Tan Kiat How on managing Singapore’s wild boar population

Singapore takes a proactive, holistic and science-based approach in managing its wild boar population, said Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How. Replying to MPs’ questions in Parliament on Monday (Jul 3), he pointed out that wild boars mostly travel in herds and stay within forested areas. While Bukit Panjang and the adjacent Zhenghua Nature Park do not have a resident wild boar population, the animals appear from time to time due to their close proximity to nature reserves and other forested areas, such as Chestnut Nature Park and Dairy Farm Nature Park. Mr Tan noted that residents in Zhenghua and Bukit Panjang are concerned about recent incidents in the area. He said NParks has taken steps to mitigate the risks. Since May this year, NParks has trapped and removed 19 wild boars from the vicinity of Bukit Panjang. It has put up fences to reduce the possibility of wild boars entering the estate. It is also working closely with grassroots bodies and Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council to engage the community on proper food waste management to reduce food sources that may attract wild boars. Mr Tan pointed out that the measures of NParks have helped to keep the wild boar population in the nature reserves stable. NParks is working closely with stakeholders on public education and outreach to ensure public safety, he added.