On 6 March 2026, the Coastal Protection and Other Amendments Bill (“Bill“) was passed in Parliament to establish a regulatory regime for coastal protection in Singapore, addressing rising sea levels and climate change impacts. The Bill introduces requirements for coastal protection measures (“CPMs“), and will amend the Sewerage and Drainage Act 1999 and the Public Utilities Act 2001.
Coverage
New definitions are introduced and the Bill clarifies key terms such as CPMs, “coastal flooding” (permanent and transient), “absolute protection boundary”, and “transiently floodable area (coastal)”. CPMs can be hard structures (e.g. seawalls) or nature-based features (e.g. mangroves), and may include components that must be operated or deployed (e.g. tidal gates). Flood protection measures (coastal and inland) will take into account effects from seawater ingression. Please refer to the Bill for the detailed definitions.
Obligations of Owners
Owners of “prescribed places” (including certain premises, reservoirs, drains, and structures) must, among other obligations:
- ensure CPMs are in place and maintained to standards set by the Public Utilities Board (“Board“);
- obtain a clearance certificate or Board approval before installing, expanding or altering the CPMs;
- keep records and notify the Board of any damage or operational issues; and
- for areas at risk of transient coastal flooding, prepare and update flood response plans, conduct drills, and ensure information is available to occupants and visitors.
Regulatory Mechanisms
- The Minister may designate protection boundaries and prescribe when and where CPMs are required.
- The Board maintains a Coastal Protection Interpretation Plan (CPIP), which details boundaries, CPMs, and related features.
- Adjacent owners must coordinate to ensure continuous coastal protection, and the Board can direct works and resolve disputes.
Enforcement and Penalties
- The Board has enhanced powers to enter premises, direct works, and recover costs in emergencies or non-compliance situations.
- Offences and penalties are specified for failure to comply with requirements, including fines and imprisonment for serious breaches.
Disclaimer
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