Written answer by Ministry of National Development on update on implementation of the revised framework for allocating and pricing land for places of worship

Nov 22, 2023

Question No: 5193

Question by: Mr Sitoh Yih Pin

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what is the progress on implementing the revised framework for allocating and pricing land for places of worship; (b) whether any tenders have been launched under the new framework and, if so, what are the outcomes of such tenders; (c) whether any religious organisations have applied to renew their leases under the new framework and what are the outcomes of these applications in terms of lease renewal premiums; and (d) whether the Government has received any feedback on the new framework.

Answer:

          On 28 May 2023, the Government announced changes to the framework for allocating and pricing land for Place of Worship (PW). Future PW land will be allocated through a ballot system rather than through a competitive tender. There will be upfront price certainty as religious organisations will pay a pre-determined price, reflecting the fair market value of the site, as determined by the Chief Valuer.

2.       On 14 September 2023, the first two sites were launched under the revised framework – a church at Jalan Kayu and a Chinese Temple at Gambas Crescent. These sites are currently open for application, which will close on 14 November 2023.

3.       As of 30 October 2023, SLA has also received applications from 32 religious organisations (ROs) to renew their leases, of which 7 ROs have completed the renewal process and the remaining applications are being processed. The lease renewal premium is determined by the Chief Valuer with adjustments made to the price based on site specific factors such as location and the remaining lease tenure. The average rate paid by the 7 ROs is on average around 47% less than the rates for new PW sites in recent tenders prior to the implementation of the revised framework.

4.       Religious leaders represented in the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony welcomed the Government’s efforts to ensure that PW land is allocated in a more sustainable manner.