Murali Pillai on Singapore’s readiness to respond to oil spills

Government agencies responded in a coordinated, swift and effective manner in the three recent oil spills into Singapore waters, said Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai. Replying to MPs’ questions in Parliament on Monday (Nov 11), he said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore coordinated with agencies such as the National Environment Agency and National Parks Board (NParks) to ensure smooth clean-up operations and prevent the further spread of oil. There have been no other oil sightings at sea and ashore arising from these recent incidents. He said NParks has not observed any immediate impact on the marine and coastal ecosystems and wildlife, while the Singapore Food Agency has not observed any immediate impact on fisheries. PUB is monitoring the seawater intake at desalination plants and readings remain “normal”. Mr Murali said the Government takes every oil spill seriously, expects companies and individuals involved to play their part and will hold them accountable for any lapses or wrongdoings.