OIL POLLUTION OF SEA-WATERS AROUND SINGAPORE

Mr Lim Soo Peng asked the Minister for Communications whether investigations indicate that oil pollution of the sea-waters around Singapore is to a great extent caused by oil tankers and other ships; and, with the increase in the number of such vessels calling at Singapore, what steps have been or will be taken to minimise such oil pollution and make more beaches, free of oil pollution, available to the public.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Speaker, Sir, investigations, unfortunately, do indicate that the increasing oil pollution of the sea-waters around Singapore is related to the increase in the number of ships calling here, in view of the almost universal use of oil as fuel for ships. For the month of November 1968, the average daily number of ships anchored in the Port of Singapore was over 200.

Oil pollution arises in the following ways:

(1) From accumulated accidental spillage, particularly during bunker operations, which can reach large proportions, and it is difficult to control such offences, as offenders must be caught in the act.

(2) Oil which has been discharged by ships outside our territorial waters and is then carried into Singapore shores, by the action of the wind and tide.

(3) Damaged ships, leaking oil, which come to Singapore for repairs.

(4) Oil refineries (we have quite a number of them around), and

(5) Ship repair yards. They make the money, hut also pollute our shores.

Officers of the Port of Singapore Authority do carry out sea patrols, in the course of which a watch is being kept for cases of oil pollution. Helicopter pilots of the Royal Air Force also co-operate by reporting any incident they observe.

Prior to September 1968, only warnings were given to the offenders. Since then however, seven summonses have been issued against offenders, two of which have resulted in court fines of $75 each, while the other five cases are still pending.

Finally, the Port of Singapore Authority is also constructing a special vessel to skim floating oil from the surface of the sea.