaking an operational review of its waste management facilities, which includes not just Tuas South Incineration Plant, but also other facilities, such as Semakau Landfill. This is part of a broader set of operational reviews to strengthen operational excellence, safety and resilience. This ensures that NEA responds effectively to changes in the operating environment. As part of the operational review for waste management facilities, NEA has appointed an External Advisory Panel (EAP), comprising senior industry leaders who have had experience managing large facilities and operations. The EAP is advising NEA on ways to strengthen operations and safety at its waste management facilities. NEA is also in the process of engaging consultants to undertake a technical review of existing operational processes and controls, which includes but is not limited to safety. Next, at the organisational level. NEA has also taken steps to further strengthen workplace safety and health (WSH), taking reference from guidelines and best practices issued by the WSH Council. After the charges were filed, NEA also called an organisation-wide Safety Time Out to reaffirm its commitment to safety. During this week-long Safety Time Out, NEA re-assessed its WSH practices and work processes and NEA senior management conducted additional safety walkabouts and held discussions with officers on ways to further improve WSH. These efforts were over and above regular WSH activities and served as opportunities to re-emphasise the importance of WSH.”
“Mr Ng Wah Yong, the General Manager of the plant at the time, as well as Mr Lee Yew Binn Christopher, Director of the Waste Infrastructure Operations and Management Division at the time, were charged under section 15(3A) of the Workplace Safety and Health Act, for negligently endangering the safety of others at the plant without reasonable cause. NEA is studying its charge in consultation with its legal counsel. The two senior officers charged have been re-deployed to non-operational roles. It is important that we let the proceedings take its course and not come to any premature conclusion. I will next cover the measures which have been put in place at NEA's incineration plant to ensure that such incidents do not recur and how NEA has strengthened its workplace safety practices and culture. This will address the questions filed by Mr Melvin Yong and Ms Poh Li San. With the benefit of information obtained from its investigations, NEA's internal Investigation Panel made recommendations to strengthen the plant's work system and processes involving high voltage works. I am not able to detail the specific recommendations due to the ongoing Court proceedings. Nonetheless, all the recommendations were accepted by NEA's senior management and have been implemented at Tuas South Incineration Plant, the only waste incineration plant which NEA currently operates. NEA also shared the recommendations with waste incineration plants that are privately operated, for their own process safety reviews. The private operators have acknowledged the recommendations. Workplace safety is a continuous journey and it is important that we learn the lessons from each incident to make our systems and operations even safer and prevent recurrence of a similar incident.”
“MOM, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and other technical agencies carried out their independent investigations. NEA fully cooperated with these investigations. NEA also convened an internal Investigation Panel to ascertain the events which led to the incident, identify the possible causes and recommend additional measures to prevent the recurrence of such an incident. NEA's internal Investigation Panel comprised four members. It was chaired by a Group Director in NEA who had experience in the operations of incineration plants but was not managing such plants at the time. The other three members were two Divisional Directors from the Ministry and NEA, and a former General Manager of the Tuas South Incineration Plant. NEA also engaged an external technical expert to provide an independent review of the affected equipment and to advise the panel on the likely cause of the localised explosion. The Panel reported to the then-Chief Executive Officer of NEA. The Panel's findings were shared with the NEA board and the Ministry. The findings were also shared with MOM investigators. MOM has since concluded its investigation of the incident. Charges have been filed against NEA as a body corporate and two senior NEA officers. NEA has been charged under section 12(1) of the Workplace Safety and Health Act, read with section 20 and punishable under section 50(b), for failing to take, so far as was reasonably practicable, such measures as were necessary to ensure the safety and health of its employees at work. Two senior officers in NEA have also been charged.”
“On 27 September 2021, NEA was issued a Stop Work Order by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to cease any process or works in relation to electrical servicing and maintenance. During the period of the Stop Work Order, NEA engineering officers carried out and completed comprehensive checks on machinery and reviewed all safety procedures at the plant. Extensive checks and tests were also conducted by an external licensed electrical engineer. NEA did likewise at Tuas South Incineration Plant. NEA also notified private operators of incineration plants about the incident and requested them to review their safety procedures and equipment. The private operators acknowledged the requests. With MOM's clearance, Tuas Incineration Plant resumed partial operations on 13 October 2021. The waste that had been stored in the bunker from before the incident was then incinerated, but the plant did not receive new waste. Incineration of the waste in the bunker was necessary to prevent the build-up of potentially flammable gas from the decomposition of waste. The Stop Work Order was eventually lifted by MOM on 24 November 2021. The Tuas Incineration Plant had been in operation since 1986. With the commencement of operations at TuasOne Waste-To-Energy Plant, which was developed to replace the Tuas Incineration Plant while catering for growth in Singapore's waste treatment capacity, NEA stopped operations at the Tuas Incineration Plant in February 2022, after 36 years of service, as planned. The Plant was eventually decommissioned in July 2022. During the plant's 36 years of operations, there were no other serious or fatal work injuries at the plant. In parallel with these safety measures, investigations were also carried out immediately after the incident.”