Data on Unauthorised Incidents of Vegetation Clearance and Habitat Disturbances on State Land and Nature Areas, and Outcomes of Enforcement Measures Taken

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for National Development (a) in each of the past five years, how many incidents involving the unauthorised felling of trees, vegetation clearance or habitat disturbance on State land, parks or nature areas have been recorded; (b) how many resulted in warnings, financial penalties or prosecutions; and (c) what were the principal causes of these incidents.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Over the past five years, National Parks Board investigated around two cases annually involving the unauthorised felling of trees or clearance of vegetation on State land, in parks or in nature areas. Most cases arose from a lack of awareness of the regulatory requirements governing vegetation clearance and tree felling. The penalties include warnings, financial penalties, and prosecution, depending on the severity of the case.