Removal or Relocation of Bee Hives in Public Spaces

Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is NParks' current approach towards the removal or relocation of bee hives in public spaces; and (b) whether the Ministry regards bees primarily as pests to be eliminated or as ecological assets to be managed safely given their role in pollination and biodiversity.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Bee hives found in publicly accessible areas in parks are removed by the National Parks Board to safeguard public safety.

Among the more than 130 species of bees in Singapore, the hives that are typically removed belong to four honey bee species. While bees play an important ecological role as pollinators, these species are widespread locally and across Southeast Asia, and the ecological impact of removing the hives of these species is low. The hives are removed to ensure public safety.