Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on plans for Pulau Ubin residents

Nov 4, 2019

Ms Anthea Ong: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what are the Ministry's five- and ten-year plans for the population of Pulau Ubin; (b) what is the population by age and gender of Pulau Ubin since 2014; (c) what criteria are used for this calculation; and (d) what are the measures in place to meet their healthcare, social and emotional needs, and by whom.

Answer:

Our current plans are to keep Pulau Ubin a natural getaway for Singaporeans to enjoy.  There are now about 130 people residing or working on the island.

NParks works closely with the Friends of Ubin Network (FUN), a group of diverse stakeholders, to ensure the wellbeing of the residents in Pulau Ubin.  NParks has also set up a dedicated Community Liaison Team to address the needs of the community there.  The team gathers feedback from the community, and coordinates the sensitive improvement of facilities and services to meet household needs. 

For example, the team conducts safety inspections and house repairs, drainage and track improvements, provides rubbish disposal services, and goes door-to-door to distribute potable water during droughts.  The team also coordinates with agencies, community partners and the grassroots to provide resources and programmes for the welfare of Ubin’s residents.  Collectively, these efforts aim to preserve Ubin’s cultural heritage and way of life.