Singapore Beaches Grapple with Oil Spill Impact: Clean-Up Operations Underway
Singapore is currently addressing the repercussions of an oil spill originating from the Langsat terminal in Malaysia, near the mouth of the Johor River. The incident, which began on April 3, has led to the temporary closure of water sports activities and prompted extensive clean-up efforts along Changi and Pasir Ris beaches.
Immediate Impact on Businesses and Recreation
The spill has directly affected local businesses that rely on the coastal waters for their operations. Outdoor Adventures, which operates Kokomo Beach Club at Pasir Ris Beach, has suspended its services for the weekend. Mr. Berwin Tan, chief operating officer of Outdoor Adventures, stated:
It will remain closed over the weekend.Berwin Tan, Chief Operating Officer, Outdoor Adventures
the closure includes the cancellation of kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding classes, with affected students already notified. Mr. Tan also expressed concerns about potential damage to the club’s equipment, noting that washing them would be troublesome.
The estimated financial loss for the club is between $500 and $600 for the weekend.
Key Impacts:
- Suspension of water sports activities at Changi and Pasir Ris beaches.
- Financial losses for businesses like Kokomo Beach Club.
- Concerns over equipment damage and clean-up efforts.
Clean-Up Operations and Public Safety
Authorities in Singapore, including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA), are actively involved in the clean-up operations. The NEA has issued an advisory against swimming and other water activities at Changi and Pasir Ris beaches until further notice, prioritizing public safety.
A joint statement from the MPA, NEA, National Parks Board, Singapore Food Agency, and PUB (the national water agency) indicated that the majority of the clean-up is expected to be completed within days.
Preventive measures are also in place to protect sensitive coastal areas. Booms have been deployed at coastal drains, including Changi Creek, Sungei Tampines, and Sungei Api Api, as well as Chek Jawa and around fish farms in the east Johor Strait. PUB has also laid containment booms across the tidal gates at Punggol and Serangoon reservoirs as a precautionary measure.
Disruptions to Other Water Activities
The Changi Sailing Club has also suspended dinghy sailing lessons and boat-chartering services at Changi Beach. A club spokesperson confirmed that approximately 20 to 30 people who had signed up for lessons would have their sessions postponed.
Kayak fishing tours are also facing adjustments. Mr. Mohammad Nordin, director of Fish On, a kayak fishing tour provider, expressed his frustration, stating:
I was annoyed by the oil spill as some of my customers may choose to cancel their tour bookings.Mohammad Nordin, Director, Fish On
He has had to modify tour routes, as Changi and pasir Ris beaches are preferred starting points, especially for beginners and larger groups. mr. Nordin voiced concerns about the potential impact on his livelihood if the situation dose not improve.
Public Awareness and Response
While some beachgoers were initially unaware of the oil spill, the presence of clean-up crews and the smell of oil quickly brought the issue to their attention. Mr. Rajesh Mani, a local resident, noticed a strong odor similar to kerosene during his evening walk on April 3.
Despite the smell, Mr. Mani continued his daily exercise routine on the beach the following morning.When reporters visited Changi Beach,workers were observed shoveling contaminated sand into plastic bags,and a faint smell of oil was present.
At Pasir Ris Park, while some individuals were seen engaging in water activities despite the advisory, signs were posted to warn people against entering the water. One swimmer, who declined to be named, said, I did not see any signs and the water looks okay.
Comparison to Previous Oil Spill
A worker involved in the clean-up operation at Changi Beach, who requested anonymity, indicated that this clean-up is expected to be less challenging than the major oil spill in June 2024, which involved a significantly larger volume of oil. The worker noted that the oil is less thick this time, making it easier to remove from the sand.
Some parkgoers, like Mr. Deon Tan,expressed a sense of resignation,stating,Every few months,there is an oil spill. It’s such a frequent thing nowadays. I don’t really stop by the beach, so I didn’t notice anything.
Another parkgoer, Mr. David Devins, noticed the signs but was unaware of their connection to the oil spill.
Agencies Involved
The following agencies are involved in the oil spill response and clean-up efforts:
- Maritime and port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
- National Environment Agency (NEA)
- National Parks Board
- Singapore Food Agency
- Public Utilities Board (PUB)
