PIG FARMING IN PUNGGOL (Continuance of)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether he can give an assurance that pig farmers who have been resettled will be able to continue their pig farming activity for a period beyond 15 years as many of them have been resettled on more than one occasion and heavy capital is involved in the setting up of pig farms.

Dr Tan Eng Liang (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the pig farmers have been resettled in Punggol because it is a non-water catchment area where pig waste does not create the same serious pollution problems as in a water catchment area.

The Government has so far developed 507 hectares (1,252 acres) of land in Punggol at considerable expense for pig farming as part of our policy to be self-sufficient in protein food. Also 30-year leases are given to large commercial pig farms. Therefore, as far as I can see, pig farming is likely to continue there for the next 15 years.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, in that case, I must thank the Senior Minister of State for his kind comments. Sir, would he not agree with me that the farmers will be there for more than 15 years?

Dr Tan Eng Liang: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have categorically stated that pig farming is likely to continue there for the next 15 years. The very fact that we have given leases of 30 years, we can even speculate that it is very likely that pig farming will be there for 15 to 30 years.