Timeline for Western island reclamation not yet determined, stakeholder engagement will continue: Chee Hong Tat

The timeline, land use plans, construction methods and reclamation profile for the new western island have not been determined, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said in a written reply on Sep. 8.

He was responding to questions filed by 13 Members of Parliament from both sides of the House.

Plans to merge several outlying islands — including Pulau Semakau, Bukom and Sudong — into a larger western island was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the 2026 National Day Rally.

'Complex and technically challenging' project

In his response, Chee said that the government is studying plans for a new western island to meet "strategic needs" including in security, energy and industry.

He described the project as "complex and technically challenging" due to scale.

"The government recognises that the existing lands and surrounding waters are an important part of our natural biodiversity, and hold historical and cultural significance for former island communities, including the Orang Pulau and Orang Laut,"  he also said.

It was previously pointed out that some of the reef habitats near Pulau Hantu and Semaku date back almost 8,000 years.

They also serve vital ecosystem functions and their loss will be immitigable.

Chee also assured that stakeholder engagement will continue, including with nature groups, domain experts, descendants of former island communities and community representatives.

Inputs from stakeholders will be 'carefully considered': Chee

The Ministry of National Development previously shared that technical studies will be carried out to inform development plans.

Such studies include feasibility studies, site investigation and surveys, as well as engineering and environmental studies, Chee said.

These will allow for a better understanding of development possibilities and their preliminary impact on areas like geology, hydrology and biodiversity, according to the minister.

He also said that the environmental study report will be made available for public feedback and inputs from stakeholders will be "carefully considered" before plans are finalised.

"As with any development decision, the Government will need to consider many factors, such as ecological and heritage impact, as well as the needs of current and future generations, before making a final decision," Chee concluded.