Singapore assesses oil spill impact on beach-front businesses

Significant progress has been made in clearing oil slicks from the beaches.

Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said the government is closely monitoring the recent oil spill's impact on beach-front businesses.

“We seek the understanding of members of the public and businesses affected by this incident, as we need time to recover safely,” she said at a press conference on 24 June.

“We are aware that businesses operating sea-based activities in the affected areas have been directly affected. As the situation is evolving, agencies are closely monitoring the impact on affected businesses,” Fu continued.

For Sentosa, the Singapore Development Council (SDC) is focusing efforts on recovery, water quality restoration, and wildlife protection along the three affected beaches. Significant progress has been made in clearing oil slicks from the beaches, with Siloso Beach predominantly cleared, followed by Palawan and Tanjong Beaches.

The minister assured that most beach-front businesses are operational, except for two involved in sea activities, which are under close monitoring. Air quality at affected beaches has remained within safe levels despite occasional odors, ensuring public safety except in cordoned cleaning areas.

Additionally, Fu said government agencies have already deployed over 700 cleaning personnel, removing approximately 550 tonnes of oil-soaked sand and debris from affected beaches.

Meanwhile, Fu expressed gratitude for public volunteers and support toward cleaning efforts.

“Whilst we have made good progress in our cleaning operation, we need more time to clean the rock bunds and complicated shoreline,” she said. 

“We will reopen the beaches for activities with primary contact with sea water when we are satisfied that it is safe to do so. We ask for patience from the public over the next few months,” the minister added.