HDB INDUSTRIAL ESTATES (Transfer to JTC)

Mr Philip Tan Tee Yong asked the Minister for National Development whether he will consider transferring all industrial estates presently managed by the Housing and Development Board to the Jurong Town Corporation.

Mr Dhanabalan: Mr Speaker, Sir, besides providing dwelling units and ancillary facilities, the HDB also builds industrial premises. These industrial premises not only provide employment opportunities for the HDB residents but also enable HDB to relocate industries operating on land which is required for public housing.

As these industrial premises are within housing estates, the HDB has been managing them. However, in the context of limiting its role, ie, HDB's role, to being only a housing authority, the HDB has been asked to study the transfer of its industrial estates to the Jurong Town Corporation. A decision will be announced within the next six months.