The Singapore government is not planning to increase the population to 10 million, the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) said in a statement on July 1, 2020.

NPTD's clarification was issued as there have been statements circulating on online platforms about the matter during this election season.

NPTD said in a media statement: "The National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), Strategy Group, Prime Minister’s Office, would like to state categorically that these statements are untrue."

"The Government has not proposed, planned nor targeted for Singapore to increase its population to 10 million."

The NPTD statement referenced an article in March by Factually, a government platform that responds to statements that are deemed to be inaccurate.

"The Government aims to achieve a careful balance between these factors to ensure a sustainable Singapore with a cohesive society and vibrant economy that improves Singaporeans’ lives," said the article.

"The Government does not seek to achieve any particular population size."

The article also said: "We monitor our population trends closely, and regularly review our population policies along with infrastructure and social development needs."

Appropriate action will be taken

The NPTD said the publication of falsehoods on Singapore's population "damages the public interest, by undermining legitimate and honest discussion".

"Appropriate action may be taken against any such further publication," it said.

It noted that an update on Singapore's population outlook was provided in March 2018 in Parliament.

"At that update, the Government said that given recent trends, Singapore’s total population is likely to be significantly below 6.9 million by 2030," said NPTD.

"This outlook remains valid today."

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