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Earth Day Special: PAP government will ensure no one is left behind in green transition: Koh Poh Koon

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As Singapore transitions to a greener and more sustainable future, it is crucial to ensure that no one is left behind. Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and Environment Koh Poh Koon made this important point in a special interview Petir on the occasion of Earth Day today (April 22).

“The green transition will not be easy. There will be challenges. We must ensure that we do not marginalize any part of the population, especially where costs may be imposed on consumers.”

Dr. Koh explained why the PAP government has strengthened the Climate Friendly Households Program (CFHP) in this year’s budget. Under the scheme, the government gave a $300 climate voucher each to 1.1 million HDB households. Dr. Koh said this will ensure that “households that want to switch to more sustainable, energy-efficient appliances can afford them”.

Consumers can use the $300 e-vouchers to purchase 10 types of energy and water efficient appliances, including DC fans, washing machines and toilets.

Dr. Koh pointed out that the government provides energy efficiency subsidies to companies, especially small and medium enterprises. This, he said, will ensure that “they are not left behind in the transition and help them move towards a greener future”.

Dr. Acknowledging the natural limitations Singapore faces, Koh said the government is doing its best by using solar energy – a renewable energy source – wherever possible. All buildings are equipped with solar panels, while floating solar panels are deployed in reservoirs and offshore.

“What is important is to continue to invest in research and development, to look at new and emerging energy sources that we can import and use. Together we hope to move towards a greener and more sustainable future.”

PAP has always been a proponent of green: Koh Poh Koon

Climate change has become increasingly important in recent years. However, the People’s Action Party’s efforts on climate change and the environment date back to the early years when the party first formed the government, Dr Koh said.

He noted that founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was a strong proponent of greenery who pushed for annual tree planting to ensure Singaporeans kept the environment green. He also ensured Singapore’s water resilience by cleaning waterways and closing sewers.

“In some ways we have always advocated a green agenda, even though we are the men wearing white,” Dr. joked. Koh.

PAP’s sustainability efforts in recent years

November 2020: The Young PAP releases a position paper with recommendations to make Singapore a green hub.

Jan 2021: Members of the Parliamentary Government Committee on Sustainability and Environment tabled the first-ever motion in Parliament to address climate change and its impact on Singapore.

February 2021: The government released the Singapore Green Plan 2030 the following month. The plan sets out Singapore’s action towards a greener and more sustainable future over the next decade.

May 2021: In line with SG Green Plan 2030, all 15 PAP municipal councils launched the Action for green cities initiative, which aims to make every PAP-managed city waste-free, energy efficient and greener by 2025.

Jan 2022: GPC for Sustainability and Environment submits a second motion asking the government to explore ways to help Singaporeans transition to a green future.

Dr. Koh said some of MPs’ recommendations have been included in this year’s budget, for example the $300 climate vouchers for households.

Active citizens play a key role in realizing the Green Plan 2030: Dr. Koh

Dr. Koh said a green government and an active citizenry have a role to play in realizing the Green Plan 2030.

The government, he noted, will aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, five years earlier than Singapore’s 2050 pledge, “sending a signal” to encourage companies and individuals to do the same.

“Despite contributing only 0.1 percent of global CO2 emissions, we must do our part as global citizens. And that translates into every Singaporean doing their part through everyday actions and influencing companies to adopt a green culture.”

“We can all encourage our neighbors to use the blue recycling boxes to store recyclable waste,” he added.

Dr. Koh said: “Just as a PAP government will work to keep Singapore green and sustainable, I hope everyone will do their part to make Singapore sustainable and move towards a greener future. Happy Earth Day, everyone!”

Doing more to close the waste loop in Tampines: Koh Poh Koon

Dr. Citing Our Tampines Hub’s sustainability efforts as an example, Koh said Tampines GRC is “doing much more, especially to close the waste loop.” Dr. Koh is the Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC and oversees the Tampines Central Constituency.

Our Tampines Hub has several recycling facilities to recycle waste. An Eco-digester allows residents to recycle food waste into compost for landscaping or home use. There is also a drop-off point where single-use postal packaging, such as bubble wrap or bubble envelopes, is collected and redistributed to retailers. “In this way, we will prevent about 25,000 parcel items from being burned,” Dr Koh said.

Tampines continues its sustainability efforts to become an eco-city


Tampines wants to be an eco-city next year. Dr. Koh said the council is also encouraging residents to donate food waste to the black soldier flying facility in Tampines Park. Sustainability @ Tampines Park is Singapore’s first and largest community-based circular ecosystem for sustainable food waste management and production.

He explained that the fly larvae feed on the waste and are used to feed the tilapia in a pond. The larvae break down the waste into fertilizer that can be used on farms.

“We thought this pilot was worthwhile. If we scale this up, we can close the waste loop and farm more fish, while utilizing more food waste,” says Dr Koh.


In addition, the Tampines Goes Farming initiative has helped engage the community and encourage residents to adopt a sustainable farm-to-table lifestyle. In November 2023, Singapore opened its first container fish farm in HDB flats there. In 2021, a multi-storey parking garage at Block 723A Tampines Street 72 was converted into a commercial vegetable farm.

Regarding the upcoming sustainability plans, Dr Koh said the Tampines Municipal Council is currently piloting hydroponic farming systems in several residential blocks. The council is also working with the Housing and Development Board on a project that will see several blocks painted with a special heat-reflective coating.

“This paint is intended to reflect the heat of the sun and keep the indoor temperature a little cooler. This would reduce the need for air conditioning and hopefully help save energy costs for residents. The process is underway. We hope this will yield positive results. If successful, we will roll out the paint to more blocks in Tampines.”


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