PENALTY FOR USING GIANT JOSS STICKS (Grace period)

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang asked the Minister for the Environment whether his Ministry will consider giving a grace period of, say, 6 months to a year before levying the proposed penalty of $2,000 in violation of the recent ruling governing the use of giant joss sticks.

The Minister for the Environment (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Sir, last October, I had indicated that the control measures in terms of size, number of giant joss sticks, and the distance from buildings could be put in place, and this was widely reported in the media. My officers then proceeded to work very closely with the various bodies in preparation for these control measures. They held discussions with 7th moon festival operators, temple management and grassroots organisations. My officials also met with members of the Singapore Religious Goods Merchant Association last October to inform them of the Government's plan to impose restrictions on the burning of giant joss sticks. These bodies have therefore been given adequate notice. The new control measures took effect from 1st March 1998, as announced.