Best of our wild blogs: 28 Oct 14

Common Palm Civet: Request for sightings, samples of poop, etc.
from Bird Ecology Study Group

A pair of Peregrine Falcons
from Francis' Random Yaks, Articles & Photos

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Underwater World Singapore criticised for ‘sub-standard’ animal living conditions

LAURA ELIZABETH PHILOMIN Today Online 27 Oct 14;

SINGAPORE — Animal welfare groups have called on Underwater World Singapore (UWS) to cease all animal shows and have called on the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) to respond, noting that UWS appeared to have violated laws by making an injured dolphin perform in shows.

In its 30-page report, Wildlife Watchers (Singapore) — in collaboration with Sea Shepard Conservation Society (SSCS) — also questioned the health conditions of the dolphins and the welfare of the otters housed in Dolphin Lagoon and Underwater World Singapore respectively.

“WW (SG), SSCS and the supporting groups are concerned about the future of the animals housed in UWS and Dolphin Lagoon, and is doubtful of its capabilities to maintain the animals’ physical and psychological health with proper husbandry, medical care and ethical conservation efforts,” said the report.

Tipped off by members of the public, WW (SG) and SSCS subsequently initiated their own investigations, conducted on two separate occasions in July and August, which culminated in the report released today (Oct 27).

Pictures include in the report showed dolphins housed in “degrading conditions” where corrosion of pool beams were clearly visible to the audience. Pictures also showed an adult dolphin named Han with a visible infection on the top of her name and another wound on her bottom left jaw.

The report also said high volume of music and noise generated by the audience during the shows were causing stress to the animals. An un-named newborn calf and its mother, Pan, were housed in the same pool throughout the shows and were observed swimming in repeated circular motions.

“The health of the dolphins held captive in Dolphin Lagoon are in appalling and deteriorating conditions which clearly show that adequate care of these animals have not been not met,” the report said. “The display and usage of sick/injured animals for shows is in clear violation of the law as well as contradicts UWS’ stand on conservation and education.”

In the course of their investigation, the groups also found the otters in UWS housed in “sub-standard conditions, indicating an obvious lack of welfare and serves no education and conservational purpose.” Investigations found three otters were separated in two enclosures with a lone otter in a single enclosure.

“It is well established that this otter is a sociable animal; it is not recommended or considered ever acceptable to keep a lone animal,” said the report.

Adding that the otters’ enclosures were below the minimal standard in animal welfare requirements, the report said: “The otters are only given small exhibition spaces with insufficient sheltered area and a small shallow pool with little water in each enclosure in which … disallows the natural behaviour of otters diving and swimming to hunt for their food as well as bonding through play with other otters in the family group.”

In addition to ceasing the animal shows, the list of recommendations WW (SG) included in the report called for AVA to respond to UWS’ violations of the Animals and Birds (Pet Shop and Exhibition) Rules 2004.

Other suggestions also include immediately starting a rehabilitation-and-release programme for all dolphins housed in Dolphin Lagoon back into the wild, improve housing and husbandry for the otters, as well as for UWS to indicate future plans for the newborn dolphin calf and its mother.

Responding to TODAY’s query, Underwater World Singapore has clarified that the dolphin mentioned in the report was diagnosed with a form of non-contagious skin cancer and is being treated by a marine mammal veterinarian.

Health checks are conducted regularly and the results show that, apart from the cancer, which is being specifically treated, the dolphin is generally in good health,” said a UWS spokesperson, adding that it does not participate in any performance or programme.

UWS also said its trainers have minimised the appearance of the dolphin in public at the main pool but have no intention of isolating it from interacting with other dolphins, given their active and friendly nature.

Dolphins at Underwater World in 'satisfactory' condition: AVA
Channel NewsAsia 27 Oct 14;

SINGAPORE: Underwater World Singapore (UWS) responded to allegations by animal welfare groups that their animals were kept in "sub-standard" conditions, saying on Monday (Oct 27) that a pink dolphin at Dolphin Lagoon was actually suffering from a non-transmissable form of skin cancer.

"The dolphin mentioned in the Wildlife Watchers’ report was diagnosed skin cancer, which is not transmissible, and is being treated by our marine mammal veterinarian," said a spokesperson from Underwater World Singapore.

"It is under the attentive care of our team of marine mammal trainers," added the spokesperson. "Health checks are conducted regularly and the results show that, apart from the cancer, which is being specifically treated, the dolphin is generally in good health."

Underwater World Singapore also said that appearance of the dolphin in public at the main pool was "minimised" and that it does not participate in any performance or programme. The public are informed of its condition whenever they are asked about it, UWS added.

The oceanarium also said that the dolphin still enjoys playing with the other dolphins and is not being isolated from the others.

Responding to comments that their otters are being kept in "sub-standard conditions", Underwater World Sentosa said it offers the otters the "opportunity to explore different stimuli in different enclosures at both the front and the back of the house".

"Our trainers observe the otters closely and frequently, and vary the enrichment activities according to the otters' interest," added the oceanarium. "All enrichment items provided and the method of delivery are reviewed to make sure that our otters interact safely and positively with their enrichment toys."

The facility complies with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority's (AVA) licensing conditions for animal conditions, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson was, however, not able to comment on the other dolphins and animals mentioned in a report by Wildlife Watcher (Singapore) and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

"SUB-STANDARD CONDITIONS" FOR ANIMALS

Animal welfare groups Wildlife Watcher (Singapore) and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society on Sunday published a report, detailing the "appalling" health of dolphins held at the Dolphin Lagoon as well as "sub-standard" conditions of other animals at Underwater World Singapore.

The report featured seven points detailing the investigations, including that of infrastructure degradation and wounds seen on the dolphins itself. Of the former, the report stated that "corrosion of pool beams were visible from audience's viewpoint".

As for the health of the dolphins, the report noted: "One of the adult female dolphin named 'Han' has a visible infection on top of her head and another distinct wound on the left side of her bottom jaw. From pictures take in July and August, both injuries show no signs of improvement and appear to have worsened over time.

"Our investigators also found fresh scratch marks on another adult dolphin, suspected to be bite marks inflicted by other dolphins kept together in the facility," the report stated.

Other points in the report included dolphins and fur seals made to display and perform "unnatural acts for entertainment", while the Asian Small-clawed Otters were housed in "sub-standard conditions, indicating an obvious lack of welfare".

Members from both groups looked into the conditions and welfare of the pink dolphins at the Lagoon in July and August by sitting in on programmes featuring the animals. Through these sessions, they logged seven hours of observation, videos and photos during the two days - Jul 23 and Aug 17, 2014 - they were at the tourists attractions on Sentosa.

DOLPHINS IN "SATISFACTORY" CONDITION: AVA

AVA said in a statement that following feedback from Wildlife Watcher, it inspected UWS and found the dolphins to be in "satisfactory condition". It noted that one of the dolphins is being treated for non-contagious skin cancer and that it is not used for animal performances.

An AVA spokesperson added that UWS is required to comply with AVA's licensing conditions and guidelines to ensure animal welfare and professional standards for the accomodation, management and acquisition of animals.

"APPALLED AT CONDITIONS": ACRES

Commenting on the findings, ACRES Chief Executive Louis Ng said ACRES is "appalled by the conditions of the dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon". He added that it supports the campaign by Wildlife Watcher (Singapore).

"Dolphins clearly do not do well in captivity and belong in the vast open oceans. The global movement to end the keeping of dolphins in captivity is growing. ACRES hopes that companies in Singapore will make a moral and ethical decision to end the confinement of dolphins in captivity.”

Mr Ng also cited Switzerland as an example, noting that the keeping of dolphins or whales in zoos or waterparks will end, while India, too, banned the keeping of cetaceans, or marine mammals, in captivity.

- CNA/kk

Pink dolphin at Underwater World Singapore has non-contagious skin cancer
Straits Times 27 Oct 14;

One of the pink dolphins at Underwater World Singapore, diagnosed with a non-contagious form of skin cancer. -- PHOTO: WILDLIFE WATCHERS AND SEA SHEPHARD CONSERVATION SOCIETY

BY AUDREY TAN
SINGAPORE - A pink dolphin kept at Underwater World Singapore is suffering from a non-contagious form of skin cancer, the attraction's spokesman has clarified.

"Health checks are conducted regularly and the results show that, apart from the cancer, which is being specifically treated, the dolphin is generally in good health," she told The Straits Times. It is now being treated by a marine mammal veterinarian.

The spokesman was responding to concerns raised by a local wildlife group here about the welfare of the pink dolphins kept at Underwater World Singapore. One of them - a female dolphin called Han - had a "visible head and mouth injury with skin problem", the wildlife group had charged in a 31-page report.


Other findings mentioned in the report included the rusty enclosures, dolphins being made to perform unnatural acts, such as balancing a basketball on its snout, and the marine mammals being made to perform to excessively loud music.

These observations were made after investigators from the group, Wildlife Watcher, together with representatives from global environmental group Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, bought tickets to attend two shows in July and August.

The report was sent to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) and Haw Par Corp - the organisation that manages Underwater World Singapore - in early October.

The AVA told The Straits Times that it has inspected the facility and "found the dolphins to be in satisfactory condition".

Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins, or pink dolphins, are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This means the animals are threatened with extinction and that commercial international trade in them is prohibited.

UWS rebuts wildlife group’s report on health, treatment of dolphins
LAURA ELIZABETH PHILOMIN Today Online 28 Oct 14;

SINGAPORE — A wildlife group here recently released a 30-page dossier — complete with pictures of a dolphin with skin problems, corroded play pens and otters being housed in small enclosures with shallow pools — alleging that the health of the pink dolphins at Underwater World Singapore (UWS) was “appalling and deteriorating” and that sick or injured animals were being exhibited or used for shows, which are against the law.

Their allegations were rejected by UWS, which clarified that the sick dolphin was suffering from skin cancer and was being treated by its marine mammal veterinarian. Given that the condition is not transmissible, the trainers decided not to isolate the sick dolphin and to instead allow it to play with the other dolphins in the main pool. The dolphin does not participate in any performances or programmes, UWS said.

In response to media queries, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said that following feedback from Wildlife Watcher (Singapore) — which had prepared the report in collaboration with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society — it has inspected UWS and found the dolphins to be in satisfactory condition.

“However, one of the dolphins has been diagnosed with a form of non-contagious skin cancer and is currently undergoing treatment by UWS’ team of animal healthcare professionals ... The affected dolphin is being monitored closely by the team and is not used for animal performances,” the authority said.

The report stated that a member of the public had alerted Wildlife Watcher (Singapore) and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society on July 1 to the condition of the dolphins kept in the Dolphin Lagoon at UWS.

The report — which was supported by Indonesian groups Animal Friends Jogja and Jakarta Animal Aid Network — was prepared over two visits to UWS on July 23 and Aug 17. Over a total of seven hours, the investigators visited the enclosures and recorded their observations of animal shows and programmes for the public.

“The display and usage of sick/injured animals for shows are in clear violation of the law as well as contradict UWS’ stand on conservation and education,” the report said.

Apart from the health of the animals and the condition of their enclosures, the report said the dolphins and fur seals were made to perform “unnatural acts for entertainment”. The loud music before and during the show — measuring between 90 and 101 decibels — also caused stress to the animals, it added.

Among other things, the report called on UWS and its owner Haw Par Corporation to cease all animal shows with immediate effect and start a rehabilitation-and-release programme for all its dolphins. It also sought a response from the two parties as well as the AVA on the findings.

When contacted, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), which has spoken out against the keeping of dolphins in captivity, said it supported the campaign by Wildlife Watcher (Singapore). Adding that he was appalled by the conditions at the Dolphin Lagoon, ACRES executive director Louis Ng said: “ACRES hopes that companies in Singapore will make a moral and ethical decision to end the confinement of dolphins in captivity.”

In response to media queries, UWS clarified the condition of the sick dolphin and provided a picture of it taken more recently on Oct 17 — seemingly in better condition.

“Given that the sight of the dolphin’s skin condition may cause discomfort to some of our guests, our trainers have minimised its appearance in public at the main pool, while still allowing it the chance to interact with the other dolphins at times and without restraining its fun-loving nature,” UWS said. “We share its condition with the public whenever asked about its appearance and thus far, our guests have responded with empathy and acceptance.”

UWS said health checks were regularly conducted on it and the results showed that, apart from the cancer, which is being treated, the dolphin is generally in good health.

On the otters, UWS said their health and welfare were a top concern for their trainers. “Whenever possible, we offer our otters the opportunity to explore different stimuli in different enclosures at both the front and back of the house. Our trainers observe the otters closely and frequently and vary the enrichment activities according to the otters’ interest,” it added.

The AVA reiterated that UWS was required to comply with the licensing conditions and guidelines to ensure animal welfare and professional standards, which include the accommodation, management, acquisition or disposal of the animals and breeding management.

The authority said it conducts inspections as part of the licensing regime and in response to public feedback to ensure compliance with the licensing conditions.

Download the investigation report here https://www.dropbox.com/s/t0b9xjaezzv2nyi/DolphinLagoonUWSSingapore.pdf?dl=0
INVESTIGATIONS REPORT INTO THE CONDITIONS & WELFARE CONCERN OF THE ANIMALS KEPT CAPTIVE IN DOLPHIN LAGOON AND UNDERWATER WORLD SINGAPORE, SENTOSA (2014)
by WILDLIFE WATCHER (SINGAPORE) in collaboration with SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY

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Animal welfare groups appeal for more animals to be considered under Road Traffic Act

XUE JIANYUE Today Online 27 Oct 14;

SINGAPORE — The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) have issued a joint statement appealing against the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) decision not to amend the Road Traffic Act to expand its definition of “animals”.

Calling the current legislation “archaic”, the SPCA and ACRES said there is a need to widen to scope of an “animal” defined under the Act, to include animals such as cats which are popularly kept as pets today, as well as wildlife.

“While the current law is derived from societies where farm animals are protected, the policy in general arises from a recognition that animals matter to humans or certainly to a significant part of our society,” they said in a letter issued to the press late yesterday (Oct 26) night.

The two groups, supported by other animal welfare groups like the Animal Lovers League, Cat Welfare Society and Action for Singapore Dogs, are appealing to the MHA to reconsider amending the definition of “animal” under the Act’s section 84(6) to make it consistent with the definition of an “animal” in the Animals and Birds Act section 2. This is so that it includes other animals such as cats, and wild animals which are potential victims of road accidents.

They noted an increased incidence of cats, in particular, reported as road accident casualties in recent years. “The current legislation, as it stands now, is archaic. MHA has to contemporise the law to place significant value on community animals and wildlife that extends beyond utility,” they said.

The group said they recognise the authorities’ concerns for the safety of motorists who stop the vehicle after hitting an animal. However, they noted that the law “saw fit to place the value of farm animals above this perceived risk,” and still requires motorists to stop and render assistance to the hit animal, or at least remove the carcass for the safety of other motorists.

“Why, then, should this be different with cats and other wild animals that now thrive and flourish in Singapore?” they asked.

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Amendments to animal welfare Bill detailed

Vimita Mohandas Channel NewsAsia 27 Oct 14;

SINGAPORE: The Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee on Monday (Oct 27) spelt out details to the amendments it made to the Private Member's Bill. The Bill aims to set new animal welfare standards for individuals and businesses in Singapore, and engender greater responsibility among pet owners.

Penalties were detailed for individuals and animal related businesses. For example, individuals who fail to provide care for their animals may face a maximum penalty of S$20,000 or two years' jail, or both, while animal-related businesses may face a maximum fine of S$100,000 or three years' jail, or both.

For cruelty to animals, individuals can face a maximum fine of up to S$30,000 or three years' jail, or both, while animal related businesses face a maximum fine of S$100,000 or three years' jail, or both.

To educate individuals and those in the animal business about animal welfare, a code will be released.

KEEPING A CLOSER EYE ON PET OWNERS

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) will also be given the power to issue written directives to a pet owner to ensure that the welfare if the animal is safeguarded. Enhancements to enforcement powers include the power to take photographs, audio and video recordings. And unlike current standards, the crime need not be committed in the presence of enforcement officers.

This means AVA can act upon complaints from neighbours or other members of the community.

"Right now, it's a little bit archaic within the Act because an act of cruelty needs to happen in front of the eyes of an enforcement officer before action can be taken," said MP Alex Yam, a member of the review committee. "Now the powers of investigations are provided to AVA to undertake different aspects of investigation - whether it's interviewing neighbours, eyewitnesses and reviewing other evidence to prove a case." Mr Yam said this also gives the defendant the flexibility to prove his case.

The amendments also spell out that the owner must take reasonable steps to ensure, for example, adequate and suitable food, water and shelter for the animal. The owners must also take reasonable efforts to recover a missing animal.

"Having a dog within the house, kept within a very nice cage or nice area and fed very well - that may be our way of saying 'I'm actually looking after it very well and it seems very happy'. But every pet needs its time out in the open and needs to be walked," said Mr Yam.

Formed in April 2012, the Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee was set up to review and recommend to the Government amendments to strengthen legislation on animal welfare.

The committee is chaired by Member of Parliament Yeo Guat Kwang, with MPs Gan Thiam Poh and Vikram Nair making up the rest of the committee. Their recommendations were submitted to the Ministry of National Development in March 2013, and accepted in April 2013.

In a blogpost on Friday, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the MPs "made history" when they tabled the Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill for first reading in Parliament this month.

"It will set new animal welfare standards for individuals and businesses in Singapore, and engender greater responsibility among pet owners. It will also update the penalties for convicted acts of animal cruelty," Mr Khaw wrote.

- CNA/av/ac

Working group to look into standardised training for animal handlers
SIAU MING EN Today Online 28 Oct 14;

SINGAPORE — Animal-related businesses will have up to two years to comply with a new requirement under proposed changes to laws on animal welfare that calls for their staff to be trained and certified in animal care and handling.

To ensure standardised training and accreditation in this area, discussions are ongoing with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency and the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to come up with a course.

In addition, a working group formed by the Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Committee (MSCC) — which arose from recommendations by the Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee (AWLRC) — is also looking into expanding an existing animal care and handling programme at Temasek Polytechnic. The working group is also reviewing the existing curriculum and will work with stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient training facilities and places.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, AWLRC chairman Yeo Guat Kwang suggested that businesses be given a one- to two-year grace period to meet the training requirements after the Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill is passed.

Should there be a standardised training course, MSCC chair Alex Yam said it could cover topics such as animal health and first aid.

Among the proposed changes to the animal welfare legislation — which were tabled as a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament earlier this month — is one that requires animal handlers at businesses such as pet groomers, pet hotels, wildlife attractions and animal welfare groups to hold qualifications or be trained in animal care and handling.

Currently, only operators, managers and staff of pet retail outlets and dog farms are required to attend compulsory structured training in pet animal management and welfare.

A Temasek Polytechnic spokesperson said about 300 people have attended their Pet Care and Management (Companion Animal) course since it was introduced in 2010. About 90 per cent of participants were pet retailers.

Pet groomers whom TODAY spoke to felt the new requirement would give customers peace of mind that their pets are well-cared for.

Mr Aaron Wong of pet resort and spa Goldie and Lab noted that even without certification, most businesses do treat animals properly, as the sector is dependent on feedback and reviews from customers.

Mr Yeo also addressed queries on why the proposed penalties were lower than the initial AWLRC recommendations. Last year, they had called for a maximum fine of S$50,000 and/or a three-year jail term to be imposed on repeat offenders. However, under the proposed penalties for animal cruelty, repeat offenders can be fined up to S$30,000 and/or given a jail term of three years. Animal-related businesses can be fined up to S$100,000 and/or given a three-year jail term.

“When we came up with this penalty, we tried to adjust it accordingly by ensuring that the penalty is maintained proportionally ... to the other existing legislations for human offences,” said Mr Yeo.

Asked about why the definitions of animal cruelty were not adjusted to consider the psychological stress an animal could have faced, Mr Yam said it was hard to prove psychological trauma in animals and there had not been any science at the moment to explicitly detect such stress in animals.

The Bill will be debated in Parliament on Monday.

Details of proposed animal law unveiled
David Ee The Straits Times AsiaOne 30 Oct 14;

Animal-related businesses would be given time to ensure that their staff meet the new training requirements under proposed laws for better animal welfare.

A grace period of one to two years would allow animal handlers at these businesses, such as pet grooming services, pet hotels and horse-riding schools, to meet the requirements.

The leeway would give these businesses more time to prepare themselves, said Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC, at a media briefing yesterday to provide more details about the Bill. Mr Yeo and his fellow MPs - Mr Alex Yam, Mr Gan Thiam Poh, Mr Edwin Tong and Mr Vikram Nair - had tabled the Private Member's Bill in Parliament earlier this month.

Among the proposed amendments to the Animals and Birds Act is a requirement for staff working with animals in relevant businesses to be trained in animal care and handling. The precise training requirements will be published at a later date, said Mr Yeo.

He added that a panel formed by the Government last year to strengthen collaboration for animal welfare will work with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency and the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to standardise the training and raise the number of training providers.

The Bill also requires those in charge of animals, including pet owners, animal shelters and animal fosterers, to ensure reasonable care for them. Those who neglect their animals will, for the first time, face a fine of up to $20,000 and/or a two-year jail term.

Animal abusers will face fines of up to $30,000 and/or a three- year jail term, up from fines of up to $10,000 and/or a one-year jail term.

Animal-related businesses that contravene the proposed law face fines of up to $100,000 and/or a three-year jail term, up from up to $10,000 in fines and/or a one-year jail term.

Under the Bill, enforcement officers would be able to refer to any photographic, audio or video evidence to investigate animal cruelty offences. Previously, they had to have witnessed the offence.

The proposed penalties are lower than those recommended by a panel chaired by Mr Yeo and set up by the Government in 2012 to review animal welfare laws.

Mr Yam, an MP for Choa Chu Kang GRC, explained that this was to keep the penalties for animal cruelty proportional to those for similar offences against people. "(For) an act of cruelty to an animal, it's very hard... to say it warrants a higher fine or summon or penalty than a similar act to a human," he said.

The Bill will be debated in Parliament on Monday.

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More rain, less haze expected in coming weeks: Met Service

Channel NewsAsia 27 Oct 14;

SINGAPORE: There will likely be more rain over Singapore and the surrounding region in the coming weeks, as the traditional dry season comes to an end for the year, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore.

The Southwest Monsoon transitioned to Inter-Monsoon conditions over the past week, thus signalling the end of the dry season and keeping the likelihood of transboundary haze in Singapore "low", the agency said in its advisory on Monday (Oct 27).

"The Inter-Monsoon period normally lasts from October to November, and is characterised by more rainfall and light winds that are variable in direction. The increased rainfall will help alleviate the hotspot and haze situation in Sumatra and Kalimantan," said the agency.

That said, Singapore may experience occasional slight haze, mainly in the morning, on some days due to the accumulation of particulate matter in the air under light wind conditions, it added.

Commenting on this development, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said on his Facebook page: "End of the South-West monsoon season means more rain, but less haze in the weeks to come. PUB's turn to be busy!"

"WEAK" EL NINO EXPECTED

Based on the forecasts from most global climate models, a "weak" El Nino is still likely to develop towards the end of 2014 or early 2015, the Meteorological Service Singapore said.

However, past El Nino events that form at that time of the year have been shown to have less impact on rainfall patterns in Singapore and the nearby region, it added.

- CNA/kk

Haze threat recedes as wet season commences
AMANDA LEE Today Online 28 Oct 14;

SINGAPORE — The threat of serious haze appears to have been averted for the rest of the year, with the onset of the Inter-Monsoon season over the past week signalling the end of the traditional dry period in the region.

The Inter-Monsoon period normally lasts from October to November, and is characterised by more rainfall and light winds that are variable in direction, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said yesterday.

“The likelihood of transboundary haze affecting Singapore for the rest of the year will thus be low, said the Meteorological Service Singapore,” the NEA added.

With the improvement in the haze situation, the NEA said it will stop issuing the daily haze forecast and health advisory from today.

It will continue to provide hourly air quality readings from 7am to 11pm on its websites and the myENV mobile application. The readings from midnight to 6am will be made available at 7am on the same day.

The NEA said it will continue to monitor the weather and haze situation in the region, and update the public when necessary.

In the coming weeks, Singapore and the surrounding region can expect more rain. The increased rainfall will help alleviate the hot spot and haze situation in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

“During this period, Singapore may experience occasional slight haze, mainly in the morning, on some days due to the accumulation of particulate matter in the air under light wind conditions,” the NEA said.

“The haze situation is expected to improve further with the onset of the rainy season brought by the North-east Monsoon in early December.”

The NEA said that, based on the forecasts from most global climate models, a weak El Nino is still likely to develop towards the end of the year or early next year.

“However, past El Nino events that form at that time of the year have been shown to have less impact on rainfall patterns in Singapore and the nearby region,” the agency added.

Compared with last year when the three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit an all-time high of 401, the Republic has been spared from hazardous haze levels so far this year. On Oct 6, the PSI reached 153 — the highest reading since the air quality reporting was tweaked in April to incorporate levels of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5.

The NEA said the total number of hot spots detected yesterday in Sumatra and Kalimantan was 25 and 52 respectively, and that smoke haze was visible in southern Kalimantan.

More rain and less haze for Singapore in weeks ahead
AMELIA TENG Straits Times 27 Oct 14;

SINGAPORE - Singapore can expect more rain and less haze in the coming weeks with the south-west monsoon season transitioning into inter-monsoon conditions.

The inter-monsoon season typically lasts from October to November and the weather during the period is characterised by more rainfall and light and variable winds.

The Meteorological Service Singapore said on Monday in an advisory that this transition signals the end of traditional dry season in the region, and the likelihood of transboundary haze affecting Singapore for the rest of the year will be low.

This is because the increased rainfall will help alleviate the hotspot and haze situation in Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia.

The Met Services said that Singapore may experience occasional slight haze, mainly in the morning, on some days due to the accumulation of particulate matter in the air under light wind conditions. The haze situation is expected to improve further with the onset of the rainy season during the north-east monsoon in early December.

The Met Services also gave an update on the El Nino weather phenomenon based on forecasts from global climate models, saying that a weak El Nino is likely to develop towards the end of 2014 or early 2015. But past El Nino events that form at that time of the year have been shown to have less impact on rainfall patterns in Singapore and the nearby region, it said.

The El Nino refers to the abnormal warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean and is known to disrupt normal weather patterns in various regions of the world. In South-east Asia, its effect has been linked to prolonged drier and warmer weather.

As the haze situation has improved, the National Environment Agency (NEA) will stop issuing the daily Haze Forecast and Health Advisory after Monday, Oct 27.

Air quality readings will still be available hourly from 7am to 11pm at www.haze.gov.sg, www.nea.gov.sg and on the NEA's myENV mobile application. Air quality readings from 12am to 6am will also be made available at 7am on the same day.

NEA will continue to monitor the weather and haze situation in the region, and the public will be updated when necessary, the advisory said.

- See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/environment/story/more-rain-and-less-haze-singapore-weeks-ahead-20141027#sthash.ycCDgN6z.dpuf

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Malaysia: ‘Illegal logging a threat to ecology’

New Straits Times 28 Oct 14;

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian environmental activist said illegal logging is not being managed properly and that can lead to severe environmental problems, including the loss of water resources.

EcoKnights chairman Yasmin Rashid said illegal logging was posing a threat to the country’s ecology. She urged the government to be proactive in handling the matter.

“We are not treating illegal logging as a serious threat. The government can solve it by focusing on enforcement.

“This issue should be addressed directly to the prime minister. An environment protection agency that works directly under the prime minister should be set up to tackle the matter,” she told the New Straits Times yesterday.

She said corruption and illegal logging were inseparable, and urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to work hand in hand with government agencies to prevent such cases for recurring.

Yasmin was responding to a New Straits Times front-page report that revealed billions of ringgit worth of losses were incurred by federal and state governments because of illegal logging, including in cases that occurred in MACC’s Op Tukul in Sarawak.

A special task force found that the state had incurred RM45 million in losses in four months this year. The task force comprised senior investigating officers from the country’s anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Putrajaya, Sarawak government and Forestry Department. Sources said Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem had ordered the setting up of the task force.

MACC had also proposed long-term steps for Sarawak and other state governments in dealing with illegal loggers.

Illegal loggers were unfazed by the millions of ringgit in fines for their offences, as they regarded them as “nothing much” because they could gain much more through their ill-gotten gains.

Centre for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia executive director Anthony Tan said there was a need to overhaul the enforcement system.

“There are several government departments responsible for the matter, but these departments receive instructions from different authorities. To ensure better efficiency, the government should centralise these entities as they could work together to fight the problem.”

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Malaysia: Higher fines for open burning

The Star 28 Oct 14;

Those caught for open burning may be slapped with higher compounds.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Department is currently reviewing the Environment Quality Act 1974 with a view to having a stronger deterrent against open burning.

“The review will also be looking at other laws with regard to compounds issued for open burning,” its Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel told lawmakers when answering a question raised by Charles Santiago (DAP-Klang) at the Dewan Rakyat.

He added that talks are under way with the Attorney-General’s Chambers for the proposed amendments. He also said that a special task force will be set up under the ministry to address the issue of local open burning which worsened the air quality when there was cross-border haze from Indonesia.

At present, a maximum compound fine of RM2,000 is issued against those caught for open burning under the Environment Quality Act 1974.

On repeated open-burning incidents at the 4,000ha agricultural zone in Setia Johan in Selangor, Palanivel said the Department of Environment would take the culprits to court in future rather than merely issue compounds.

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Greenpeace Indonesia hands over green petition to Jokowi

Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post 27 Oct 14;

Environment group Greenpeace Indonesia said it had handed over a green petition signed by 113,595 people to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo during a peaceful rally in front of the State Palace, Central Jakarta, on Monday.

Greenpeace members gave Jokowi the petition, entitled “100% Indonesia Green Peaceful”, together with a so-called Green Package, a document laying out the most critical environmental issues in the country collected through a survey.

Greenpeace Indonesia chairman Longgena Ginting said the group aimed to give a gentle push to President Jokowi and his new ministers to be 100 percent committed to protecting the environment.

“We hope President Jokowi and his Cabinet can become leaders of environmental conservation both at the national and international level,” he said in a press statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Monday.

“Now is the time for all groups in Indonesian society, including ministers, to work together to save and conserve the environment,” Longgena said.

“It is crucial to have a President who can lead, offer a vision and use his influence, both nationally and internationally, to carry out this process.”

To further its 100% Indonesia Green movement, Greenpeace Indonesia has developed a public campaign for environmental conservation, which has drawn a high number of supporters.

“Indonesia has the largest area of tropical forests and oceans in Asia and its biodiversity is the most significant in the world. Anything happening in Indonesia will affect the environment elsewhere in the region. Therefore, Indonesia has a tremendous influencing power in decision-making for environmental conservation at the international level. President Jokowi must take on this important role,” he added.

Longgena further said that handing over the petition was crucially important as it would remind the public of the promises Jokowi had made during his presidential campaign.

During his campaign, Jokowi and his running mate, Jusuf Kalla, stated their commitment to protecting the environment, including conserving peatland and the country's remaining natural forests, Greenpeace Indonesia noted. (tah/ebf)(+++)

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Indonesia: New Environment and Forestry Ministry - A Force for Good or Bad?

Kennial Caroline Laia Jakarta Globe 28 Oct 14;

Jakarta. Activists questioned President Joko Widodo’s commitment to the environment as the new president merged two separate ministries with very different roles into one under his new administration.

Joko on Sunday named National Democrat Party (NasDem) politician Siti Nurbaya to lead the Environment and Forestry, which was previously two separate ministries. But activists said the two should remain separate.

Abetnego Tarigan, executive director of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) said under former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the Forestry Ministry had two opposing roles: protecting Indonesia’s forests and handing out concessions and permits to logging and plantation firms.

However, Abetnego said, despite the fact that Yudhoyono’s Forestry Ministry played various roles, the Environment Ministry had only one: protecting the environment, which means that technically it served to oversee the Forestry Ministry’s policies and programs.

“And now with the merger, the conflict of interests and overlapping authorities have just gotten more complex,” he said. “The environment is an important issue which deserves its own ministry to counterbalance the exploitative side of the Forestry Ministry.”

Teguh Surya, political forest campaigner for Greenpeace Indonesia said the merger leaves Joko’s stance on environmental protection unsure.

“Earlier, we were hoping that the president has a specific program for the environment. The Environment Ministry should be given more power and full coordinating roles,” he said.

“So far he hasn’t explained why [he merged the two] and what the mechanism of this merger will be.”

Environmental activists are hoping that Joko will continue to keep the forestry ministry’s exploitative side separate from environmental protection.

One way is to hand over the power to issue concession permits to the Industry Ministry while the merged ministry focuses on managing and designating natural reserves and protected forests as well as overseeing the logging industry.

Activists also questioned Joko’s pick. Siti Nurbaya “has experience in the bureaucracy. But for the environment?” asked Walhi’s Abetnego.

“We will wait and see her programs and policies. In the meantime we are setting indicators to evaluate how well she will perform. We don’t want Joko’s working cabinet to be no more than a slogan. There must also be measurable outputs.” Kennial Laia Caroline

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