Govt recognises biodiversity value of Western islands, studies will be conducted before development: MND
Feasibility studies, site investigations and surveys, as well as engineering and environmental studies.
The government has acknowledged the ecological significance of the Western islands and their surrounding waters, stating it will conduct technical studies to inform development plans for potential reclamation and merging projects. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced these long-term plans during the 2026 National Day Rally, referring to the areas around Pulau Semakau, Sudong, and Bukom.
However, local marine community members have expressed concern over the anticipated loss of millennia-old marine habitats, which provide vital ecosystem functions. The Ministry of National Development (MND) spokesperson confirmed that the government recognises the biodiversity value of these islands and surrounding waters, and they are meticulously studying the plans to plan ahead and create future options.
Approximately 476.4 hectares of intertidal area, including areas around Semakau, Sudong, Bukom, Hantu, and Jong, could be affected by the reclamation project. These reefs, some dating back 8,000 years, serve vital ecological functions, such as providing food sources, preventing coastal erosion, and acting as transition habitats for various marine species.
The spokesperson emphasised that there is no mitigation for the loss of these reefs, as transplanted corals will not replicate the ecosystem functions and services of the existing reefs. The MND will engage stakeholders early in the planning process, seeking input and carefully considering their feedback to help inform studies, assess potential biodiversity impacts, and identify measures to avoid, minimise, and mitigate impacts where possible.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
