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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“We last updated Parliament in February 2025 that Singapore would spend about $150 million on drainage upgrading projects in the Financial Year (FY) 2025 to protect against flooding. Of the then 19 ongoing projects, we have completed four projects, including the recently completed Syed Alwi Pumping Station. Of the then six projects slated to commence in 2025, we have commenced work on three projects. We are on track to commence the remaining three projects in 2025. The Government has spent about S$2.5 billion since 2011 to upgrade our drainage infrastructure. This is about S$180 million annually. These infrastructure projects have helped to alleviate flood risks at the locations served by them. It is not meaningful to compare with Hong Kong and Tokyo as the cities have different weather conditions, topography and drainage infrastructure requirements. We will be completing the review of our drainage infrastructure plan for the FY2026 to FY2030 cycle in the coming months. This review will identify the key projects for the next five years.”
“Together, we can continue to safeguard Singapore's food security.”
“The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has been working with the Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation Limited (SAFEF) to aggregate supply and demand of local produce, so as to facilitate long-term commercial contracts between farmers and retailers as well as food businesses. This provides farmers with greater certainty of demand and pricing, while providing retailers and food businesses access to a reliable supply of good quality local produce. Through the efforts of SAFEF and its partners, locally farmed leafy vegetables are now sold at major supermarkets under the “SG Farmers' Market” brand. Locally farmed seafood is also aggregated and retailed at selected FairPrice outlets and Giant under “The Straits Fish” (marine tilapia), “The Straits Bass” (sea bass) and “The Dot Shrimp” (prawns) brands. Public response has been encouraging. For example, the sales for xiao bai cai under the “SG Farmers' Market” brand have increased about seven-fold since its launch in May 2024. SFA and SAFEF are working on expanding the range of aggregated local vegetable and seafood produce for sale at retailers. Besides retailers, SAFEF has been working with various food businesses to introduce “The Straits Fish” to the local dining scene. For example, in 2024, “The Straits Fish” dishes were launched across Ming Kitchen Seafood, the "zichar" chain of Chang Cheng Group. In 2025, SAFEF partnered with Coriander Leaf restaurant to integrate locally farmed marine tilapia into their menu. SAFEF also runs the SG Farmers' Market, a weekend pop-up event that promotes and brings local farms and their produce to the heartlands. SFA will continue to work with the industry to explore initiatives to drive demand for local produce, which is key for our farms to achieve scale.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) has not conducted any further surveys on the Orchard Road No Smoking Zone (ORNSZ) since the perception survey in July 2019 after the ORNSZ was newly designated. Discounting 2021, when safe distancing measures were in place, NEA observed that feedback on smoking cases in the ORNSZ remained stable between 2022 and 2024, averaging fewer than 30 cases per month. When compared to the overall volume of feedback NEA receives on smoking in prohibited places, feedback on cases in the ORNSZ is relatively low, making up less than 2%. NEA will continue to monitor and assess the effectiveness of ORNSZ.”
“Glass waste makes up around one per cent of total waste generated in 2024, with a recycling rate of 7%. Laminated glass is currently not recycled due to operational constraints and commercial viability.”
“Of the 26 sea-based fish farms that exited the industry in 2024, six farms had received close to $700,000 in total of grants to help them enhance their productivity. All of them had met their grant conditions. The Singapore Food Agency has been partnering farms to enhance their commercial viability through capability and capacity building initiatives. This includes helping farms to strengthen their biosecurity to prevent and control diseases through the Aquatic Animal Health Services and supporting farms in upgrading capabilities and adopting technology through the Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund. Given our limited land, resources, and climate change, farms need to be highly productive, climate-resilient and resource-efficient to be commercially viable. While the number of sea-based farms has decreased, overall productivity of the sector has increased from 38.6 tonnes per hectare per year in 2023 to 40.7 tonnes per hectare per year in 2024.”
“The Hawker Centres Transformation Programme (HTP) was piloted at centres, such as Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre and Cheng San Market and Food Centre. The programme aimed to address infrastructural issues beyond the typical Repairs and Redecoration (R&R) works and to improve public hygiene standards. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will draw insights from the HTP when implementing the Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme 2.0 (HUP 2.0), including exploring solutions to improve air circulation and ventilation, and enhance ease of cleaning and maintenance. The HUP 2.0 will focus on upgrading older hawker centres with ageing infrastructure into more vibrant, accessible and climate-resilient spaces. Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres, which were built since 2015, have relatively newer infrastructure. These centres do not require the scale of upgrading works under HUP 2.0 but will continue to undergo regular R&R works.”
“Some hawker associations have provided high chairs for children at National Environment Agency-managed hawker centres based on localized needs.”
“It will also empower agencies and stakeholders with the necessary weather data to proactively mitigate weather-related risks and optimise decision-making processes across critical weather-dependent sectors, including: (a) improving operational safety and efficiency for air traffic controllers, airline operators and ground handlers; (b) optimising vessel traffic management, cargo handling, and safety of bunkering operations in the maritime sector; and (c) mitigating risks to our military servicemen from adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, lightning and heat stress, during military training exercises.”
“The Climate and Weather Research Alliance Singapore (CAWRAS), was launched in September this year to advance tropical climate and weather research for Singapore and Southeast Asia. As a city-state near the equator, Singapore experiences severe weather events, such as thunderstorms, atmospheric turbulence, sudden wind gusts and extreme heat. Weather forecasting for Singapore is challenging due to complex tropical weather processes. Traditional weather prediction models, often developed for larger, more predictable weather systems in mid-latitude regions, may not adequately capture our tropical weather dynamics. CAWRAS leverages on the latest technological advancements such as high-resolution modelling and artificial intelligence to increase the accuracy, timeliness and resolution of weather forecasts tailored to our unique context. The first projects are expected to be completed by 2029, with improvements from the research progressively deployed to enhance weather forecasting services provided by the Meteorological Service Singapore. CAWRAS will provide our public with more timely and accurate weather forecasts, so that we can make better informed decisions for our outdoor activities and take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones from extreme weather conditions.”
“My Ministry will study various aspects of after-death practices from time to time. Such studies inform and support policy making and reviews. Currently there is no active study.”
“In 2024, the sea-based fish farming sector has a workforce of approximately 400, of which about half are locals. We do not have data on the average age of local farmers within the sea-based farming sector. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) partners with the Institutes of Higher Learning to develop a range of pre-employment training and continuing education and training programmes, to build a local talent pipeline. For instance, in April 2024, SFA worked with Temasek Polytechnic to launch a new Specialist Diploma in Aquaculture Management and Technology. SFA also facilitates job matching to emplace local talents seeking a career in the agri-food sector, by working with WorkForce Singapore and the Employment and Employability Institute. SFA has been supporting farms, including open-cage farms, to grow food in a more productive, resource-efficient and climate-resilient manner. This includes supporting farms in upgrading capabilities and adopting technology through the Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund and strengthening farms' biosecurity to prevent and control diseases through the Aquatic Animal Health Services.”
“As a small country, Singapore faces competing demands for its limited land and sea space. Space set aside for farming has to be used productively and sustainably. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) requires all fish farms, including kelongs, to meet production targets to ensure that farms optimise food production while operating sustainably within environmental limits. While fish farms tend to be large-scale sea- or land-based systems that farm fishes in high volumes, kelongs are small-scale platforms in coastal waters that capture fishes from the wild. Kelongs have faced declining fish catch since the 1960s which led to the then-Primary Production Department to stop issuing new kelong licences in 1965. SFA will continue to partner with all farmers who are keen to increase their productivity. For instance, SFA encourages and supports the adoption of technology through the Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund and helps farms strengthen their biosecurity to prevent and control diseases through the Aquatic Animal Health Services. SFA account managers regularly engage farms to understand their needs and provide appropriate support.”
“Today, less than 10% of all food we consume is produced locally. The "30 by 30" vision has always been an aspirational one, and it was developed pre-COVID-19 when business conditions were more favourable. Since then, the global outlook has become more uncertain. The alternative protein industry, which initially showed promise in contributing to our vision for local production, has also faced hurdles in scaling up due to high energy costs and low consumer acceptance. Despite the challenges faced by our local agri-food sector, we have made progress in some food types, with locally-produced hen eggs and beansprouts contributing more than 30% and 50% of local consumption, respectively. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has been supporting the industry to boost its capability and capacity for local production. We have anchored and supported the growth of farms and their adoption of technologies, to grow food in a more productive, resource-efficient and climate-resilient manner. Initiatives announced earlier this year included the establishment of the National Broodstock Centre and Hatchery Development and Recognition Programme to strengthen the aquaculture value chain and the enhancement of our Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund to provide more comprehensive support for our farms. We are seeing efforts bear fruit, with the productivity of our eggs, vegetable and seafood farms increasing over time. SFA has also been working with stakeholders to increase demand for local produce, which is key for our farms to achieve scale. With the experience we have gained, we have been reviewing our local production as part of our overall food supply resilience strategy, to be more targeted in addressing challenges and in fostering the sector's continued growth.”
“The member may refer to the combined oral reply given on 22 September 2025 in response to related Parliamentary Questions regarding the Public Utilities Board Audit Observations. [Please refer to "Internal Probe into PUB's Contract Irregularities Reported in AGO's FY2024/2025 Audit and Interim Governance Measures Implemented", Official Report, 22 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 2, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
“There are currently no plans to permit recreational water sports activities along the Serangoon Reservoir at the area around the Serangoon Park connector along Upper Serangoon View and along Hougang Ave 7.”
“This question has been addressed with similar Parliamentary Questions on 22 September 2025 via written answer. Please refer to the response to Questions number 104, 105 and 106 in the 22 September 2025 Order Paper. [Please refer to "Cause and Actions Taken for Sinkhole Formation at Tanjong Katong Road South in July 2025", Official Report, 22 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 2, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]”
“The Public Utilities Board (PUB), alongside Singapore's National Research Foundation and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Institute for Carbon Management, is co-funding Equatic's demonstration project in Singapore for ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (OCDR). The project is located at PUB's Tuas research and development facility, leveraging the site's existing infrastructure, particularly the seawater intake and outfall. Equatic's demonstration plant will be powered by grid electricity. The project aims to validate the potential of OCDR technology. If proven successful and scalable, the technology could be integrated into PUB's desalination plants. This can contribute to PUB's and, more broadly, Singapore's journey towards net-zero emissions. The core technology for Equatic's demonstration plant originates from UCLA in the United States. Singaporean scientists and institutions are contributing through supporting research, such as the National University of Singapore's research on the safe management of solid by-products from the OCDR process.”
“I thank the Member for his question. This question has been addressed in the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment's written answer to Question No 20 on 23 September 2025. [Please refer to "Improving Recycling Rates within Businesses and Residential Areas and Creating One-stop Recyclables Collection Centres", Official Report, 23 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 3, Written Answers to Questions section.]”
“While we require pet owners to clean up after their pets defecate, it is more difficult for pet owners to clean up pet urine completely. Hence, my Ministry's approach to tackling pet urination in public places is to foster a culture of responsible pet ownership and encourage pet owners to be civic-minded and considerate. While there are currently no plans to mandate pet owners to clean up after pet urination, we urge all pet owners to exercise social responsibility in keeping public places clean. Pet owners should wash off pet urine to prevent bad smells, stains and uphold public hygiene. The National Environment Agency and the National Parks Board work with community leaders and Town Councils to educate pet owners on the do's and don'ts of being a responsible pet owner through educational materials, such as posters. Members of the public who encounter disamenities due to pet urination can provide feedback to their Town Councils or relevant agencies for their necessary action.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) regularly reviews and revises the collection frequency for recyclables based on the ground situation. In the 2010s, the Public Waste Collectors (PWCs) were required to provide 660-litre recycling bins and collect the recyclables once a week. This has since been increased to three times a week. PWCs have also introduced larger capacity 2,200-litre side-loading recycling bins in certain areas where large amounts of recyclables are generated and collection for such bins is done once a week. NEA receives a small number of reports per month of overflowing recycling bins. These are typically due to the presence of bulky items, such as cardboard boxes that were not flattened, as well as higher amounts of recyclables during festive seasons when residents do spring cleaning. NEA has worked with our PWCs to increase the collection frequency during festive periods and when necessary. Everyone can do our part to recycle right. We encourage members of the public to flatten cardboard boxes before depositing them into recycling bins to avoid taking up unnecessary space. The recyclables should also be cleaned before depositing them in recycling bins. This will help to maintain cleanliness in residential estates and facilitate the collection of clean recyclables.”
“Over the past five years, Singapore Food Agency (SFA) investigated an annual average of one suspected case of food poisoning incident linked to consuming food sold by home-based food businesses. The investigations did not find any causative link between the food sold and the food poisoning incident.”
“Local fish produce refers to fish that are grown or produced from fry or fingerlings by local farms licensed by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). SFA does not prescribe or track minimum grow-out periods, but we conduct periodic checks on farms to monitor local production data declared by farms.”
“The Government had permitted carbon taxable companies to roll over their unused carbon offset limits from 2024 to 2025 due to a constrained supply of International Carbon Credits as the market is still in nascency. We have not decided whether to extend the rollover provision for Emission Year 2025.”
“As a small country that imports more than 90% of our food, Singapore is not able to fully insulate ourselves from global food supply disruptions or influence global food prices. To mitigate food supply risks, we adopt a multi-pronged approach where import diversification is a key strategy, complemented by stockpiling and growing locally. International collaboration supports our efforts. The Ministry of Trade and Industry facilitates trade, including that of food, when negotiating trade agreements. At the regional level, Singapore is a part of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR), a regional cooperation scheme between the ASEAN member states, China, Japan and South Korea, to earmark rice for emergency use. At the bilateral level, we work with partner countries to mitigate and manage supply disruptions. For example, during an export restriction on non-Basmati white rice, the Singapore Government worked closely with the Indian government to secure an exemption from the restriction. Industry and consumers also have an important part to play to strengthen our food security. Businesses should have business continuity plans in place and diversify their food supplies. Consumers can also be flexible and consider other food options in times of disruption.”
“Singapore is considered to have a low earthquake risk, as we are geologically stable and are not on any known major active fault lines. The earthquake on 3 September 2025 near Segamat was one of the three closest documented earthquakes to Singapore, with an epicentre about 120 kilometres northwest of Singapore. The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) will continue to closely track regional seismic developments. The Building and Construction Authority maintains a building safety framework to ensure infrastructure resilience in Singapore and will continue to review and update it based on MSS's monitoring of regional seismic activity. The Government will also continue to work with research institutes, such as Earth Observatory of Singapore, to deepen our understanding of regional seismic occurrences and update our risk assessments if necessary.”
“This question has been addressed in the oral reply to Parliamentary Questions No 8 to 10 at the 24 September 2025 Parliament sitting. [Please refer to "Provision of Affordable Meals and Other Contractual Obligations at Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres", Official Report, 24 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 4, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
“This question has been addressed in the oral reply to Parliamentary Questions No 8 to 10 at the 24 September 2025 Parliament sitting. [Please refer to "Provision of Affordable Meals and Other Contractual Obligations at Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres", Official Report, 24 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 4, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
“The average monthly consumption for electricity and water1 in 2024 are as follows: (i) For households living in HDB flats, 1-Room and 2-Room HDB flats: Electricity: 175.7 kWh, Water: 8.9 m³ 3-Room HDB flats: Electricity: 276.1 kWh, Water: 12.2 m³ 4-Room HDB flats: Electricity: 380.7 kWh, Water: 15.4 m³ 5-Room and executive HDB flats: Electricity: 464.0 kWh, Water: 17.1 m³ (ii) For private apartments and condominiums, Electricity: 522.0 kWh, Water: 13.4 m³ (iii) For landed properties, Electricity: 1208.2 kWh, Water: 30.6 m³ We expect the existing household consumption trends for electricity and water to continue in the next five years. Household electricity consumption would likely continue to see a gradual increase, due to factors such as switching from town gas and liquified petroleum gas to induction cooking, increased air-conditioner usage with higher temperatures and greater electric vehicle adoption. Household water consumption has been gradually decreasing with adoption of more efficient water fittings and appliances in homes.”
“The National Environment Agency tracks the number of feedback on second-hand tobacco smoke from neighbours but not the number of cases involving disputes.”
“I thank the Member for her question. This question has been addressed in the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment's written answer to Question No 20 on 23 September 2025. [Please refer to "Improving Recycling Rates within Businesses and Residential Areas and Creating One-stop Recyclables Collection Centres", Official Report, 23 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 3, Written Answers to Questions section.]”
“The five-metre buffer distance was determined with reference to local and international standards for the intake of ambient air into buildings and is comparable to buffer distances implemented overseas. There are currently no plans to expand the five-metre buffer distance. Currently, smoking is restricted to Designated Smoking Areas within smoking-prohibited places, such as the Orchard Road No Smoking Zone. In other parts of Singapore, smoking is prohibited in places, such as covered and underground pedestrian walkways, playgrounds and void decks. My Ministry will continue to review our policies on smoking prohibition from time to time.”
“The Government will closely monitor the implementation of the Pulau Tekong polder to draw insights from this pilot project, including experience gained from operating and maintaining the polder. This will guide our review on the viability of using the empoldering method for future land reclamation projects. Similar to other reclamation projects, the Housing and Development Board has completed soil improvement works upfront to ensure the polder land is ready for building development.”
“The Member may refer to the written reply given on 22 September 2025 in response to related Parliamentary Questions on the Carbon Tax. [Please refer to "Structuring Carbon Relief Allowances to Support Emissions-intensive Trade-exposed Companies and Retain Jobs for Singaporeans", Official Report, 22 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 2, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]”
“The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) takes a risk-based approach in regulating food businesses. As the food safety risks associated with home-based food businesses are currently low in view of their relatively small scale of operations, SFA does not require home-based food business owners to complete the Workforce Skills Qualification Food Safety Course Level 1. Nonetheless, they are encouraged to do so. SFA regularly reviews its food safety regime to ensure that the regulations are adequate and effective to manage food safety risks in the landscape.”
“The Public Utilities Board (PUB) has been monitoring per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Singapore's drinking water through its comprehensive water sampling programme since 2016. Based on PUB's advanced laboratory testing capabilities, PFAS have not been detected in our drinking water.”
“This question will be addressed at the next Sitting on 24 September 2025, together with similar Parliamentary Questions, for a more holistic reply. [Please refer to "Provision of Affordable Meals and Other Contractual Obligations at Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres", Official Report, 24 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 4, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
“We are encouraged that community partners, such as Public Waste Collectors, non-profit organisations and Town Councils have come forward to trial source-segregated recycling via smart recycling bins, as well as co-locate dedicated recycling bins in malls and Housing and Development Board void decks. We will continue to review these measures. We are also looking at strengthening support for paper recycling and will share more details when ready.”
“My reply will also address related Parliamentary Questions on efforts to promote recycling filed by Ms Hany Soh and Mr Foo Cexiang for the Sitting on or after 24 September 2025 and 25 September 2025 respectively. [Please refer to "Measures to Boost and Improve Paper and Domestic Recycling Rate", Official Report, 24 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 4, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.] [Please refer to "Strategies to Reduce Contamination of Blue Recycling Bins", Official Report, 25 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 5, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.] The Government has worked with businesses and the community to introduce measures and initiatives to promote recycling. Examples include the launch of extended producer responsibility schemes for priority waste streams, progressive implementation of food waste segregation for large commercial and industrial food waste generators, and continued enhancements to our National Recycling Programme, such as by increasing the collection frequency for recyclables. The beverage container return scheme for plastic and metal beverage containers will also be launched next April. Although we have achieved some progress in reducing waste generation, domestic recycling remains a challenge, and we are actively exploring ways to reduce contamination and improve the recycling rate. The National Environment Agency will press on with public education and outreach efforts, such as the Recycle Right campaign, to improve awareness of proper sorting practices.”
“Under the enhanced Climate Friendly Households Programme (CFHP), Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident Housing and Development Board (HDB) households, as well as Singapore Citizen households living in private residential properties can claim $400 in Climate vouchers to lower the upfront cost of resource-efficient appliances and fittings. The vouchers can be used by the residents to purchase 10 eligible types of products, including common resource-intensive household products with high water and electricity usage rates, such as refrigerators and washing machines. The units in HDB's Single Room Shared Facilities are furnished with energy and water-efficient appliances, including refrigerators and lights fixtures. They also have shared facilities, including toilets, kitchens, laundry and activity rooms, for tenants. Tenants thus need not purchase their own appliances and water fixtures. The National Environment Agency will continue to periodically review the enhanced CFHP, including its coverage.”
“Under the National Environment Agency's (NEA's) Incubation Stall Programme, aspiring hawkers can run their businesses at pre-fitted stalls with reduced stall rental for 15 months. As of 30 June 2025, NEA has allocated 99 incubation stalls to aspiring hawkers. About 37 of them have since converted to become full-fledged hawkers. Achieving business viability and sustainability in the hawker trade is dependent on aspiring hawkers' ability to meet patrons' expectations and manage their businesses effectively. NEA conducts reviews of the programme and its parameters from time to time. In 2019, after taking in feedback from participants, NEA extended the 50% rental discounts from six to nine months and provided 25% rental discounts for a further six months, so that participants could have more time to build their clientele and stabilise business operations. NEA will continue to monitor and review the scheme from time to time to ensure that it remains relevant to the hawker trade and needs of aspiring hawkers.”
“The question has been addressed with similar Parliamentary Questions on 22 September 2025 via written answer. Please refer to the response to Questions in the 22 September 2025 Order Paper. [Please refer to "Cause and Actions Taken for Sinkhole Formation at Tanjong Katong Road South in July 2025", Official Report, 22 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 2, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]”
“The question has been addressed with similar Parliamentary Questions on 22 September 2025 via written answer. Please refer to the response to Questions in the 22 September 2025 Order Paper. [Please refer to "Cause and Actions Taken for Sinkhole Formation at Tanjong Katong Road South in July 2025", Official Report, 22 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 2, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]”
“There are currently no plans to extend smoking restrictions to Housing and Development Board or private apartments, including smoking at or near windows and balconies.”
“This question has been addressed together with a similar Parliamentary Question No 18 at the Parliamentary Sitting on 22 September 2025, for a more holistic reply. [Please refer to "Internal Probe into PUB's Contract Irregularities Reported in AGO's FY2024/2025 Audit and Interim Governance Measures Implemented", Official Report, 22 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 2, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
“In 2022, we announced that the Government planned to progressively increase the carbon tax to $45 per tonne in 2026 and 2027, with a view to reaching $50 to $80 per tonne by 2030. The Government reviews the trajectory of our carbon tax rate from time to time, taking into account prevailing circumstances and will provide updates in due course.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) takes a firm stance against subletting and conducts regular inspections to ensure that stallholders personally operate their stalls. Between 2012 and 2024, NEA had issued termination notices to about 230 stallholders who had received previous warnings for not personally operating their stalls. In 2024 alone, NEA issued Letters of Warning to more than 230 stallholders who did not personally operate their stalls and issued more than 30 termination notices. The objective of the Hawkers Succession Scheme (HSS) is to facilitate succession rather than address subletting. Today, retiring veteran hawkers can pass down their skills, recipes and hawker stalls to their family members or relatives. The HSS provides an alternative by matching them with aspiring successors, facilitating an apprenticeship process and transfer of the stall. Thus far, six veteran hawkers have successfully completed the transfer via the HSS, while four are currently in the process of doing so. NEA is further working with two other veteran hawkers to find suitable successors.”
“Starting 1 January 2025, the policy was relaxed to allow stallholders at hawker centres managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or NEA-appointed operators to hire Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) or Long Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+) holders with Letters of Consent (LOC) or pre-approved LOCs as their stall assistants, even without any familial ties to the hawkers. In the first six months since the revised policy, about 170 LTVP or LTVP+ holders were hired as stall assistants across over 120 hawker centres. The policy is relatively new, and NEA will continue to monitor the number of LTVP or LTVP+ holders working in our hawker centres.”
“The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is conducting an independent investigation under the Building Control Act. The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) has also convened an internal investigation to look into the cause of the incident and how we can prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. MSE's internal investigation panel comprises four senior members from the MSE Family agencies with the requisite professional and technical expertise. Since 2024, the Public Utility Board's (PUB) contractor had been conducting sewer laying works beside Tanjong Katong Road South. The works involved the construction of a 16-metre-deep shaft, which is a temporary structure made up of multiple layers of reinforced concrete caisson rings. On 26 July 2025, at approximately 5.50 pm, the contractor's workers observed the failure of one of the caisson rings. This led to soil flowing into the bottom of the shaft. At around the same time, a sinkhole formed along a section of Tanjong Katong Road South which was adjacent to the worksite. Following the incident, to ensure public safety, PUB, in consultation with BCA and the Land Transport Authority, performed safety assessment checks on the roads around the sinkhole. No abnormalities were detected. The affected road sections along Tanjong Katong Road South were then progressively reopened from 2 August 2025. At this time, investigations into the incident are still ongoing and it would be premature to draw any conclusions. Given the complexity involved, the investigations are expected to take several months.”
“This question will be addressed at the next Sitting on 24 September 2025, together with similar Parliamentary Questions, for a more holistic reply. [Please refer to "Provision of Affordable Meals and Other Contractual Obligations at Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres", Official Report, 24 September 2025, Vol 96, Issue 4, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”