For the latest updates, visit https://go.gov.sg/nparksnoticeboard
For daily updates on facebook, see this album on wildsingapore FB
=The bulk of the clean-up is expected to be completed within the next few days.
=Agencies have assessed that there is no need for volunteer assistance at this time.
=The National Parks Board (NParks), together with research partners, has carried out visual assessments of the biodiversity-sensitive areas in the vicinity of the oil patches this morning, and post-impact surveys are underway. Thus far, there has been no observable impact to wildlife at Chek Jawa Wetlands, Changi Beach Park, and Pasir Ris Park.
Additional updates afternoon 4 Apr
=Oil has reached Changi Beach (Carpark 6) and Pasir Ris Beach (Area 1) which have been cordoned off to facilitate clean-up operations.
=Oil has also reached the northern coast of Pulau Ubin.
=While none of our desalination plants is located in the vicinity of the spill, PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency is closely monitoring the seawater intakes for any abnormalities.
Additional updates morning 4 Apr
=The Johor Port Authority informed oil leak at Langsat Terminal has stopped and that the spill clean-up at Langsat Terminal is ongoing.
=Singapore Food Agency is also working with fish farms in the East Johor Straits to take the necessary preventive measures.
=Drones and satellite imagery have been activated to monitor the surrounding waters for any additional oil patches.
=No other oil patches at sea and ashore have been sighted at this time.
Responses as of early morning 4 Apr
=3 MPA patrol craft and an oil spill response craft were deployed.
=Changi Beach will be cordoned off to facilitate clean-up operations.
=As a precautionary measure, Chek Jawa will be temporarily closed. NParks will be deploying booms at the waters off Chek Jawa at daybreak on 4 Apr (Fri).
=Public advised against swimming and other primary contact water activities at Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach until further notice.
=No other oil patches at sea or on land have been sighted thus far, agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Updates evening of 5 Apr
=Chek Jawa reopens
=Oil residue at affected areas of Chek Jawa will be allowed to remain break down naturally to prevent any further impact, while NParks will continue to monitor the area closely.
=One fish farm - De Kelong - was more significantly affected than others. The farm has temporarily stopped the sale and distribution of its seafood stock.
=Tests results of seafood from other farms in the East Johor Strait and imported seafood showed “no cause for concern”, SFA said.
Full media reports
Chek Jawa Wetlands reopens after oil spill in Johor waters; affected fish farm halts sale
Sarah Koh Straits Times Apr 05, 2025, 05:20 PM
SINGAPORE - The biodiversity-rich Chek Jawa Wetlands reopened to the public on April 5, two days after an oil patch spotted off the north-eastern coast of Pulau Ubin led to its temporary closure.
In a Facebook update on April 5, the National Parks Board (NParks) said it will let the oil residue at the affected areas of the wetlands break down naturally to prevent any further impact, while continuing to monitor the area closely.
Protective booms that were placed around the wetlands will also be progressively removed.
Besides the Chek Jawa Wetlands, several fish farms in the East Johor Strait and the beaches in Changi and Pasir Ris were also affected by the oil spill at Langsat Terminal near the mouth of the Johor River. An oil patch was subsequently sighted in the eastern Johor Strait on April 3.
The leak has since stopped, with clean-up operations at the shipping terminal ongoing.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA), which worked with fish farms to reduce the impact of the oil sheen observed there, said in an update on April 5 that one farm - De Kelong - was more significantly affected than others.
“To ensure food safety, De Kelong farm has temporarily stopped the sale and distribution of its seafood stock and is also actively working on clean-up efforts,” SFA said.
The agency, with the help of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, has been working with the farms on preventive measures, including providing them with absorbent pads.
As at April 5, tests results of seafood from other farms in the East Johor Strait and imported seafood showed “no cause for concern”, SFA said.
National Development Minister Desmond Lee had said in a Facebook post on April 4 that a light oil sheen was seen at parts of Chek Jawa Wetlands that morning.
“The main area impacted is at the Mangrove Boardwalk, where oil residue has been observed on some rocks and mangrove tree roots. Thankfully, the intertidal areas are largely unaffected,” he had said, adding that the oil sheen has not been seen on other beaches on the island.
The approximately 100ha Chek Jawa Wetlands, which lies south of Langsat Terminal, is home to six diverse ecosystems. These include fauna inhabiting sandy beaches, rocky beaches, seagrass lagoons, coral rubbles, mangroves and coastal forests.
Parts of the beaches at Changi and Pasir Ris affected by the oil spill have also been cordoned off for ongoing clean-up operations, the bulk of which is expected to be completed in the next few days.
Water sports businesses at Changi, Pasir Ris beaches stop services as oil spill clean-up continues
Esther Loi and Sheo Chiong Teng Straits Times Apr 04, 2025, 08:59 PM
SINGAPORE – Water sports businesses at Changi and Pasir Ris beaches have had to cancel scheduled services over the weekend of April 5 and April 6, as oil spill clean-up operations continue.
Mr Berwin Tan, chief operating officer of Outdoor Adventures, which runs Kokomo Beach Club at Pasir Ris Beach, told The Straits Times on April 4 that it will remain closed over the weekend.
The club will not be running its kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding classes, and has already informed affected students.
Besides concerns over customers’ safety, Mr Tan is also worried that the club’s kayaks will be damaged by the oil and washing them would be troublesome.
Mr Tan estimates that the club will lose about $500 to $600 in earnings over the weekend.
An oil patch was first spotted in the eastern Johor Strait off the north-eastern coast of Pulau Ubin at 7.10pm on April 3.
This came from an oil spill at the Langsat Terminal in Malaysia, located near the mouth of the Johor River.
The leak has since stopped, and the authorities in Singapore are carrying out clean-up operations at Changi and Pasir Ris beaches.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has advised the public against swimming and other water activities at the two beaches until further notice.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), NEA, National Parks Board, Singapore Food Agency and national water agency PUB said on the evening of April 4 that most of the clean-up is slated to be completed in the next few days.
At Changi Sailing Club, dinghy, or small boat, sailing lessons and boat-chartering services at Changi Beach have stopped as at April 4, and will remain suspended over the weekend.
This will affect about 20 to 30 people who have already signed up for the lessons, but their sessions will be postponed until the beach reopens for water activities, said a spokesperson for the club.
Mr Mohammad Nordin, director of kayak fishing tour provider Fish On, said he was annoyed by the oil spill as some of his customers may choose to cancel their tour bookings.
He has also had to adjust his kayak fishing tour routes, as a few possible starting points are at Changi and Pasir Ris beaches – the preferred locations for beginners or larger groups.
Mr Mohammad said he is worried that his livelihood would be affected by the oil spill, if the situation does not improve.
Beachgoers whom ST spoke to on the morning of April 4 were mostly unaware of the oil spill.
Mr Rajesh Mani was taking his nightly stroll along Changi Beach on April 3 at about 9pm when he caught a strong whiff of oil in the air and wondered where it came from.
Despite the area being “very smelly” with an odour similar to kerosene, the 34-year-old safety coordinator who lives nearby still returned to the beach on the morning of April 4 for his daily fix of exercise.
When ST visited Changi Beach at 9.30am on April 4, two groups of four to seven workers were seen shovelling contaminated sand along the section between Changi Beach carparks 6 and 7. The oil-soaked sand was then collected into rows of around 100 plastic bags that lined the beach.
There was a faint smell of oil, which could be seen on the sea surface along that stretch.
The entire waterfront area of Changi Beach was cordoned off, with signs put up to advise beachgoers to stay out of the water.
ST did not observe anyone entering the water at Changi Beach.
Around 9.50am, a patrol craft from the MPA, known as the MPA Guardian, was sighted on the water nearby. It is capable of conducting oil spill response operations.
At about 10.50am, a current buster system – used to contain oil spills – was spotted on the water near Changi Beach Carpark 6. This system is used to collect contaminated seawater and sieve oil out through a pump for collection.
Around 40 workers are involved in cleaning up Changi and Pasir Ris beaches, with 20 or so at each location, ST understands.
The authorities said that preventive measures, including the deployment of booms, have been put in place 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.
They added that PUB has laid containment booms across the tidal gates at Punggol and Serangoon reservoirs as a precaution.
A person involved in the clean-up operation at Changi Beach, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media, said this clean-up will be easier than that for the major June 2024 spill, when more than 400 tonnes of oil leaked into Singapore’s waters.
He said the oil that landed on the beaches this time is less thick as well. This makes it easier to scoop the oily sand, as the oil stays on the surface and does not seep beneath it.
Most of the beachgoers interviewed were unfazed by the lingering smell of oil in the air and went about their daily exercise.
Mr Nicholas Toh, 46, was cycling along Changi Beach when he noticed that the waterfront areas were cordoned off.
The business owner did not know about the oil spill beforehand, and thought that the bags of oil-soaked sand he spotted on the beach were remnants from the previous major oil spill involving a damaged cargo tank at Pasir Panjang Terminal in June 2024.
Over at Pasir Ris Park, ST saw one person swimming in the waters at Area 3 at 8.55am on April 4.
When approached, he declined to be named, but said: “I did not see any signs and the water looks okay.”
Four people were also seen searching for mussels in the water.
ST spotted two signs in that area, by the carpark and beach entrance, telling people not to enter the water.
There were no signs of oil on the water surface at Area 3 of Pasir Ris Park, and the waterfront area was not cordoned off.
Meanwhile, at Area 1 of Pasir Ris Park, a clean-up operation was in progress.
About 18 workers were seen shovelling up sand stained with oil over a stretch of about 400m. By 10.54am, ST counted around 45 bags filled with oil-drenched sand.
Four stacks of sandbags lining the coastline in Area 1 also had oil stains on them. One of the sandbags along the walkway down to the beach was completely covered in oil.
There was no smell of oil in the air, but the seawater was murky. At around 10.50am, an MPA Guardian patrol craft was sighted on the water near the beach.
Other parkgoers who were there for their morning exercise were not affected by the oil spill.
Mr Deon Tan, who was exercising at the park, said he was unaware that an oil spill had occurred.
“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,” the 48-year-old retired information technology system administrator said.
Another parkgoer David Devins, 50, noticed the signs that advised beachgoers to stay out of the water, but was not aware that it was linked to the oil spill.
“There is no sign that mentioned the oil leak,” the IT engineer said.
Investigation underway into oil spill at Tanjung Langsat Port, Singapore beaches affected
Malay Mail 04 Apr 2025 5:57 PM MYT
PUTRAJAYA, April 4 — The Department of Environment (DOE) investigation team has carried out inspections and sent samples of the oil spill that occurred at the Tanjung Langsat Port (PTL), Pasir Gudang to the Chemistry Department for analysis, said DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar.
He said that unloading operations were immediately halted at the port and the PTL Emergency Response Team (ERT) was activated.
“Two units of oil booms were deployed using several boats. In addition, the ERT team also carried out aerial monitoring using drones and, based on the inspection carried out, no more oil patches were visible on the water’s surface,” he said in a statement today.
He added that the DOE is also carrying out continuous monitoring at the PTL and the surrounding coastal areas of Pasir Gudang as well as officially notifying Singapore’s Marine Port Authority (MPA).
He said that, based on the report so far, the beach areas in Changi, Singapore and the ferry terminal had been contaminated with oil.
“As of this afternoon, the oil pollution in the Malaysian waters has been contained, and the PTL has been instructed to report the status of oil control and cleanup actions periodically until operations are concluded,” he said.
He added that the DOE is also collaborating with the Southern Region Marine Department and the Johor Port Authority to monitor the beaches and the sea to ensure these areas are free from oil pollution.
Wan Abdul Latiff said all these steps were taken after the DOE received complaints about the oil spill at the PTL, caused by a leak in the pipe that channelled very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) from the terminal tank to the MT EPITOME vessel at the PTL jetty.
“It is estimated that 1.6 cubic metres of oil has spilt into the sea,” he said. — Bernama
Leaking pipeline at Johor’s Tanjung Langsat Port Terminal causes oil spill
Free Malaysia Today 04 Apr 2025, 05:57 PM
Environment department director-general Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar says the pollution in Malaysian waters has been successfully contained.
Low sulfur fuel oil was being transferred to a vessel at the Tanjung Langsat Port Terminal’s jetty when the leak occurred, said the environment department.
PETALING JAYA: The oil spill detected at the Tanjung Langsat Port Terminal (TLPT) in Johor yesterday was traced to a leaky pipeline transferring very low sulfur fuel oil to a vessel at the jetty, says the environment department.
The department’s director-general, Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, said the department received a complaint on the spill.
“Approximately 1.6m³ of oil spilled into the sea,” he said in a statement today.
Wan Latiff said drone inspections have since confirmed that no visible oil patches remain on the water’s surface.
He said Singapore’s Marine Port Authority was also notified after reports indicated that the oil had reached Changi Beach and the ferry terminal.
“As of midday, the oil pollution in Malaysian waters has been successfully contained.
“TLPT has been instructed to provide status updates on control measures and oil cleanup efforts periodically until the operation is fully concluded,” he said.
Earlier today, The Straits Times of Singapore reported that parts of Pulau Ubin, Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach were cordoned off after the oil patch was sighted off Pulau Ubin a day earlier.
Cleanup operations were carried out today in the areas on the northeastern coast of Pulau Ubin, Area 1 of Pasir Ris Beach, and parts of Changi Beach.
MPA Media Release
Singapore, 4 April 2025 For Immediate Release
Oil Spill Update: No New Oil Sightings at Sea, Clean-up at Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach ongoing
As of 4.00pm, there are no visible oil patches off Pulau Ubin and no new oil sightings at sea.
2. Clean-up of the beaches at Changi and Pasir Ris is ongoing. The bulk of the clean-up is expected to be completed within the next few days. The affected areas remain cordoned off to facilitate clean-up operations.
3. Oil sheen have also been observed at several fish farms along East Johor Strait. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is working closely with the affected farms on mitigation measures, with support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. SFA is also assisting other farms to take preventive measures, such as providing absorbent pads. As a precautionary measure, SFA is also testing seafood from farms in the East Johor Strait and imported seafood.
4. The National Parks Board (NParks), together with research partners, has carried out visual assessments of the biodiversity-sensitive areas in the vicinity of the oil patches this morning, and post-impact surveys are underway. Thus far, there has been no observable impact to wildlife at Chek Jawa Wetlands, Changi Beach Park, and Pasir Ris Park.
5. Preventive measures, including the deployment of booms, have been put in place at coastal drains including Changi Creek, Sungei Tampines, and Sungei Api Api, as well as key locations such as Chek Jawa and around fish farms in the East Johor Strait. As a precautionary measure, national water agency PUB has also deployed containment booms across the tidal gates at Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs. These measures will remain in place until further assessment by the relevant agencies.
6. Public access to affected areas remains restricted. Members of the public are advised to refrain from swimming or engaging in other water activities at Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach until further notice. For the latest advisories, please refer to the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) website (www.nea.gov.sg), NEA’s Facebook page, NParks’ website (www.nparks.gov.sg), and NParks’ Facebook page.
7. Agencies thank organisations and individuals who have volunteered their service. Agencies have assessed that there is no need for volunteer assistance at this time.
8. MPA and partner agencies continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary
Changi, Pasir Ris beachgoers unfazed by oil washed ashore, continue non-water-based activities
Esther Loi and Sheo Chiong Teng Straits Times Apr 04, 2025, 03:57 PM
SINGAPORE – When Mr Rajesh Mani was taking his nightly stroll along Changi Beach on April 3 at about 9pm, he caught a strong whiff of oil in the air and wondered where it came from.
Despite the area being “very smelly” with an odour similar to kerosene, the 34-year-old safety coordinator who lives nearby still returned to the beach on the morning of April 4 for his daily fix of exercise.
Like many of the beachgoers The Straits Times spoke to on the morning of April 4, Mr Rajesh was unaware of the oil patches that washed up parts of Singapore’s shores.
At 7.10pm on April 3, an oil patch was spotted in the eastern Johor Strait off the north-eastern coast of Pulau Ubin.
This came from an oil spill at the Langsat Terminal in Malaysia, located near the mouth of the Johor River.
The leak has since stopped, and the authorities in Singapore are carrying out clean-up operations off the north-eastern coast of Pulau Ubin, and at Changi and Pasir Ris beaches.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) advised the public against swimming and other water activities at Changi and Pasir Ris beaches until further notice.
When ST visited Changi Beach at 9.30am on April 4, two groups of four to seven workers were seen shovelling contaminated sand along the section between Changi Beach carparks 6 and 7. The oil-soaked sand was then collected into rows of around 100 plastic bags that lined the beach.
There was a faint smell of oil, which could be seen on the sea surface along that stretch.
The entire waterfront area of Changi Beach was cordoned off, with signs being put up to advise beachgoers to stay out of the water.
ST did not observe anyone entering the water at Changi Beach.
At around 9.50am, a patrol craft from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), known as the MPA Guardian, was sighted on the water nearby. It is capable of conducting oil spill response operations.
Following that, at around 10.50am, a current buster system – used to contain oil spills – was spotted on the water near Changi Beach Carpark 6. This system is used to collect contaminated seawater and sieve oil out through a pump for collection.
MPA, NEA, the National Parks Board and Singapore Food Agency said in a joint statement that drones and satellite imagery have been activated to monitor the surrounding waters for any more oil patches.
Around 40 workers are involved in cleaning up Changi and Pasir Ris beaches, with 20 or so at each location, ST understands.
A person involved in the clean-up operation at Changi Beach, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media, said this clean-up will be easier than that for the June 2024 spill, when more than 400 tonnes of oil leaked into Singapore’s waters.
He said the oil that landed on the beaches this time is less thick as well. This makes it easier to scoop the oily sand, as the oil stays on the surface and does not seep beneath it.
Most of the beachgoers interviewed were unfazed by the lingering smell of oil in the air and went about their daily exercise.
Mr Nicholas Toh, 46, was cycling along Changi Beach when he noticed that the waterfront areas were cordoned off.
The business owner did not know about the oil spill beforehand, and thought that the bags of oil-soaked sand he spotted on the beach were remnants from the previous major oil spill involving a damaged cargo tank at Pasir Panjang Terminal in June 2024.
Over at Pasir Ris Park, ST saw one person swimming in the waters at Area 3 at 8.55am on April 4.
When approached, he declined to be named, but said: “I did not see any signs and the water looks okay.”
Four people were also seen searching for mussels in the water.
ST spotted two signs in that area, by the carpark and beach entrance, telling people not to enter the water.
There were no signs of oil on the water surface at Area 3 of Pasir Ris Park, and the waterfront area was not cordoned off.
Meanwhile, at Area 1 of Pasir Ris Park, a clean-up operation was in progress.
About 18 workers were seen shovelling up sand stained with oil over a stretch of about 400m. By 10.54am, ST counted around 45 bags filled with oil-drenched sand.
Four stacks of sandbags lining the coastline in Area 1 also had oil stains on them. One of the sandbags along the walkway down to the beach was completely covered in oil.
There was no smell of oil in the air, but the seawater was murky. At around 10.50am, an MPA Guardian patrol craft was sighted on the water near the beach.
Other parkgoers who were there for their morning exercise were not affected by the oil spill.
Mr Deon Tan, who was exercising at the park, said he was unaware that an oil spill had occurred.
“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,” the 48-year-old retired information technology system administrator said.
Another parkgoer David Devins, 50, noticed the signs that advised beachgoers to stay out of the water, but was not aware that it was linked to the oil spill.
“There is no sign that mentioned the oil leak,” the IT engineer said.
Oil patches spotted along Changi, Pasir Ris beaches after Johor leak
Workers have been deployed to scoop up oil-covered sand, caused by a leak which has also reached Pulau Ubin.
Charmaine Jacob Channel NewsAsia 04 Apr 2025 12:42PM
SINGAPORE: Oil patches were spotted on the shoreline of Changi and Pasir Ris beaches on Friday (Apr 4) following a leak at Langsat Terminal in Johor.
When CNA arrived at the stretch of beach near Changi's Car Park 6 at 10.30am, about 100 bags of oil-soaked sand had already been manually scooped up with shovels.
There were four workers in the vicinity, and CNA understands that around 20 have been deployed throughout Changi Beach.
Authorities have cordoned off sections of the beach near Car Parks 1 to 6, with no indication yet of when the area will reopen to the public.
CNA has contacted the National Environment Agency (NEA) with questions about clean-up operations.
The oil leak has also reached the northern coast of Pulau Ubin and Pasir Ris Beach.
Area 1 of Pasir Ris Park was cordoned off when CNA got there at 4pm. A construction worker said clean-up operations were undertaken at the beach in the morning.
A layer of oil was observed on the water near the shoreline. Coconut shells, disposable plastic containers and other pieces of trash were also fully covered in oil.
"The students were very excited and even brought another pair of shoes to change into. But we still decided to come as there was a plan B to show them artefacts of marine creatures instead," a teacher who declined to be named told CNA.
Staff at a bicycle shop near the Pulau Ubin jetty said that footfall and business for the day had not been affected.
Mr Tek, a taxi van driver working on the island, said 12 people had booked a van to pick them up from Chek Jawa Wetlands tomorrow, but changed their plans after they heard about the oil spill.
When CNA arrived at the entrance of Chek Jawa, 3.3km from the jetty, the gate was closed and a security guard was standing at the front.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), NEA, National Parks Board (NParks) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint statement that booms will be deployed at Chek Jawa as a precautionary measure to protect biodiversity-sensitive areas.
ADVERTISEMENT
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said in a Facebook post on Friday that the Public Utilities Board (PUB) is closely monitoring seawater intakes for any abnormalities.
SFA is also working with fish farms in the East Johor Straits to take preventive measures and MPA said in a Facebook post on Thursday night that it was in contact with the Johor Port Authority.
Oil leak from Johor stopped, clean-up operations under way off Pulau Ubin, along Changi and Pasir Ris beaches
Elaine Lee Straits Times 4 Apr 2025, 12:57 PM
SINGAPORE – Clean-up operations are under way at Pulau Ubin, Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach on April 4, with parts of both beaches cordoned off, after an oil patch was sighted off Pulau Ubin a day earlier.
The areas affected in Singapore are the north-eastern coast of Pulau Ubin, Area 1 of Pasir Ris Beach and parts of Changi Beach.
No other oil patches have been spotted so far, the Singapore agencies said.
“As a precautionary measure, booms will be deployed at Chek Jawa Wetlands in Pulau Ubin to protect the biodiversity-sensitive areas,” the statement said, adding that SFA is working with fish farms in the East Johor Strait to take the necessary precautions.
“Drones and satellite imagery have been activated to monitor the surrounding waters for any additional oil patches,” the statement said.
An additional oil recovery system – the Marine Oil Sweeper – has been deployed off Pulau Ubin and is on standby in case other oil patches at sea are detected.
NEA also advised the public against swimming and other primary contact water activities at Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach until further notice.
“As a precautionary measure, public access to Chek Jawa Wetlands is also temporarily closed till further notice for oil spill clean-up,” the joint statement said.
In a separate Facebook post on April 4, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said Singapore’s desalination plants are not located near the oil leak and that national water agency PUB is closely monitoring the seawater intakes for any abnormalities.
“Operations at our plants remain unaffected,” she added.
According to PUB’s website, Singapore’s five desalination plants are located in Tuas, Jurong Island and Marina East.
Oil patches spotted along Changi Beach after Johor leak
Workers have been deployed to scoop up oil-covered sand, caused by a leak which has also reached Pulau Ubin and Pasir Ris Beach.
Charmaine Jacob Channel NewsAsisa 04 Apr 2025 12:42PM
SINGAPORE: Oil patches were spotted on the shoreline of Changi Beach on Friday morning (Apr 4) following a leak at Langsat Terminal in Johor.
There were four workers in the vicinity, and CNA understands that around 20 have been deployed throughout Changi Beach.
Authorities have cordoned off sections of the beach near Car Parks 1 to 6, with no indication yet of when the area will reopen to the public.
CNA has contacted the National Environment Agency (NEA) with questions about clean-up operations.
The oil leak has also reached the northern coast of Pulau Ubin and Pasir Ris Beach.
At Changi, a group of about 90 students and four teachers were left disappointed after a planned excursion to the intertidal zone there was cancelled.
"The students were very excited and even brought another pair of shoes to change into. But we still decided to come as there was a plan B to show them artefacts of marine creatures instead," a teacher who declined to be named told CNA.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), NEA, National Parks Board (NParks) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint statement that booms will be deployed at Chek Jawa Wetlands in Pulau Ubin as a precautionary measure to protect biodiversity-sensitive areas.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said in a Facebook post on Friday that the Public Utilities Board (PUB) is closely monitoring seawater intakes for any abnormalities.
SFA is also working with fish farms in the East Johor Straits to take preventive measures and MPA said in a Facebook post on Thursday night that it was in contact with the Johor Port Authority.
MPA Joint Media Release
Singapore, 4 April 2025 | For Immediate Release
Clean-Up of Oil Patch off Northeastern Pulau Ubin and Changi Beach in Progress
Leak from Langsat Terminal, Johor, stopped
The Johor Port Authority has informed the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) that the oil leak at Langsat Terminal has stopped and that the spill clean-up at Langsat Terminal is ongoing.
2. Clean-up operations for the oil patch off the northeastern coast of Pulau Ubin and along Changi Beach are ongoing. As a precautionary measure, booms will be deployed at Chek Jawa Wetlands in Pulau Ubin to protect the biodiversity-sensitive areas. The Singapore Food Agency is also working with fish farms in the East Johor Straits to take the necessary preventive measures.
3. Drones and satellite imagery have been activated to monitor the surrounding waters for any additional oil patches.
4. An additional oil recovery system – the Marine Oil Sweeper – has also been deployed off Pulau Ubin and is on standby in case other oil patches at sea are detected.
5. The National Environment Agency (NEA) advises the public against swimming and other primary contact water activities at Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach until further notice. In addition, parts of the beachfront at Changi Beach Park will be cordoned off to facilitate clean-up operations. As a precautionary measure, public access to Chek Jawa Wetlands is also temporarily closed till further notice for oil spill clean-up. See NEA’s website at www.nea.gov.sg, NEA’s Facebook page, NParks’ website at www.nparks.gov.sg, and NPark’s Facebook page for the advisory.
6. No other oil patches at sea and ashore have been sighted at this time.
7. MPA and partner agencies continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates if there are significant developments.
Johor Strait oil patch: Parts of Changi Beach to be cordoned off for clean-up
Members of the public are advised to avoid swimming and other primary contact water activities at Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach until further notice, says the National Environment Agency (NEA).
Channel NewsAsia 4 Apr 2025 12:38AM
SINGAPORE: An oil patch was sighted in the Johor Strait on Thursday (Apr 3) evening, resulting in some parts of Changi Beach being cordoned off to facilitate clean-up operations.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a Facebook post that an oil patch was sighted in the eastern Johor Strait off the northeastern coast of Pulau Ubin at about 7.10pm.
MPA added it was in contact with the Johor Port Authority, which confirmed an oil spill incident within Langsat Terminal in Johor.
In a Facebook post late on Thursday, the National Environment Agency (NEA) advised members of the public to avoid swimming and other primary contact water activities at Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach until further notice.
“In addition, parts of Changi Beach will be cordoned off to facilitate clean-up operations,” NEA added.
In response to the oil patch, three MPA patrol craft and an oil spill response craft were deployed to survey the area and carry out mitigation efforts.
“Relevant government agencies have been informed and they are taking necessary precautionary measure and are monitoring the situation closely,” MPA said, adding that navigational traffic in the area "remains unaffected".
MPA deploys patrol and oil spill response craft after oil patch spotted off Pulau Ubin
Sherlyn Sim Straits Times 4 Apr 12:41 AM
SINGAPORE – The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has deployed three patrol craft after an oil patch was sighted in the eastern Johor Strait off the north-eastern coast of Pulau Ubin.
The oil patch was sighted at 7.10pm, said MPA in a statement on April 3, adding that an oil spill response craft was also deployed.
The team on board will survey the area and carry out mitigation efforts, said MPA.
“Relevant government agencies have been informed and they are taking necessary precautionary measures and are monitoring the situation closely,” it said.
The Johor Port Authority, which MPA said it is liaising with, has confirmed an oil spill incident within the Langsat Terminal, located near the mouth of the Johor River.
MPA added that navigational traffic in the area remains unaffected and that it will provide updates of significant developments.
In a Facebook post that followed MPA’s announcement, the National Environment Agency (NEA) advised the public against swimming and other primary contact water activities at Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach until further notice.
Primary contact activities are those where a person’s whole body or face and trunk are frequently immersed, and it is likely that some water will be swallowed. They include wakeboarding, windsurfing and water immersion training.
NEA added that parts of Changi Beach will be cordoned off to facilitate clean-up operations.
Facebook posts by Minister Desmond Lee and NParks
As a precautionary measure, Chek Jawa Wetlands in Pulau Ubin will also be temporarily closed to the public. NParks will be deploying booms at the waters off Chek Jawa at daybreak of 4th April, Friday.
