Straits Times Forum 23 Sep 10;
PUB, the national water agency, thanks Mr Tan Poh Soon for his letter ('Pandan Reservoir under threat from dorm workers'; Sept 17).
Since 2006, PUB has been opening up reservoirs for more recreational activities such as boating and fishing. This is in line with our efforts to bring people closer to water as part of the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme. By encouraging people to enjoy water, it is hoped that they will value water and play a part in protecting this precious resource and keeping it clean.
With the opening of the two new fishing jetties at Pandan Reservoir, it has attracted more people including foreign workers to fish at the reservoir. PUB is aware that there were instances when foreign workers fished outside the designated fishing zones using live baits which is prohibited. As such, PUB has stepped up its regular checks at Pandan Reservoir.
We have also liaised with the nearby foreign workers' dormitory operators to conduct regular talks to help educate the workers not to litter and to fish using only artificial baits at the two designated fishing jetties at Pandan Reservoir.
To further create public awareness and educate the public on keeping the waterways clean, PUB is engaging Sports Fishing Association (Singapore) and Gamefish & Aquatic Rehabilitation Society to hold workshops to share good fishing etiquette such as sports fishing with artificial baits, practising 'clean-up after fishing' and 'catch and release' habits.
PUB encourages members of the public who share the same vision of promoting recreational fishing to volunteer their services with the two organisations.
Tan Nguan Sen
Director, Catchment & Waterways
PUB, the national water agency
Pandan reservoir under threat from dorm workers
Straits Times Forum 23 Sep 10;
TWO fishing jetties have opened at the Pandan Reservoir, yet I have witnessed increased illegal fishing taking place outside the designated spots.
It disturbs me greatly that such activities are carried out by workers from the Penjuru dormitory.
PUB seems to be enforcing the 'No live bait' rule at the designated jetties while fishing continues to take place without restriction and out of control throughout the rest of the reservoir.
The use of live and organic bait by anglers can be seen along the stretch near Penjuru Road. I have seen fishing traps beneath floating platforms outside the Yacht Club.
The Malayan water monitor lizards are also under considerable threat as some anglers deliberately throw fishing lures targeting them. I have seen lizards with artificial lures hooked to their bodies.
Pandan Reservoir is essentially a small artificial water catchment area. Pollution and the ecological threat that results from undesirable activities is cumulative and not reversible. Hence, fishing activities and littering by workers from the nearby dormitory should not be taken lightly.
Despite PUB's repeated assurance of its commitment to tackle the problem of illegal fishing and littering at Pandan Reservoir, it seems that its efforts are neither persistent nor effective enough to bring about any improvement.
Tan Poh Soon
