1. Results of MEWR’s comprehensive Internet survey conducted as part of the three-yearly review of the Singapore Green Plan (SGP) 2012 showed that many Singaporeans were supportive of more energy-efficient measures and cutting down on product packaging to reduce waste. Survey is part of SGP2012 three-yearly review

2. Earlier in May this year, MEWR launched this extensive survey to get public feedback on a range of environmental issues like Singapore’s air quality, conserving, valuing, enjoying our waters, increasing the recycling rate and reducing waste, fighting against dengue, keeping our public areas and hawker centres clean, and conserving our natural heritage.

3. 2,800 participated in the four-month long survey, from May to August 2005. Survey results were given to the three Focus Groups formed as part of the SGP 2012 review, for their consideration. The three Focus Groups have since submitted their final recommendations to the SGP 2012 Coordinating Committee, chaired by Permanent Secretary (Environment and Water Resources). MEWR is now studying the recommendations closely.

Strong support for labelling

4. An issue of increasing international concern is climate change, caused by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Singapore is taking proactive steps to mitigate this. Two-thirds (67%) of the survey respondents felt that more can be done to address the issue of carbon dioxide emissions.

5. An overwhelmingly high proportion of respondents supported making it compulsory for all household appliances to carry energy efficiency labels (93%) and for all vehicles to carry fuel efficiency labels (94%).

6. An equally high proportion of respondents (95%) also supported making it compulsory for all household appliances like washing machines to carry water efficiency labels.

Call for greater producer responsibility

7. Packaging for many products make up almost one-third of the waste disposed of. Majority of respondents (94%) agreed that measures should be taken to encourage manufacturers to reduce the amount of product packaging and help minimise waste.

A high proportion willing to do their part in fighting against dengue

8. About two-thirds of the respondents (63%) felt that education on mosquito breeding prevention would be the most effective way of controlling mosquito population. A high proportion (81%) indicated that they were willing to get involved and do their part in the fight against dengue, for example, by helping to check their own homes and help their neighbours detect and eliminate mosquito breeding spots.

Two-thirds agree the food grading system has improved food hygiene

9. To encourage food hygiene practices at food outlets, all eating establishments and foodstalls are graded into four categories "A" to "D" according to their standard of cleanliness and hygiene. 67% of respondents felt that the foodstall grading system has helped to improve the level of food hygiene standards in hawker centres.

Most feel that conserving our natural heritage is important

10. Almost all (97%) respondents felt that conserving our natural heritage is important, and a large proportion (87%) wanted to know more about Singapore’s flora and fauna.

About the Singapore Green Plan 2012 three-yearly review

11. The three-yearly review was started by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources from 22 April 2005 to ensure that environmental strategies, targets and action programmes mapped out in the SGP2012 remain robust in the face of emerging environmental challenges.

12. To reach out to a wide spectrum of Singaporeans, views from our 3P (Public, Private, People) stakeholders have been actively sought. Three Focus Groups on Air and Climate Change, Water, and Clean Land, Nature and Public Health were formed, each meeting more than five times and separately consulted industry and interest groups.

13. In addition, this online survey and a public forum attended by a 200-strong audience provided many views and ideas from the public.

14. Key ideas from this review and our environmental challenges and strategies will be shared at an upcoming public exhibition later this week. The SGP2012 will then be updated with accepted Focus Group recommendations by early 2006.

15. The Ministry noted that public response gathered through this Internet survey reflected the views of a particular segment of the population i.e. the Internet savvy with the majority aged between 21 to 40 years old. However, the survey gives an indication that many Singaporeans care for the environment and would like to see more being done to protect and enhance the environment.

About the Singapore Green Plan 2012

16. Launched in August 2002, the Singapore Green Plan 2012 (SGP2012) is Singapore’s 10-year blueprint towards environmental sustainability. With a highly focused and action-oriented approach jointly formulated by partners in the 3P (People, Private, Public) sectors, the plan sets out Singapore's response to the challenges of sustaining a quality environment while pursuing economic progress.

Issued by: Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Date: 25 October 2005

For Media Enquiries, please contact:
Serene Tng
Assistant Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources
DID: 6731 9285
E-mail: serene_tng@mewr.gov.sg