Independent Verification of Sand Legality and Extraction Locations and Suspending Purchases Upon Evidence of Environmental Harm or Unlawful Extraction

Ms Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Minister for National Development whether sand tender contracts for public reclamation projects permit (i) independent checks to verify the legality and extraction locations of imported reclamation sand and (ii) the contractual right to suspend purchases where credible evidence of unlawful extraction or serious environmental harm emerges.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Sand used for land reclamation projects is sourced on a commercial basis and from countries where it is legally permissible to do so. Contracts for reclamation sand include clauses requiring contractors to comply with the laws and regulations of the source countries, and contractors are required to submit export documentation and permits before imports commence. Credible reports of illegal extraction or other breaches of these requirements will be investigated by the relevant agencies, with appropriate action taken as necessary.