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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“As Members have rightly noted, it is essential that the fruits from this low-carbon transition can be enjoyed by all. As we put in place the right policy enablers, we must adopt an inclusive approach each step of the way, by consulting widely and providing support to those that need a hand. The thoughtful insights and recommendations shared in this House today have been most encouraging. We will study each idea carefully and incorporate suitable suggestions into our policies and plans. Just like we have always tackled challenges squarely as a nation, we will continue to apply the same determination to the low-carbon transition, turning adversity, crisis, challenges into opportunity. We will build on our own strengths and continue to advance Singapore's competitive position by: supporting global climate action as a trusted interlocutor at multilateral fora, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Bank; advancing research, pioneering innovative solutions, and building new norms and standards for the green economy; promoting green finance, digitalisation, and low-carbon innovation, which are key enablers for the green transition; and investing in our people to thrive in the green economy. Under the Green Plan, the Government will continue our efforts to spur whole-of-society action and catalyse partnerships across the people, public and private sectors for sustainability. With all parties working hand-in-hand to create new growth sectors, we can forge a brighter future for Singapore.”
“A recent SEC Newgate report has found that the top ESG concern of Singaporeans is whether or not companies are taking responsibility for their supply chain, 81% of it – which confirms the point that made by Ms He Ting Ru on ensuring that supply chain sustainability is respected; and also ahead of other indicators such as giving back to nature and the communities, 78%; and reporting the positive environmental impact that they deliver, 57%. We agree with Ms Nadia Samdin and Assoc Prof Jamus Lim that greater recognition of businesses that embrace sustainable practices will allow ordinary consumers and other business customers to make more informed purchasing decisions. The Minister for Trade and Industry elaborated on our efforts to develop standards and accreditation to help companies assess and demonstrate their sustainability credentials. Other home-grown efforts include the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme, administered by the Singapore Environment Council, supported by NEA, as well as the Green Mark Certification Scheme by BCA for the built environment. So, we do have several of these schemes to help consumers make up their mind, to help decipher which are the companies that have complied with sustainability requirements. They conduct a holistic assessment of businesses' sustainability efforts and certify environmentally-preferred products that meet eco-standards. Deputy Speaker, let me conclude. Over the course of our short history, Singapore has been confronted with multiple inflection points that compelled us to rethink and reshape the way forward. We find ourselves at yet another turning point. While the low-carbon transition may seem daunting, it can open up a brighter and greener future for Singapore and generations of Singaporeans.”
“The Government will consider global developments and the experience of such mandatory disclosures before deciding on the approach for other entities. We are heartened by the recent acceleration in progress towards a global sustainability standard, founded on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework. With the creation of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), there will be a new global standard setter to guide corporate reporting in the sustainability space. There are a lot of initiatives going on and all groups are trying to get their act together and harmonise across the regions. As reporting standards evolve, we encourage all companies to begin building capabilities in sustainability reporting and auditing, and as Mr Henry Kwek has said, to understand the key nuances that apply to their sectors and in the international markets that they operate in. This is crucial. It is all coming on us and we need businesses doing international business to understand how these regulations are going to impact us. As a major buyer of goods and services, the Government is catalysing the change. Under the GreenGov.SG initiative of the Green Plan, the public sector has introduced procurement measures to encourage our service providers and suppliers to be more sustainable. For example, public agencies will purchase products that meet high resource-efficiency or sustainability standards. The Government will also consider suppliers' sustainability-related policies and practices when evaluating tenders. We will continue to explore ways to push the boundary on sustainability. As individual consumers, our choices can make a difference. By voting with our wallets, we can nudge companies to green their products and supply chains.”
“This is why Singapore agreed to co-facilitate discussions on Article 6 – to provide a common rules-based, global framework and a foundation to safeguard environmental integrity and avoid double-counting. Concurrently, we are actively participating in various international platforms to promote greater environmental integrity and forge partnerships in carbon markets, as Mr Henry Kwek has alluded to. Singapore recently joined the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) as part of their Country Contact Group (CCG). The CCG seeks to align voluntary carbon markets with international architecture, such as the Paris Agreement and set out pathways for use of voluntary carbon credits to enhance global ambition. Singapore also supports the Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets (TSVCM) – lots of acronyms here – a private sector-led initiative working group to shape and develop rules and standards for the trading of high-quality credits in voluntary carbon markets. The third limb, which is to strengthen measures to advance sustainability accounting and procurement practices among our companies. Greening the economy we have today is the first step to growing the green economy of tomorrow. We agree with Mr Don Wee that sustainability reporting and auditing is a critical aspect of good corporate governance in a low-carbon world. SGX has published in December 2021, its roadmap for mandatory climate-related financial disclosures for listed entities, starting with listed entities in industries that are most exposed to climatic risks. MAS will be consulting the industry on mandatory climate-related financial disclosures for financial institutions.”
“For these companies, the ability to tap on carbon credits from emission reduction projects elsewhere provides a complementary pathway to deliver greater abatement in the near term, while long-term fixes, such as changes to business models, production processes, are being developed and implemented. Likewise, nations are looking to carbon markets, empowered by Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to raise climate ambition. We agree with Mr Gan Thiam Poh that domestic abatement should remain our priority and continue to take bold steps to decarbonise, including advanced low carbon technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. However, there is significant uncertainty associated with these options at the moment, given that their commercial success hinges on factors such as technological maturity and transboundary cooperation, which are not entirely within our control. Therefore, access to well-functioning carbon markets serves as a complementary option in our toolkit to meet our climate commitments, especially in the event that domestic abatement options do not materialise. Mr Saktiandi Supaat and Mr Derrick Goh spoke about doing more to build confidence in carbon markets. Indeed, for a long time, carbon markets have been held back by concerns of environmental integrity, exacerbated by a fragmentation in rules and standards and a proliferation of low-quality carbon credits that did not represent real, measurable and additional emissions reductions. To address this trust deficit, we must first establish robust rules and clear guidelines centred on environmental integrity, ensuring that the generation of carbon credits from emissions reductions projects achieves the desired outcomes of reducing overall global emissions.”
“Under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan, we have channelled additional funds towards the research, development and demonstration of low-carbon technologies, such as hydrogen and carbon capture utilisation and storage though initiatives such as the Low-Carbon Energy Research Funding Initiative (LCER FI). More broadly, we have also increased investments in the urban solutions and sustainability research domain to help us better understand the impact of climate change on Singapore and develop novel solutions for sustainability, such as protecting our coastline, finding cheaper ways of reducing emissions and keeping our homes and offices cool. And this is one point that Ms Mariam Jaafar has raised, about patient capital and investments in the long run, and the Government has been investing significantly in new technologies in the sustainability arena. Over the past months, the Government has consulted businesses and engaged the public on the need for and the potential impact of a higher carbon tax, as part of our review of the post-2023 carbon tax level and trajectory. The Minister for Finance will announce the outcome of our review at Budget 2022. Second, leveraging carbon markets to raise our climate ambition and to give our low-carbon transition an added boost. Companies, especially those in hard-to-abate sectors, are keenly exploring market-based mechanisms where carbon credits are traded. Some may tap on voluntary markets to offset their carbon footprint out of their own volition, while others participate in compliance markets to meet their regulatory mandate imposed by the jurisdictions they operate in.”
“This will also keep Singapore’s carbon tax trajectory in line with the broader international momentum on climate action and support the review of our climate targets. As many Members have noted, the carbon tax should provide a broad-based pricing signal across the economy. That is indeed the approach we have taken, as Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean had explained at last year's Motion on Climate Change. Our carbon tax covers about 80% of our total emissions. If we include the excise duties on vehicular fuel, more than 90% of our emissions are subject to a carbon price. This coverage is one of the highest in the world. But we must also balance the need to extend coverage against the potential administrative costs on businesses. Hence, we have taken the practical approach of setting the existing carbon tax threshold at 25,000 tonnes, which ensures that the carbon tax is applied at key nodes and then flows through to the rest of the economy. This reduces the administrative load on small emitters, especially SMEs, to measure, report and verify their emissions. We will, however, continue to encourage small emitters to track their carbon footprint on a voluntary basis and indeed, a growing number has begun to do so. We agree with Mr Derrick Goh and Ms Foo Mee Har on the need to support companies along their decarbonisation journey with revenue from the carbon tax. In fact, for the first five years, we are prepared to spend more than we collect, to incentivise the adoption of energy-efficient processes and other worthwhile abatement projects, such as through the enhanced Resource Efficiency Grant for Energy (REG(E)) and Energy Efficiency Fund (E2F). Some of the carbon tax revenue is also used to manage the impact of the carbon tax on households.”
“So, I take it the assumption that the rationale for a carbon tax is supported by Members of the House on both sides of the aisle, and also the call for a higher carbon tax is an equally shared view by both sides of the House. So, if this assumption is wrong, please correct me. We have heard a wide spectrum of views and proposals on this matter. Members such as Mr Louis Ng have spoken on the need for an appropriate carbon pricing policy that drives emissions reduction effectively. While others such as Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Ms Foo Mee Har argued for the need to preserve our competitiveness, to pace our increases, given the weakness of a post-COVID-19 recovery. This speaks to the complex and difficult considerations that influence our approach to carbon pricing. And let me explain our considerations. The carbon tax is central to our climate mitigation strategy and complements our suite of abatement efforts across all sectors. By pricing the cost of CO2 emissions, the carbon tax enhances the business case to implement energy efficiency improvements and other emission reduction solutions. These shifts in decisions are vital to ensuring the long-term viability of business investments and activities in a carbon-constrained world. Indeed, we observe that carbon-tax liable companies have accelerated the implementation of decarbonisation projects. The impact of a carbon price goes beyond current industries. It also ensures that Singapore attracts the right kinds of future investments that are aligned with our low-carbon vision. Over time, a stronger price signal is needed to steer our economy towards a low-carbon future. This will tilt the scales further in favour of more innovative low-carbon technologies, driving companies to take bolder steps towards decarbonisation.”
“While the direct impacts may be clear, the indirect costs, while less immediately apparent, can be even more significant, as Prof Euston Quah and Tan Jun Rui have argued in a recent Straits Times article. For example, floods can claim lives and damage infrastructure, but also displace local communities, raise food prices and disrupt critical supply chains. With the accelerated global shift towards a low-carbon future, businesses which do not adjust face the risk of shrinking demand, stranded assets and becoming obsolete. A recent study by Standard Chartered Bank showed that eight in 10 multinationals plan to work exclusively with suppliers that are aligned with their low-carbon transition plans by 2025. It is, therefore, in the best interests of businesses, the economy and the nation at large to make this crucial transition. Deputy Speaker, the transition to a low-carbon society will not be straightforward or a quick fix. To engender an effective and inclusive transition, we have our work cut out. Mr Gan has spoken about the concrete steps we are taking to capture green growth opportunities, transform businesses and industries, and equip our workers. Allow me to elaborate on a few other key areas raised by Members. First, raising carbon pricing; second, leveraging carbon markets; and third, strengthening corporate accountability. First, carbon pricing. I note that Members from both sides of the aisle have spoken in support of the need for a carbon tax and for a higher carbon tax, either at this debate or at the debate last year. I am not sure if this assumption is correct; I tried to listen very carefully, I have not heard anyone asking to remove a carbon tax or asking for it to be lowered.”
“The Government has every intent, as this Motion states, to partner the private sector, civil society and the community in turning our collective goals in the Green Plan into reality. If we work together and make the right choices, the low-carbon transition can yield significant opportunities and rewards. It is in Singapore’s interest to secure an early foothold in emerging growth areas so as to reap valuable dividends and future-proof our economy. As Mr Liang Eng Hwa mentioned, the latent economic opportunities in Southeast Asia are immense, if the region maximises its potential to export innovative products and expands its green service offerings. Miss Rachel Ong also described vivid examples of innovation opportunities created by the global sustainability wave, which our youths and workers can participate in. As with all transitions, there will invariably be disruptions and trade-offs. The Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong and several Members spoke about some of the structural challenges for large emitters in the hard-to-abate sectors, such as the petrochemical and electricity generation industries. Some businesses and households may have to brace themselves for temporary cost increases. Transition costs can also manifest in intangible ways, such as the inconvenience from changing our habits and the way we live, work and play. Yet we must press on, for inaction will cost us even more dearly. Without prompt and effective mitigation, the detrimental effects of climate change will be exacerbated. The IPCC reports that global mean sea level rise could reach up to one metre by 2100, if the world pursues a high emissions scenario pathway.”
“More than 5,000 companies worldwide have now joined the UN Race To Zero campaign, pledging to take immediate action towards achieving net zero by mid-century, publish clear action plans and submit regular progress reports. Among them are Singapore companies such as City Developments Limited (CDL), Olam International, Singtel and the Singapore Exchange (SGX). Greater private sector involvement will be a multiplier, bolstering our collective response. Civil society and community organisations also play an instrumental role. As advocates, they raise awareness on the importance of climate action, and organise ground-up initiatives to rally the community for climate action and environmental sustainability. At COP26, I was glad to meet Singaporean representatives from a diverse range of backgrounds: academia, youth groups, businesses, NGOs. Like Mr Louis Ng, I was inspired by their passion and aspirations for a greener Singapore and the various projects and platforms they have mounted to make a difference. Esther, Cheryl, Swati, Xiang Tian, Wei Shan – these are all representatives of how much energy we have found in our corporate as well as our NGO people sector. Ms Hany Soh said many residents also take pride in championing sustainability initiatives through the Action for Green Towns initiatives. Mr Deputy Speaker, the low-carbon transition is well underway. Going green is no longer an option, but a strategic transition we must undertake to thrive in a carbon- and resource-constrained future. The transition will have far-ranging implications on every facet of society, including our lifestyle and livelihoods. This Motion is therefore timely, as we are building the necessary foundations for Singapore’s transition to a low-carbon society.”
“For countries with limited domestic abatement potential such as Singapore, these mechanisms will present new pathways to raise ambition, as Ms Poh Li San mentioned. At COP26, we also supported various global partnerships and initiatives aimed at raising global climate action. Singapore became the first country in Asia to join the Powering Past Coal Alliance to progressively phase out the use of unabated coal in our electricity mix by 2050. We endorsed the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use to affirm our collective commitment to sustainable land use. We joined various other voluntary coalitions, pledging to reduce global methane emissions, green government operations and cultivate climate-smart agriculture. Our membership in these coalitions will facilitate the sharing of best practices and collaboration with like-minded countries. Singapore will continue playing a constructive role to sustain the momentum for global climate action and support fellow small states and developing countries to build capacity and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Corporates are playing a critical role in driving the global transition. They are increasingly focused on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, striving to do well and do good at the same time. With greater demand from investors, activists and consumers, more businesses are paying attention to their triple bottom lines of Profit, People and the Planet, as Mr Edward Chia noted. The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) has gathered more than 450 financial institutions with assets in excess of US$130 trillion, in the common pursuit of aligning their investment portfolios with credible net zero pathways.”
“Parties agreed to revisit their 2030 climate pledges, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and communicate Long-term Low Emissions Development Strategies (LEDS) towards net zero emissions, to align with the Paris Agreement temperature goal. The Pact will scale up climate action and drive capability- and capacity-building efforts to keep a 1.5-degree climate change within reach. Singapore will do our part to meet our international obligations. We will review our policies and actions under the Green Plan, while managing our inherent constraints and trade-offs. We will also expand our options for reducing emissions through international partnerships and in step with global advancements in low-carbon technologies. We will review our targets and raise our climate ambition, and as Prof Koh Lian Pin highlighted, ensure that our targets are backed by the right strategies, policies and actions. As a responsible member of the international community, Singapore has been working hard to support a multilateral rules-based approach to address climate change. Singapore, together with Norway, co-facilitated negotiations that brought the Article 6 rulebook across the finishing line, after six years of protracted talks. Article 6, which governs market and non-market cooperative mechanisms towards emission reduction, was the sole outstanding issue under the Paris Agreement Work Programme. The agreement on Article 6 clears the path for the establishment of mechanisms that facilitate the transfer of emission reductions, or carbon credits, we call it, between countries to meet their climate targets, while ensuring high standards of environmental integrity.”
“One year on, our efforts to accelerate climate action and embrace sustainable development have grown stronger. Since the Singapore Green Plan 2030 was launched last February, agencies have made considerable headway. In the coming weeks, the five leading Ministries for the Green Plan will deliver updates on the progress of key initiatives and share their outlook and focus areas for the year ahead. A similar "green awakening" is rapidly spreading across the globe. At the start of 2020, there were only 18 countries with net zero aspirations. Today, the number has grown to 84, including the world’s five largest emitters, accounting for almost 90% of global emissions and over 90% of global GDP. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, countries have sought to incorporate sustainability and climate action in their recovery plans, laying groundwork for the transition to a low-carbon future. Last November, I had the privilege of leading the Singapore delegation at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). As the first conference of such a scale and scope since the pandemic, COP26 was a landmark opportunity to rally the world around the climate action clarion call. World leaders, businesses and civil society organisations came out in full force, emphasising the need to raise our collective mitigation ambition significantly in this critical decade. COP26 had laid a firm foundation and accelerated the momentum for global climate action. A substantive and balanced package of decisions, known as the Glasgow Climate Pact, was forged through hard-earned consensus and compromise.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to thank you for allowing me to join in today's debate on this Motion. I would also like to thank Members, Ms Poh Li San, Mr Gan Thiam Poh, Ms Nadia Samdin, Mr Louis Ng, Ms Hany Soh and Mr Don Wee for sponsoring today’s Motion. This Motion draws attention to the importance of developing Singapore’s green economy and ensuring an inclusive transition towards a low-carbon society. On behalf of my colleagues at MSE and across the Government, allow me to express our deep appreciation for the many good and fresh perspectives and constructive suggestions that Members have put forth, including those submitted by the Young PAP. A year ago, this House passed a Motion declaring climate change a global emergency and a threat to mankind. The latest science has given even stronger evidence on the urgency for action. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published last August, human influence has unequivocally warmed the climate. Without strong and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, global temperature rise will exceed 2°C within this century, increasing the intensity and propensity of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts and wildfires and accelerating biodiversity loss in every part of the world. Some of these harsh realities are already being felt today, as seen by recent record-breaking floods in Southeast Asia, prolonged drought in South America, high temperatures and raging wildfires in North America, followed by extraordinary snowfall. As a small, low-lying island in the tropics, Singapore is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise. Climate change is an existential threat to us.”
“The Agri-food Cluster Transformation Fund provides co-funding support for capital investments by our local farms to improve productivity, sustainability and resource efficiency. Investments by farms for commonly-consumed food items are co-funded at 70%, while those for other food items are co-funded at 50%. Since its launch on 30 April 2021, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has received a total of 23 applications as of 31 December 2021. Eight applications have been approved with grant amounts ranging between $10,000 and $700,000 while the remaining applications are being evaluated by SFA.”
“There are 260 licensed food farms in Singapore. 58% are land-based food farms, while the remaining 42% are sea-based farms. There are 65 land-based food farms with their tenures expiring in less than five years, and five between five and 10 years. Sea-based farms are currently not on leases. The Government is reviewing our policies for sea-based farms, with a view to provide the industry with greater certainty on their use of sea space.”
“With the introduction of COVID-19 Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS) at hawker centres, only fully vaccinated persons can dine in. Since the commencement of vaccination entry checks on 23 November 2021, there have been four cases where patrons were uncooperative and Police assistance was activated. Twenty-four cases of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated persons were also found dining in. Enforcement action will be taken against persons who breach VDS at hawker centres, with first-time offenders liable for a fine of $300.”
“PUB commenced the drainage improvement work on Bukit Timah Canal between Rifle Range Road (near Jalan Anak Bukit Flyover) and Jalan Kampong Chantek in 2019. As of December 2021, about a quarter of the project is completed. PUB is on track to complete the remaining works by first quarter 2024. PUB has also completed the road raising works for a 450-metre stretch of Dunearn Road between Sime Darby Centre and Binjai Park in November 2021. This is an interim measure to reduce flood risks at Dunearn Road before the ongoing drainage improvement works are completed in 2024.”
“The Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations cover a range of vehicular emissions-related offences, including the use of noisy or smoky vehicles, and the idling of vehicle engines. NEA takes enforcement action against drivers of vehicles found to have contravened the Regulations. When a member of public reports an alleged infringement by a foreign-registered vehicle, NEA is unable to contact the vehicle owner to trace the identity of the driver because unlike local vehicles, we do not have information on the ownership of foreign-registered vehicles. As a result, enforcement action against foreign-registered vehicles must be taken in person by NEA officers, to clearly identify the errant drivers. Nonetheless, when NEA receives feedback from members of public on vehicles that contravene the Regulations, checks will be stepped up at the reported areas and enforcement action will be taken against errant drivers. NEA also regularly patrols hotspots and areas with recurring feedback.”
“Under the Glasgow Climate Pact adopted at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP-26) in November 2021, Parties agreed to revisit their 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDC, by the end of 2022, to achieve greater alignment with the Paris Agreement temperature goals. Singapore will do our part to fulfil our international obligations. The Government is working on our plan to review the NDC in time for COP 27, including stakeholders and community engagement and consultation.”
“From October to December 2021, NEA received 15 instances of feedback on construction noise from HDB Build-to-Order projects in Woodlands. Aside from one project for which investigations are ongoing, there were no instances of non-compliance with the permissible noise limits recorded by noise meters installed.”
“From January 2020 to November 2021, 466 notices of composition and summonses were issued to 290 construction sites, less than 6% of the total, for exceeding the permissible noise limits stipulated in the Environmental Protection and Management Act. During the same period, the median, 75th and 95th percentile cumulative summonses issued to owners and/or occupiers of a single construction site for exceeding the noise limits were $10,500, $32,500 and $76,200 respectively. Less than 8% of summonses were issued to repeat offenders. We do not track developer profits from specific construction projects.”
“Fluctuations of food prices in Singapore go beyond the size of local food supply. Multiple factors come into play, such as the freight and labour situation, seasonal weather changes, cost of feedstock and fertilisers, and global demand. As Singapore currently imports more than 90% of its food supply, spanning across thousands of types ranging from staples like rice and wheat, to meat and dairy, it is unrealistic to expect to eliminate price fluctuations of all food types through local production, even if this is scaled up. Our local cost of food production is also higher in many cases than imported foods because of higher land and labour costs. A better hedge against supply and price disruptions is import source diversification, complemented by local food production. We are working on increasing our local food supply for greater resilience. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has embarked on the holistic master-planning of the 390-hectare Lim Chu Kang area and will also launch new sea space tenders on leases. These efforts aim to raise the productivity of farms sited on Singapore’s scarce land and sea space. There are also high-tech farms in industrial spaces and urban farms on under-utilised rooftops of HDB multi-storey carparks, serving as additional sources.”
“Funeral expenses would vary, depending on the desired funeral arrangements for the deceased and preferences of their family. Some additional funeral expenses may be incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to requirements, such as personal protective equipment to protect funeral staff who handle the bodies of deceased COVID-19 patients deemed to still be infectious. There are avenues for bereaved families to seek financial support from the public and people sectors. For example, family members may approach Social Service Offices for support for funeral expenses.”
“In June 2020, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) announced plans to close the Senoko Fishery Port (SFP) by 2023. Consolidation with Jurong Fishery Port (JFP) would allow trade buyers to purchase wholesale seafood conveniently at a single location. COVID-19 has brought to the fore the importance of building further resilience in our supply chains. During the two-week temporary closure of JFP in July 2021, SFA and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) responded quickly to facilitate distributors and supermarkets to activate alternative arrangements. A small number of traders switched to SFP for their supply and some sourced from alternative suppliers. We also had sufficient stocks of frozen seafood. The combination of measures allowed our supply of fish and seafood to remain stable. SFA is reviewing its plans for the fishery ports. SFA’s ongoing consultancy study on the future infrastructure needs to support the fresh food wholesale and distribution in Singapore is expected to be completed in 2022. SFA continues to ensure tight safe management measures at key food supply nodes to enhance the resilience of our wholesale sector, including the fishery ports. We have limited entry to authorised visitors with entry passes, put in place a Rostered Routine Testing Regime for tenants and workers and have clearly demarcated zones to prevent intermingling of foreign vessel workers and foreign truck drivers with local tenants and workers. SFA has also worked with associations and tenants to finetune their contingency plans and made alternative distribution sites available.”
“The planned hawker centre at Choa Chu Kang Town Centre will be part of a new mixed-use development. Construction of the mixed-use development, including the hawker centre, will commence after Phase 1 of the Jurong Region Line works, which is projected by LTA to be completed in 2027. Agencies are, currently, studying the development plans and will provide further updates when ready. Choa Chu Kang residents can also look forward to the new hawker centre in the nearby Yew Tee Integrated Development, which is projected to be completed in 2027.”
“The Health Promotion Board (HPB) has developed print and online resources to raise awareness on second-hand tobacco smoke and its harmful health effects and encourage smokers to quit smoking. Smokers who are looking for support to quit can join HPB’s "I Quit" programme, which offers smokers a range of smoking cessation interventions ranging from phone counselling and face-to-face counselling, to support via text messages.”
“To assist residents affected by second-hand cigarette smoke arising from neighbours smoking in their homes, agencies receiving the feedback will first issue a Joint Advisory on Smoking in Homes to residential units reported to be emitting second-hand smoke. The joint advisory informs residents that their neighbours have been affected by second-hand smoke and urges smokers to be more considerate to their neighbours in where they smoke. Under the Community Dispute Management Framework (CDMF), residents can seek help from community leaders or the Community Mediation Centre for mediation to resolve the issue amicably. Should disputes remain unresolved, they can file a claim with the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal (CDRT) as a last resort. Between January 2019 and November 2021, 50 claims relating to excessive smoke, such as cigarette smoke, were filed with CDRT. Of these claims, 41 were resolved amicably as of 30 November 2021, that is, they were withdrawn, discontinued or granted consent orders. CDRT made an order in 13 of these cases. The Government is also actively looking out for new potential solutions. The Municipal Services Office (MSO), with the support of HDB, had earlier called for and is, currently, evaluating proposals from enterprises for innovative solutions to address second-hand tobacco smoke from neighbouring homes. This complements the ongoing broader efforts by an interagency committee to review CDMF to better promote neighbourliness and minimise disputes. The issue of second-hand tobacco smoke wafting from neighbouring homes can be avoided if smokers are more considerate and stop smoking at home or quit smoking altogether.”
“When there is persistent high-rise littering feedback at a block of HDB flats, NEA will work with the Town Council to first issue advisories to residents. Should the issue persist, surveillance cameras with video analytics will be deployed. From January to October 2021, there was a 20% decrease in high-rise littering feedback received by NEA, compared to the same period in 2020. NEA deployed surveillance cameras over 2,200 times at more than 1,400 blocks. Surveillance cameras could not be deployed at 87 blocks due to the lack of suitable vantage points. From the deployments from January to October 2021, close to 2,000 acts of high-rise littering were captured and enforcement action successfully taken against close to 1,000 offenders. About 300 more residential units are, currently, under investigation. While we have laws to deter high-rise littering, it is also important to shape community norms to deter high-rise littering. Since 2020, NEA has been placing standees displaying information on ongoing surveillance or localised statistics on offenders caught at the HDB blocks with persistent littering feedback, to deter such acts. Town Councils also display posters jointly produced by the Municipal Services Office at HDB blocks, highlighting the environmental and social consequences of high-rise littering.”
“The Mandai Crematorium, which is managed by NEA, has sufficient capacity to meet current demand. NEA has handled intermittent higher demand for cremation by adding additional cremation time slots at Mandai Crematorium. While we add capacity in the near term through operational adjustments, we are constructing a second crematorium in Mandai, which will be operational by 2024, to increase our long-term capacity. NEA performs regular maintenance on its cremators to ensure serviceability and efficiency of the cremation process. We will continue to study new technologies and other means to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”
“These include adding structural measures, such as humps and flood barriers. PUB will continue to offer advice and loan equipment, such as portable flood barriers and sandbags, to property owners as needed.”
“Based on records from the Meteorological Service Singapore, the highest daily rainfall recorded in 2020 and 2021 was 185.2 millimetres (mm) on 29 January 2020 and 247.2 mm on 24 August 2021 respectively. The 29 January 2020 rainfall did not result in any known flash floods. The 24 August 2021 rainfall was also the highest daily total rainfall ever recorded for the month of August. This was almost 40% higher than the previous record set in August 1983. More than the average monthly August rainfall fell in western Singapore within three hours. The intense rain resulted in localised flash floods at two locations, namely, along Dunearn Road between Sime Darby Centre and Binjai Park with a flood depth of about 400 mm, and along Cashew Road leading to Upper Bukit Timah Road with a flood depth of about 150 mm. These localised flash floods lasted around 40 minutes at Dunearn Road and 30 minutes at Cashew Road. Mr Melvin Yong asked about the damage to properties that resulted from the heavy downpours. PUB does not have such data. As climate change brings about more extreme weather scenarios, we are likely to see more flash floods from intense rain. PUB will continue to strengthen our forecasting and sensing capabilities and implement cost-effective measures to minimise flood risks. Notwithstanding, managing flood risks requires our collective efforts. I strongly encourage members of the public to make use of the communication channels that PUB offers to obtain up-to-date and accurate information on heavy rain alerts and flood warnings. These channels include PUB’s newly-launched Telegram channel, as well as the myENV Mobile App and LTA’s Expressway Monitoring Advisory System. Property owners in flood-prone areas can also take measures to protect their properties.”
“Project Wolbachia targets the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Prior to carrying out field releases, the National Environment Agency (NEA) carried out comprehensive risk assessments of the Wolbachia-Aedes suppression technology, and determined it to be safe, with no risk to human health and insignificant risk to ecology and other mosquito species in our ecosystem. This conclusion is consistent with findings from other groups around the world that have also studied the impact of this technology. NEA’s Dengue Expert Advisory Panel, comprising both local and international experts, including researchers, medical and healthcare professionals, have also recommended the use of Wolbachia-Aedes suppression technology to further reduce the risk of dengue. Project Wolbachia is being implemented using a phased approach to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of the technology and assess deployment strategy. Thus far, we have achieved up to 98 per cent suppression of the primary mosquito vector of dengue and up to 88 per cent fewer dengue cases at pilot sites in Yishun, Tampines, Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Batok. With the good results, the release of male Wolbachia-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes has been expanded to more areas within Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Batok from October 2021. Releases at Tampines and Yishun will continue to be expanded and cover both towns entirely by the first quarter of 2022. Small-scale trials at landed residential estates in Marine Parade have also commenced in October 2021. Releases will be carried out at selected construction sites in Choa Chu Kang and Tampines as part of the strategy to test the technology in different terrains and landscapes. The results of these trials will inform the strategy for its future deployment in Singapore.”
“The regulations on construction noise under the Environmental Protection and Management Act strike a balance between enabling the development of needed infrastructure and keeping construction noise to a manageable level. The National Environment Agency (NEA) adopts an outcome-based approach by stipulating maximum permissible noise limits, rather than requiring specific measures that may not be suited for every site. This allows contractors to use the most cost-effective methods to meet the regulatory noise limits, including installing perimeter noise barriers. Construction sites closer to residential buildings and noise-sensitive premises would typically require more measures to meet the noise limits. NEA takes strict enforcement action against contractors found to have exceeded the noise limits, which includes a fine of up to $40,000 per offence. NEA will continue to work with the construction industry to study measures to manage construction noise, taking into account international best practices and the local context.”
“The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) licenses Food and Beverage (F&B) establishments including restaurants, coffee shops and food courts. Operators of F&B establishments are required to obtain a food shop licence from SFA, which costs $195 annually. Individual food stall operators obtain a food stall licence from SFA which costs $32 annually. The cost of the licence is therefore insignificant. The Government is committed to supporting F&B establishments during this difficult period through significant support measures, such as the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) and Foreign Worker Levy rebates, rental waivers and rental reliefs for qualifying owner-occupiers and tenants under the Rental Relief Scheme (RRS).”
“From October 2020 to September 2021, the National Environment Agency (NEA) received an average of 23 construction noise-related complaints each month from residents in Woodlands. NEA adopts an outcome-based approach in regulating construction noise. Construction sites must adhere to the regulatory noise limits, and noise meters are installed at the nearest affected premises to monitor compliance. Under the no-work rule, construction work on Sundays and public holidays is prohibited at sites located within 150 metres of any hospital, home for the aged sick or residential building. From 1 October 2022, contractors that have contravened the no-work rule will be required to install electronic video surveillance systems to ensure compliance and deter further violations. There are incentives to encourage the construction industry to adopt quieter construction equipment and methods, such as quieter piling and hacking equipment, noise barriers and enclosures. Since April 2014, NEA has disbursed a total of $8.3 million to help contractors adopt quieter construction equipment and methods. The Building and Construction Authority has been actively championing the adoption of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly technologies, which shifts as much on-site construction activities to off-site prefabrication as possible. Construction becomes faster, cleaner, quieter and of higher quality. Dis-amenities such as noise and dust pollution will be reduced, and construction time can be shortened.”
“In response to feedback on foul odour received from residents in Woodlands, NEA has carried out site inspections at industrial premises, construction sites and agricultural land in the nearby Woodlands and Lim Chu Kang. While there was no major plant upset or pollution incident at industrial premises and construction sites, NEA and relevant agencies identified some farms and composting sites in Lim Chu Kang with localised foul odour. When a spike in feedback on foul odour was received in September and October 2021, the prevailing winds blew from the south or west. The westerly winds could have carried the foul odour from the farms and composting sites in Lim Chu Kang to the residential area in Woodlands, while light wind conditions overnight and in the early morning restricted the odour from dispersing, resulting in smell nuisance to residents. Relevant agencies have been actively engaging the owners and occupiers of the identified premises to implement odour mitigation measures where feasible. Several agencies have also been piloting an initiative to work with members of the community to collect detailed smell feedback data. This would enable the agencies to better identify the sources of smell nuisance and work with the source premises to address the odour issue.”
“Under the "30 by 30" goal, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will work closely with the agri-food industry to grow the capabilities and capacity of the local agri-food sector to sustainably produce a variety of food types to meet 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs by 2030. Through initiatives, such as the Lim Chu Kang Master Plan and $60 million Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund, SFA supports the growth of the sector to become highly productive, climate-resilient and resource-efficient. Given our limited natural resources, our agri-food sector will need to be productive and sustainable by tapping on technologies that use less water and energy. For example, Sustenir Agriculture, an indoor vegetable farm, adopts technology that re-circulates water for reuse, thereby allowing it to use 95% less water than a traditional farm. As agri-technologies mature, SFA will regularly review resource estimates, including water demand. PUB works closely with agencies to understand industries’ demands for water and ensure that our water infrastructure remains ahead of demand to meet Singapore’s water needs. PUB will continue to improve cost efficiency and ensure that water remains affordable by leveraging more energy-efficient technology and enhancing productivity.”
“Singapore is a small and open economy which imports more than 90% of our food supply. In a free market, food importers balance supply with demand and make commercial decisions that optimise outcomes and, therefore, minimise surplus food. The "30 by 30" goal aims to grow the capabilities and capacity of the local agri-food sector to sustainably produce a variety of food types to meet 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs by 2030, up from less than 10% today. Farms are best placed to make business-driven decisions on ways to differentiate their produce on the market and capture market share. Producing good quality and safe products, giving good value to consumers and keeping production cost to a competitive level are strategies that will ensure the commercial sustainability of our agri-food sector. SFA will continue to support the growth of local agri-food ecosystem through initiatives, such as the $60 million Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund, Singapore Food Story R&D Programme, and campaigns to improve branding and awareness of local produce.”
“The Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA) addresses public nuisances that affect the public or community at large, regardless of whether they are affected in their homes. As there are differing situations that can constitute a public nuisance, there is no specified threshold or criterion and each situation would be assessed based on its facts and circumstances. Similarly, the Penal Code does not specify any threshold on the number of persons that must be affected for the offence of public nuisance to be made out. Whether or not an offence is made out will depend on the facts and circumstances of each case.”
“Management Corporations of strata-titled condominiums (MCSTs) have the autonomy to enact by-laws to manage and administer use and enjoyment of their developments by residents, subject to relevant provisions under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act. We do not track by-laws enacted by MCSTs that prohibit smoking.”
“The Singapore Green Plan 2030 is our commitment towards making sustainability a priority for Singapore. Under the GreenGov.SG initiative, the public sector will embed environmental sustainability in our core business areas, including our procurement practices. For greater impact, we are starting with our main products and services in our review of sustainability metrics.”
“NEA manages the Choa Chu Kang (CCK) Cemetery, as well as some closed cemeteries. CCK Cemetery is the only cemetery in Singapore currently open for burials. Similar to other public spaces, the CCK Cemetery is a large open space accessible to the public. Grave monuments, including tombstones, are maintained by the deceased’s next-of-kin (NOK). NEA officers conduct regular checks on cleanliness as well as to detect public health and site safety issues such as fallen trees, obstructions to burial blocks or dry vegetation that could cause bush fires. Private cemeteries owned and managed by private entities are no longer open for active burial and these entities are required to continue maintaining the premises.”
“We do not record nor track the activities that individuals were engaged in, such as smoking, when enforcement action is taken against them for violation of safe management measures.”
“Synthetic fuels can be more eco-friendly than traditional fossil fuels when they are produced using waste-derived, low-carbon or renewable feedstock. For example, the Minister for Transport recently stated that sustainable aviation fuels, which are produced from resources such as waste oil, can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, on a life-cycle basis. However, sustainable aviation fuels are two to five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel today. Under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, we will strive to use cleaner energy to lower our carbon footprint. The extent to which eco-friendly synthetic fuels can be incorporated into our energy or fuel mix is dependent on technological, operational and commercial viability. We are actively exploring opportunities in R&D and alternative fuels pilots to support technological development, and to facilitate production, uptake and integration with traditional fuel options where viable.”
“Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre (SEHC) operators are required to meet monthly Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on ensuring a minimum level of vibrancy, stall occupancy, footfall and timeliness in addressing feedback at the SEHCs. The monthly stall rentals at the SEHCs range from $1,000 to $3,693. This is within the range of monthly rentals of non-subsidised stalls at comparable existing hawker centres. In 2019 and 2020, the median monthly stall rental in SEHCs was $2,000. This was also similar to median monthly stall rental at comparable existing hawker centres. As part of the support package for COVID-19, stallholders in SEHCs received five months and four months of rental waiver in 2020 and 2021 respectively, the same as those in existing hawker centres. Between 2018 and 2020, each SEHC would receive on average four instances of feedback per month, mostly from patrons. SEHC operators are able to address at least 90% of the feedback within three working days as required. SEHC operators have been regularly engaging hawkers through Hawker Feedback Group sessions, held at least once every quarter to gather feedback from stallholders. The SEHC operators proactively work with stallholders to address any concerns raised and to improve their centres. The SEHC model has brought benefits to both hawkers and patrons. SEHC operators have curated food stalls for quality and variety, and organised events to enhance footfall and vibrancy at their centres. During the pandemic, they have implemented initiatives to help hawkers get onto food delivery and tap on group-buys, and kept stall occupancy high at SEHCs. Some operators have also attracted new entrants to the hawker trade through their own incubation stall programmes.”
“This will allow hawkers easier access to customers of all participating online ordering platforms, along with an integrated interface to receive and manage orders at zero commission costs to hawkers. All our schemes and programmes are made available to stallholders regardless of ethnicity and we do not track the participation rate by ethnic groups. NEA and the SG Digital Office’s Digital Ambassadors will continue to actively reach out to and support hawkers in adopting digital solutions, such as e-payment and food delivery services.”
“From 2019 to 2021, 39 aspiring hawkers enrolled in the Incubation Stall Programme, while close to 400 participated in the Hawkers’ Development Programme. About 70% of the participants were below 50 years old, of whom about half were between 20 and 40 years old. This is lower than the median age of existing cooked food stallholders of 60 years old. More than 700 cooked food stallholders have tapped on the Hawkers’ Productivity Grant to purchase kitchen automation equipment and service innovation systems, such as queue management and wireless paging systems. More than 70% of these stallholders are above 50 years old, many of whom have given feedback to NEA that the investments have enhanced their workflow and mitigated the physical demands of their work. On the digitalisation front, as of July 2021, more than 4,000 cooked food stallholders have adopted e-payment under the Hawkers Go Digital Programme. For food delivery services, about 1,400 cooked food stallholders have applied for NEA’s Food Delivery Support Scheme (FDSS), which provides $500 in funding to help stallholders defray the cost of getting on board food delivery platforms. Two in three applicants were 50 years old and above. Some platforms servicing hawkers may charge zero commission, while others may structure their commission charges according to the services offered. Under the FDSS, hawkers are free to make their own commercial arrangements and sign up with their preferred platforms. Under the Alliance for Action on online ordering, Grab, Deliveroo and FoodPanda will explore a common acquirer model with WhyQ for food delivery at 14 hawker centres.”
“To encourage the channelling of private capital to such efforts, MAS’ Green Finance Action Plan supports the mainstreaming of green and sustainable financing, the establishment of green finance centres of excellence, and the development of capabilities to originate innovative sustainable financing solutions and climate-resilient investment strategies. As a responsible member of the international community, Singapore is determined to play our part and contribute our fair share in the global fight against climate change. We do this by setting ambitious but realistic goals, and following through with tangible actions even when they are difficult or challenging. As a low-lying island state, we are particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of climate change. Our plans are not static and, even as we implement existing initiatives, we will continually review and enhance our climate targets and preparations over time.”