Singapore’s future island plan stirs concern over reefs and old fishing grounds
Few have spent as much time in the waters surrounding Singapore’s southwestern islands as fisherman Hamzah Mohamad, 71. The former resident of Pulau Sudong has been fishing, primarily by setting up bubu – wire fish traps in Malay – in the rocky coral reefs surrounding Sudong, Bukom and Semakau for more than half a century. He knows the underwater reefs by heart, what the wind changes mean for…
Long-time fisherman Hamzah Mohamad, 71, has spent more than half his life fishing in the waters surrounding Singapore's southwestern islands. These islands, including Pulau Sudong, Bukom, and Semakau, once supported hundreds of residents who earned their living as fishermen. However, the community was forced to relocate to mainland Singapore in the 1970s when their islands were designated for redevelopment.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced plans on Sunday to create a new island in the coming decades for industry, energy, and defense needs by merging islands like Semakau, Bukom, and Sudong. Wong compared this to how Singapore previously joined smaller islands to create Jurong Island, a hub for energy and chemicals. He framed the proposal as part of Singapore's long-term land use strategy, with the new western island potentially supporting advanced manufacturing, power generation infrastructure, and defense needs.
Former islanders, environmental groups, and marine advocates have raised concerns over the potential impact on coral reefs, access to fishing grounds, and maritime traditions. The islands were once home to residents who made a living primarily as fishermen. Sudong, for example, is now a military live-firing zone with an airstrip, while Semakau has been converted into a landfill, and Bukom houses an oil refinery.
Some experts and former islanders expressed concern that the project could lead to the loss of coral reefs, which have existed for about 8,000 years, and the disappearance of a unique fishing and maritime culture. The government has acknowledged the biodiversity value of the western islands and their surrounding waters and is studying the plans carefully.
They plan to conduct feasibility studies, site investigations, and surveys to understand the possible development options and their preliminary impact on biodiversity and hydrodynamics.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
