Malaysia: Killing birds for that perfect shot

Chuah Bee Kim New Straits Times 1 Sep 13;

CRUEL PRACTICES: Photographers criticised for using inhumane methods to take pictures of birds, insects for competition

JOHOR BARU: THE aim was to capture the beauty of nature but a state-level photography competition revealed the ugly side of human nature instead.

Photographic Society of Johor president Tang King Huat was appalled and dismayed over the inhumane methods used by contestants to get their shots.

"Most of the contestants chose birds and insects as their subjects.

"However, I was saddened when I saw that some subjects were dead," said the 64-year-old. The entries were disqualified.

Tang said some contestants had bragged about what they did.

"Some people saw a contestant remove a bird's nest from a tree. After a group of photographers took shots of the hatchlings, the group just walked away. The hatchlings died of starvation because their mother couldn't find the nest. When we questioned the photographer, he said the nest had fallen from the tree."

Tang said there were cases of photographers who resorted to gluing the feet of the birds to prevent them from flying away.

"When they are done, they would just leave the birds there. These photographers would brag about what they did and as a result, other photo enthusiasts assumed that this was the way to capture pictures of insects and birds.

"This is not what nature photography is about. It calls for an endless supply of patience on the photographer's part and some knowledge of the subject's habits.

"One needs to know what time the particular species come out in search of food, and their sensitivity to sunlight and flashlight.

"Nature photography is about appreciating the beauty of wildlife, not killing them to get that perfect shot."

Another common form of cruelty is pinning a butterfly to a wall or keeping the captured insect in a freezer, he said.

Johor Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) chairman Vincent Chow, 67, said as the first prize for photography contests could be as high as RM10,000, people were willing to do anything to win.

Chow said bad practices were also evident outside of competitions. Citing an example, Chow said the kingfisher was once commonly sighted in the Panti Bird Sanctuary in the Gunung Panti Rainforest in Kota Tinggi.

"Four years ago, you could spot many of them. Today, one can only spot two such bird species. Groups of photographers flock there with their bulky lenses and strong flashlights and as such, the mother birds did not come back to feed their offspring. The chicks died of starvation.

"We need efficient park wardens to carry out enforcement. On this, I would like to urge the State Wildlife Department to work with nature-based non-governmental organisations in a concerted effort to guard the parks and ensure the environment and its inhabitants are not abused."

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Malaysia: Demand for rare orchids blooming into thefts in parks

New Straits Times 1 Sep 13;

JOHOR BARU: Buyers pay as much as US$10,000 (RM33,000) for a rare slipper orchid in national parks here for tissue culturing.

Johor Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) chairman Vincent Chow urged the authorities to beef up enforcement to prevent the depletion of orchid species.

Tissue culture involves exposing plant tissue to a specific regimen of nutrients, hormones, and light under sterile, in vitro conditions to produce various hybrids, each a clone of the original mother plant, over a short period of time.

However, to produce the hybrids, one needs to get the mother plant.

Chow said this in conjunction with the upcoming launch of his 152-page book called A Photographic Tribute To The Wild Orchids of Johor National Parks today.

The book, published by MPH, is a collaboration between Chow and the Johor National Parks.

Chow, who is born and bred in Kluang, was trained as a teacher of Agriculture Science at the Maktab Perguruan Temenggong Ibrahim in 1967 to 1968. He received his Bachelor of Agriculture Science with Honours and Master of Science in Horticulture from the Louisiana State University in the United States. He is a fauna and flora specialist consultant registered with the Department of Environment.

He published his first book, Echoes of Life: Sungai Pulai and Beyond, in 2006.

A Photographic Tribute To The Wild Orchids of Johor National Parks is his fourth book, and first collaboration with the the Johor National Parks.

He is working on two other books: one on the freshwater fishes in the national parks in Johor and a second volume on blooms of national parks.

"Trekkers may pass by a rare orchid and not even realise it. The worst thing is to step on a rare species and not even know it.

"Another thing I would like to emphasise is the lack of education on local animal species and plant species."

Johor is the leading state in the cultivation of cut flowers of hybrid orchids.

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Indonesia: Forest fires return in Riau province

Antara 31 Aug 13;

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Following a prolonged rainy season, Indonesia is currently experiencing a very dry period that has again triggered forest and plantation fires in Riau Province.

The fires, set to clear land for farming and plantation areas, have produced haze that enveloped several cities in the province, particularly in Pekanbaru and Palawawan District.

The Terra and Aqua satellite detected 297 hotspots from forest fires throughout the Riau Province, according to the Pekanbaru meteorological, climatology, and geophysics station (BMKG).

"In Sumatra, the highest number of hotspots is still in Riau, with 297 of them, a significant increase from the 37 hotspots seen the previous day," Tri Puryanti, an analyst with the Pekanbaru BMKG, said on August 27, 2013.

Just in Pelalawan District more than 100 hotspots have been sited, and others were found in the Indragiri Hulu District, Indragiri Hilir, and Kampar, Puryanti noted.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), quoting NOAA 18 Satellite data, announced that 264 hotspots were observed in Riau`s 10 districts and cities early this week.

Officials reported that Pelalawan District has 76 hotspots, while Indragiri Hulu has 42; Rokan Hilir, 34; Indragiri Hilir, 29; Kampar, 26; Bengkalis, 20; Siak, 11; Rokan Hulu, 8; and Dumai City, 4.

BNPB pointed out that other provinces on Sumatra Island also have hotspots. The NOAA 18 satellite has detected 100 hotspots in West Sumatra, while Jambi has 57; South Sumatra has 31; Bengkulu, 15; and North Sumatra, 12.

The fastest and cheapest way to clear new land for planting crops is by burning; however, this practice has been banned by the government.

As usual, thick haze coming from land-clearance fires often degrade air quality, trigger certain diseases, and reduces visibility in affected areas, resulting in, among other things, temporary closures of some schools and delays in flight schedules.

Earlier, only one state Islamic Junior High School (MTsN) in Pekanbaru was forced to send home its students on August 27 as a result of the haze covering the city from forest and plantation fires.

"We decided to send the students home because the conditions created by the haze were quite worrying," Sofyan, a teacher at MTsN Andalan, said.

Initially, the students had come for classes in the morning, but as the day progressed the smoke entered the classrooms and most students complained of eye irritation and respiratory problems, he stated.

After receiving permission from the city`s religious affairs office, the school discontinued teaching and sent the approximately 600 students home.

Two days later, on Aug 29, the Pekanbaru education office temporarily closed kindergartens and elementary schools in parts of the city.

Kindergarten, first, second and third grade students are prone to haze-induced respiratory problems and, therefore, they were excused from going to school, said Head of the Pekanbaru Education Office Zulfadil on Thursday.

But students from the fourth to 12th grades still have to attend school, despite the haze problem, he added.

Further, the Riau provincial health office has warned that the air condition in Pekanbaru, the province`s capital, is categorised as dangerous.

Dewani, the head of the Riau health office, said the pollution standard index in the city hit 320 PSI on August 28, but later decreased to 100 PSI.

The office, therefore, recommended the closures of schools for kindergarten through third grade students.

The haze also reduced visibility in Pekanbaru to about 500 meters on August 27, forcing the re-routing of three airplanes traveling from Jakarta to Pekanbaru.

The three planes - belonging to Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia, and Lion Air - eventually landed at Kuala Namu International Airport, Medan, North Sumatra province.

"Almost all scheduled departures are also delayed due to the haze," said the Pekanbaru airport`s Duty Manager Bauquni.

The authorities, under the coordination of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, have been working to prevent the fires from spreading to wider areas.

Also, the Indonesian Air Force has deployed several Hawk 100/200 fighter planes to monitor bush fires in Riau.

"Not only helicopters (have been sent), but some Hawk fighter planes have been used to monitor fires in Riau. We are monitoring the situation while conducting flying exercises," Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base spokesman Major Pilfadri told Antara.

Additionally, the air force has fielded three helicopters, one Cicorski and two Bolcos, to conduct water-bombing operations.

"A Cassa plane that conducts weather-modification operations has also been deployed," he added.

BNPB spokesman Agus Wibowo explained that he had also coordinated with several companies for assistance in fighting the fires.

"Two companies that have pledged their cooperation are PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper and Sinarmas Group," he said.

He noted that the two plantation and forestry companies had contributed two helicopters to monitor fires and conduct fire fighting operations.

"During a fire several months ago, these two companies had actively assisted BNPB," he said.

He claimed BNPB does not yet know how much land has been burned due to the actions of those who set fires.

"What is certain is that the fires are mostly located in lands belonging to plantation or forestry companies," he remarked.

Officials noted that the fires have led to an increase in air pollution in the region.

Head of the local BNPB office Said Saqlul Amri said cloud seeding would continue to produce rain, adding that the Agency of Technology Assessment and Application had added a minimum of two tons of salt to the operation every day.

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for BNPB in Jakarta, said on August 27 that the NOAA 18 Satellite detected 488 hotspots throughout

Sumatra Island, including 88 hotspots in Jambi Province and 67 in South Sumatra.

The hotspots were located in peat land areas and produce thick smog.

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that in Riau Province 76 hotspots have been detected in Pelalawan District, 42 in Indragiri Hulu District, 34 in Roran Hilir, 29 in Rokan Hilir, 26 in Kampar, 26 in Bengkalis, 14 in Kuantan Sengingi, 11 in Siak, eight in Rokan Hulu, and four in Dumai.

He predicted that October would see a peak in forest and plantation fires in Sumatra. He said 99 percent of the fires are man-made for land clearance. Therefore, law enforcement is necessary to prevent land-clearance fires.

He believes the haze would not affect either Malaysia nor Singapore, as the wind direction is blowing in a northwest direction.

However, Warih Budi Lestari, an analyst with the Pekanbaru meteorological, climatology and geophysics station, disagreed.

He said haze might affect Malaysia, with winds blowing toward the neighboring country. "Based on our analysis, the wind in Riau is blowing from Southeast to Southwest at a maximum speed of 30 km per hour. Its direction is heading towards Malacca Strait," he said on August 27.

If the wind direction does not change, haze problems might return to Malaysia, as happened several months ago, he added.

In June 2013, Malaysia declared a state of emergency in some areas after air pollution from the illegal burning of forests and peat lands in Indonesia reached hazardous levels.

However, the number of fire hotspots has been significantly reduced, said Indonesian Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan in Banjarnegara, West Java, on August 31.

"It`s now not much, it`s only around 20," the minister stated.

The forestry minister and BNPB, however, are maintaining a vigilant watch over the fires, as the drought is predicted to last until October 2013. (*)

Editor: Heru

Malaysia: Air quality at healthy level in the north
Kiatisak Chua and Chong Kah Yuan The Star 31 Aug 13;

GEORGE TOWN: After being shrouded in haze just a few days ago, the air quality in the northern parts of the peninsula was fresher as Malaysians ushered in the Merdeka Day.

According to the website of the Department of Environment, the Air Pollutant Index (API) as of 4pm yesterday was bordering in between the moderate and healthy levels.

The API at Universiti Sains Malaysia and Seberang Jaya were recorded at 51 and 50, respectively.

In Prai, the reading was in the healthy-level bracket of 37.

Visibility around the state had also improved with an average reading of 8km in Bayan Lepas, But­terworth and Prai.

Meanwhile, other states like Kedah and Perlis had also recorded healthy API readings.

Tourist haven Langkawi came in at 33 while Alor Setar and Bakar Arang in Sungai Petani recorded a reading of 29 and 41, respectively.

In Perlis, the API reading was 26 while the station at Seri Manjung in Perak showed a reading of 50.

The API readings are expected to maintain or slightly improve as rain is forecast over the coming days.

The API levels of between 0 and 50 are considered as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 100 to 200 as un­­healthy, 200 to 300 as very un­­healthy and more than 300 as hazardous.

The API in Kuala Lumpur showed a slight improvement from 68 on Friday to 66 at 5pm yesterday.

The air quality in Malacca was moderate with a reading of 58 as of 5pm yesterday.

The visibility there improved to more than 10km at 6pm on Friday compared to 7km at 8am.

Kota Tinggi, Muar and Pasir Gudang in Johor showed slight improvement in air quality readings at 49, 45 and 50 yesterday respectively, while Larkin Lama maintained a moderate air reading of 51 at 5pm.

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Banks Put a Price on Earth's Life Support

Some of the world's largest banks plan to cut credit for companies that rely on but fail to value forests, water and other natural resources
Paul Brown and The Daily Climate Scientific American 30 Aug 13;

LONDON – It is not easy to put a value on an intact forest, a clean river, or unpolluted air, but that is what a group of the world's biggest banks is attempting to do.

They have agreed that the present economic system uses and often destroys the environment without paying to do so. And that, they say, is not sustainable.

The banks are also concerned that some companies are using up natural resources so fast, with no thought for their own future, let alone that of the planet, that they will collapse. They want a way of warning them and ultimately withdrawing their credit unless the companies mend their ways.

The 43 financial institutions, including the World Bank, are setting up a working party as a consequence of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012, also known as the Rio+20 summit, when the initial 39 large banks signed a Natural Capital Declaration.

Fundamental to wellbeing
The declaration defined natural capital as "the Earth's natural assets (soil, air, water, flora and fauna), and the ecosystem services resulting from them, which make human life possible."

The document went on to say that the food, fiber, water, health, energy, climate security and other essential services provided by natural capital were worth trillions of dollars a year, but that they were not adequately valued.

"Despite being fundamental to our wellbeing, their daily use remains almost undetected within our economic system. Using natural capital in this way is not sustainable," the declaration says.

The bankers went on to acknowledge this was partly their fault because they had no way of valuing this natural capital, nor did they currently recognize the danger to the stability of some companies because of its destruction.

Forced disclosure
They want governments to force companies to disclose their dependence on natural capital and the impact they have on it by disclosures in annual financial reports. They also want penalties for companies not doing so and tax incentives for those who protect natural capital as part of their business.

However, the bankers know that in order to value natural capital someone has to establish what it is worth in monetary terms. What value can you place on a hectare of forest for the clean air, rain collection, carbon sequestration and foodstuffs it provides? Just as important, what is the economic loss if it is destroyed?

Industries like mining and fracking are in the front line because their operations are already perceived to damage and use up clean water resources and to cause pollution. The bankers want to put a financial price on this and ask whether the financial risk that overuse of resources causes to the businesses makes them a bad investment.

Pricing the natural world
But all businesses, even the banks that control investments, have an impact on the natural environment, which generally they do not pay for and which does not appear in the accounts. So to turn their heady declaration of a year ago into something more tangible, the bankers have set up a high-powered working party to put a price on the natural world.

Liesel Van Ast, project manager for the Natural Capital Declaration, is based at the Global Canopy Programme in Oxford, England. She is working with the United Nations Finance Initiative in Geneva to help the bankers set up a series of committees to implement the declaration.

"Bankers need to address how they will account for natural capital, explain to everyone why they need to do it and then tell them how to do it," she said.

"Everyone believes they can get out before the resources run out and the crash occurs. We are hoping to change that attitude and get companies to pay a price for overuse of natural capital."

No illusions
No one has any illusions that the commitment by bankers to get natural capital accounted for on balance sheets, and then taken into account in the share price, interest on loans and cost of insurance, is going to happen quickly.

They have set a target of 2020 to get an international system up and running and recognized by all governments signed on to the UN Framework Climate Change Convention. It may be slow and difficult work, they acknowledge, but they believe this is vital to prevent the current economic system destroying the planet.

This article originally appeared at The Daily Climate, the climate change news source published by Environmental Health Sciences, a nonprofit media company.

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Best of our wild blogs: 31 Aug 13

Not for the faint-hearted: Internatioal Coastal Cleanup 2013 @ Kranji East mangrove
from Toddycats!

An analysis of the Short-tailed Babbler’s call
from Bird Ecology Study Group

Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Vol. 61 (2)
from Raffles Museum News

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Rail Corridor walking trail launched

Ayesha Shaikh Channel NewsAsia 30 Aug 13;

SINGAPORE: Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong on Friday launched a new walking trail along the Rail Corridor for Singaporeans to enjoy.

The trail is the fifth and the last in a series of walking trails known as the Resilience Trails.

360 students from 22 schools were the first to go on the 30-kilometre trail on foot and by bus.

They began the journey at Woodlands Waterfront and made their way across the black iron cast railway tracks at Bukit Timah before ending the walk at Tanjong Pagar railway station.

The five-hour long event emphasised the importance of friendly relations with neighbouring countries.

Singapore History Consultants’ director Jeya Ayadurai said: "(The walk shows) how important relationships are -- not only at the personal level, but also at the international level. So we even discuss Malaysia-Singapore relations within that context."

Jordan Teoh Jia Ern, a Fuhua Secondary School student, said: "This trail actually gives me a more in-depth view of what Singapore's history actually is and I would like to see how it… develops in future."

- CNA/gn

Trace S'pore's rail history on bus, foot
New heritage trail aims to emphasise importance of friendship, self-reliance
Yeo Sam Jo Straits Times 31 Aug 13;

BEHIND the quiet facade of the now-defunct Tanjong Pagar Railway Station lies a little-known dream that was never realised: The British once had a vision to extend the Malayan railway network from Singapore all the way to France.

This is one piece of esoteric trivia that can be picked up on a new educational trail launched yesterday. Called "Rail Corridor: Our Journey Together Through the Power of Friendship", it is the last in a series of five Resilience Trails focusing on Singapore's historic moments and achievements.

Conceived by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Singapore History Consultants, the trail traces landmarks along the old rail corridor that runs through Singapore to Johor, emphasising the importance of friendship and self-reliance.

For example, at Woodlands Waterfront, where the trail starts, participants can see Singapore and Malaysia's mutual dependency tangibly manifested in the water pipes, the railway and the Causeway.

Participants also travel along Woodlands Road and Bukit Timah Road, which was the route that the Japanese used to advance on the Allied forces during World War II. The trail also includes a section between Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Mayfair Park estate, where participants can glimpse remnants of the communal kampung lifestyle.

In all, the 30km journey on bus and foot takes four to five hours to complete, and ends at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station in the south.

Some 360 students from 22 schools were the first to experience the trail yesterday, which was launched by Mr Lawrence Wong, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. "It is through trails like this that we are able to learn about Singapore's history, culture and heritage in a more meaningful and engaging way," Mr Wong said.

History teacher Samuel Goh, 28, who was there with his students, said: "I think it was good learning for the kids. It connected them to many things they didn't know about their own heritage and past."

Those interested in the Resilience Trails may find out more at www.shc.com.sg

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Changi Coast Road to be replaced

Royston Sim Straist Times 31 Aug 13;

CHANGI Coast Road, a long scenic route much loved by cyclists, will be replaced by a new surface road that will hug the eastern coastline.

The existing road and park connector beside it will be paved over and become part of Changi Airport's integrated airfield that links Runway 2 and Runway 3.

Currently, it runs alongside the airfield for about 6km.

A new park connector will also be built along with the new road, which will merge with Tanah Merah Coast Road, run along the eastern coastline and then loop back towards Nicoll Drive.

Works on these changes are expected to start in the second half of next year, said the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) deputy chief executive Chua Chong Kheng yesterday.

Mr Chua did not say when the new road will be ready but The Straits Times understands it has to be completed by 2018.

Only then can the airport's Runway 3 be linked to Runway 2, a project observers say would take about two years.

Changi Airport is scheduled to have a three-runway system by around 2020, a move that will reinforce Singapore's status as a regional aviation hub.

Meanwhile, the existing Changi Coast Road will stay open until the new road is ready.

This new road is estimated to run for 5km to 6km longer than the stretch of Changi Coast Road that it will replace.

It is likely to give motorists access to the future Terminal 5.

Mr Chua said it will be wider than the existing road, which has two lanes in each direction.

The LTA earlier considered converting Changi Coast Road into a partially depressed roadway or tunnel, but found that to be less feasible than a new surface road.

Mr Chua noted that aside from the higher cost of going underground, roads below the surface would require ventilation buildings. These ventilation structures could go up to 40m in height, and would not only take up space but also affect safety.

There are also other safety and security issues to consider if the road runs beneath the airfield, he added. "If there are emergencies in the tunnel, you don't want to be evacuating onto the airfield."

Avid cyclist Jolly Liew, 47, is glad there will be a "replacement road, so our 'playground' will still be there".

Another cyclist, Mr Sidney Lim, 49, wants the authorities to make the new road safer for cyclists.

"If it's a longer route, that's even better. Cyclists here are always looking for a longer loop. Maybe the LTA can consider setting aside a lane for cyclists at certain times on weekends," he said.

Changi unveils plans for new mega T5
Options include a main facility and satellite terminals connected by rail
Karamjit Kaur Straits Times 31 Aug 13;

AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled for Changi's mega new air terminal to cater for up to 50 million passengers a year, as Singapore moves decisively to seal the airport's premier hub status.

Terminal 5, which is slated for completion around 2025, will be bigger than the current Terminals 2 and 3 put together. It will take the form of either a huge single terminal building, or a smaller facility linked to a satellite terminal via an underground rail link.

T5 will be located at Changi East, in an area now separated from the current terminals by Changi Coast Road.

It will be linked to the rest of the airport and possibly house its own MRT station in future.

When completed, the giant addition will boost Changi Airport's maximum capacity to 135 million passengers a year, rivalling the busiest airports today.

This includes London's Heathrow, which handles about 70 million passengers a year.

Announcing the latest plans at a media briefing yesterday, Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo, who leads a 10-member multi-agency committee looking into Changi's expansion, said the future is not just about growing in size. "We want to make it a better air hub," she said.

"The more cities that we are linked to, the more frequent the flights and the more efficient the transfers, then the greater the convenience that we can offer to passengers and the better we are as an air hub."

Industry watchers have said that this expansion is essential because many rival air hubs, including those in Asia, are planning to boost capacity in the coming years. So Changi must move quickly to capture a share of Asia's growing traffic and enhance capacity so that it can "build on its current leadership position", said Mrs Teo.

This is why the development at Changi East will include building a third runway to handle more flights. This runway will be operational around 2020, even before T5 opens.

New aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, as well as hotels and offices, will also be built at the site. This makes the project the biggest airport works since the move from Paya Lebar Airport to Changi in 1981, and also one of the most challenging, said Mrs Teo.

To link the current airport and future terminal, Changi Coast Road will need to be diverted.

More than 40km of taxiways, about the length of the Pan Island Expressway from Tuas to Tampines, will also be built to connect the airport's two existing runways to a third runway.

A 60m-wide canal will also need to be diverted.

To improve access to and from T5, the Land Transport Authority will boost bus links and study various rail options, including extending the current MRT line from T2 to the new T5.

The future Eastern Region Line could also be connected to the new terminal, LTA said.

Airlines and other industry players are excited about the new developments.

Singapore Airlines, which currently operates out of T2 and T3, has already "expressed preliminary interest" in moving to T5, spokesman Nicholas Ionides said.

But there are concerns that Changi could face terminal and runway constraints that will lead to congestion and delays for travellers before the expansion works are completed.

From 66 million now, the airport is expected to grow its capacity steadily in the coming years. It will be able to handle 85 million passengers by 2018 when the future T4 is ready and T1 expanded.

Mr Yap Ong Heng, director- general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, said there are plans in place to "stretch" the current two runways.

"It will be busier but it need not get worse," said Mr Lee Seow Hiang, chief executive officer of Changi Airport Group.

"That's the reality, we can't deny it. But we think we have the ability to still provide a service that people talk about."

Changi's T5 to cater to 50m passengers per year
Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid Channel NewsAsia 30 Aug 13;

SINGAPORE: The new Terminal 5 at Singapore's Changi Airport is set to be one of the largest terminals in the world, with an initial passenger handling capacity of 50 million per year.

When it begins operations in mid-2020s, it will boost the airport's total handling capacity to 135 million passengers per year.

Changi Airport will also begin operating on a three-runway system from around 2020, instead of the current two.

Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo, who is chairing the Changi 2036 steering committee, gave these details on the expansion plans for the airport on Friday.

Currently, Changi Airport can handle up to 66 million passenger movements every year, using the two existing runways and three terminals.

The handling capacity will go up to 85 million in 2017, when Terminal 4 is expected to be ready.

However, passenger traffic in Asia Pacific is still expected to grow.

Mrs Teo said: "In Singapore, we are expecting passenger air traffic growth at Changi to be around five per cent per year till the end of this decade, and it will moderate to three to four per cent in the next decade.

"We have to bear in mind that as other airports grow in terms of passenger volumes, we must expect their connectivity to grow also -- even if we do nothing.

"Thus, Changi will need to capture a share of the growing traffic in order to upkeep our current connectivity, and we also need capacity to allow Changi to build on the current leadership position, to establish new city links with more airlines."

To this effect, a 1,080 hectare reclaimed site at Changi East will be redeveloped to become Terminal 5.

The terminal will be linked to the other terminals at Changi Airport to make it easier for transfers and for airfield operational efficiency. The terminal will also be connected to the MRT network and sited near to hotels and offices.

To the north of the terminal, land has also been set aside for facilities for airfreight and air express operators as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul activities.

The committee is looking at two options to build the terminal -- a Y-shaped design or a T-shaped design.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will be seeking views from stakeholders over the next two months to refine the layout of the terminal. A concept plan is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2014, before works begin in the second half of 2014.

To make way for an integrated airfield, the existing Changi Coast Road will be diverted and replaced with a new road and park connector further east, along the eastern coastline. The new Changi Coast Road will be ready before Runway 3 is operational around 2020.

The existing Runway 3, currently used by the military, will be extended from 2.75km to 4km to handle larger passenger aircraft.

Almost 40km of new taxiways will also be built to connect the runway with the current airport and to allow for efficient aircraft movement.

New facilities such as navigation aids, airfield lighting systems and a fire station will need to be built.

Access to the area will also be improved.

Chua Chong Kheng, deputy chief executive of the Land Transport Authority, said: "As we plan for the extension or expansion of the airport, we will also need to expand our rail and road network to meet the transport needs of everyone travelling to the Changi Airport area.

"As part of our rail expansion plans, we are studying how we can link our rail network to the new Terminal 5, and we will also look at the adequacy of bus services and see how this can be beefed up."

Planning and preparatory works for the project have already started.

Mrs Teo said the developments at Changi East require careful coordination and will stretch over several terms of government.

She said: "For passengers, Changi must mean superior connectivity, convenience and comfort. So these plans are significant because they strengthen our air hub.

"But there is also special meaning for Singaporeans. Changi connects us to the world and the plans open the path to new business and job opportunities. That is really the bigger story to be told."

- CNA/ac

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Future builders, designers to gain from redevelopment of eastern Singapore

Monica Kotwani Channel NewsAsia 30 Aug 13;

SINGAPORE: The government's move to redevelop the entire eastern part of the country will provide today's young -- the nation's future builders and designers -- tremendous opportunities in Singapore's development in the next 30 to 40 years. That is according to Acting Minister for Social and Family Development, Chan Chun Sing.

He was speaking to some 200 students who took part in this year's Singapore Amazing Machine Competition.

The budding scientists and technologists, who worked in teams, had to incorporate as many scientific concepts into their contraptions.

Mr Chan, who is also Senior Minister of State for Defence, said that as a small country, Singapore faces many constraints -- but that can also be turned into opportunities.

He cited the example of the plan to move Paya Lebar Airport to Changi. Having taller buildings in the Paya Lebar area could present opportunities to break new ground in building technology.

Mr Chan said: "There cannot be a strong Singapore, with a strong economy or a strong defence system, without a strong core of scientists and technologists amongst us.

"It is that important role that you have the opportunities to fulfil in the coming years, and the government will make sure we continue to invest in our science and tech education to ensure that Singapore continues to maintain a core group of people in Singapore with a depth of expertise."

Mr Chan also highlighted healthcare as another area of putting science and technology to good use.

He added: "In 2030, we may have almost a million people over 65 years old. For the pessimists amongst us, that might spell tremendous challenges, but for optimists and scientists and technologists amongst you, that spells tremendous opportunities for us to have a new generation of medical equipment and monitoring devices."

- CNA/ac

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Property analysts expect Bidadari to be most popular housing area

Hu Jielan and Eileen Poh Channel NewsAsia 30 Aug 13;

SINGAPORE: Bidadari is expected to be the most popular of the three recently announced housing areas among home buyers due to the area’s convenient location.

Property analysts compared the area with Punggol Matilda and Tampines North and said that Bidadari’s city-fringed location and proximity to two MRT stations will work in its favour, especially among younger people.

The experts said that even its history as a cemetery is unlikely to ward off potential buyers.

Eugene Lim, ERA’s key executive officer, said: "I think by and large, most people have got around the superstition thing. And most of the buyers today are younger, and they actually look at the concept as a whole, the region as a whole, and are not very superstitious anymore."

Analysts expect Punggol Matilda to be the next popular choice among home buyers with its waterfront location.

While buyers can look forward to new urban design concepts in the three areas, analysts said they do not expect prices to differ much from the new flats in other locations.

PropNex David Poh & Associate Pte Ltd Managing Director David Poh said: "With new concepts, new designs and facilities, cost of construction will go up. But I don't think the price of BTOs (Build-To-Order) will go up because of this. The government has announced that they want to make BTOs affordable for any Singaporeans who want to buy a flat."

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) is seeking public feedback on development plans for the three housing areas.

Members of the public can view an exhibition showcasing the plans at HDB Hub Atrium till September 15.

- CNA/gn

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Best of our wild blogs: 30 Aug 13

A Pragmatic Singaporean's approach to nature
from Bird Ecology Study Group

Diving for Treasure: Singapore Style - a video clip of the Southern Expedition from Mega Marine Survey of Singapore

Butterflies Galore! : Aberrant Oakblue
from Butterflies of Singapore

Ulu Sembawang Park Connector Welcomed Taichung Friends
from Beauty of Fauna and Flora in Nature

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HDB unveils plans for three new housing areas

Olivia Siong Channel NewsAsia 29 Aug 13;

SINGAPORE: Three new housing areas will be launched over the next few years, offering 40,000 new homes in all. They are Punggol Matilda, Tampines North and the new centrally-located estate of Bidadari.

Homebuyers will be able to apply for units as soon as September -- when some 500 units at Punggol Matilda are launched by the HDB.

From waterfront living at Punggol Matilda, to a boulevard park at Tampines North, and preserving the heritage and greenery at Bidadari -- these plans were unveiled by National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan at the HDB's "Future Homes, Better Lives" Exhibition.

Mr Khaw said: "The plans for Bidadari, Tampines North, and Punggol Matilda, will capitalise on their individual distinctive character so that they can all achieve a unique identity and provide a unique living experience.

"The planners of HDB have carefully built on each estate's history, distinctive local flavour and features. As we rapidly expand our building programme to create new precincts in new towns, my instruction to HDB is to seize every opportunity of building new precincts, to build on our strong foundation, so as to advance our social mission. Every new town must be better than the previous one."

Punggol Matilda, which is about one-tenth the size of Toa Payoh town, and will be a waterfront home to about 28,000 residents with 8,000 flats.

One of seven distinct districts in Punggol new town, Punggol Matilda will take inspiration from the historic Matilda House in its area -- this will be reflected in a new housing form that will be offered.

The district will also pilot a new "landscaped deck" housing concept -- where centralised amenities are built on elevated decks, with car park facilities underneath. The HDB said this will allow more generous building-to-building space and give residents "door-step" accessibility to precinct amenities located on the landscaped deck.

The second new area is Tampines North -- an extension of the existing Tampines town.

Taking after the town's shape as a leaf, it will see a boulevard linear park serve as the "main vein". With an area of about 240 hectares, it is also about three times the size of Bidadari estate.

The district will house about 21,000 units -- with about 80 per cent being public housing, and the rest private housing. The first public housing units will be launched in the second half of 2014.

Perhaps the most highly anticipated is the Bidadari estate, located in central Singapore.

Once a cemetery, it is now a green space and recreation area for residents around the estate. With a land area of 93 hectares, Bidadari is expected to have 11,000 residential units -- with about 90 per cent set aside for public housing. The first flats will be launched in 2015.

The existing greenery will also be preserved with a new park, and a lake being planned as the green lung for the area.

The Upper Aljunied Road will also be fully pedestrianised.

All the building in the three areas will be about 16 to 17 storeys tall.

Property analysts expect the Bidadari Estate and the Punggol Matilda district in particular, to prove popular with homebuyers.

"Bidadari because it's around the city fringe and also around the Bidadari estates there will be three MRT stations. Another one would be the Punggol Matilda estate, because it has the unique feature of having the pedestrian veranda that can connect the residents all the way to the beach," said Nicholas Mak, Executive Director for Research and Consultancy at SLP International Property Consultants.

Another common feature -- the three new areas will come with cycling paths and pedestrian networks.

Each area will take 10 to 15 years to complete.

- CNA/ac

3 new estates, 40,000 homes
Sumita Sreedharan Today Online 30 Aug 13;

SINGAPORE — Community gardens, huge parks of up to 10 hectares, walkways lined with greenery and landscaped decks integrated with housing blocks. Amenities like these will feature prominently in the three new housing estates of Bidadari, Tampines North and Punggol Matilda, the plans for which were unveiled yesterday at an exhibition at Toa Payoh HDB Hub. Together, these estates will yield 40,000 new public housing units.

Speaking at the exhibition, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said that promoting “pervasive greenery and community gardens” will be one of five characteristics of every new town, or what he described as the “next generation of housing”. The others are encouraging interaction and healthy living among residents, as well as energy efficiency, recycling and higher productivity be it in refuse collection or the construction of the flats.

“As we rapidly expand our building programme to create new precincts in new towns, my instruction to HDB is to seize the opportunity to build on our strong foundation and to advance our social mission. Every new town must be better than the previous one,” Mr Khaw said.

He added: “These fresh planning and design ideas will characterise our next generation of public housing.”

On the three new upcoming towns - which are slated for completion over the next 10 to 15 years - Mr Khaw pointed out that the development plans will “capitalise on their distinctive character to bring about a unique identity and living experience”. “The planners have carefully built on each estate’s history, distinctive local flavour and features,” he said.

For example, Bidadari Park will feature heritage trees, Tampines North will boast a 10 ha Quarry Park - in a nod to Tampines’ past as a sand quarry site - and Punggol Matilda will have verandahs and colonnaded walkways inspired by a conserved property in the vicinity, the Matilda House,

Applications will open for a Build-to-Order project in Punggol Matilda in the BTO exercise next month. Buyers can expect units in Tampines North and Bidadari to come on stream in the second half of next year and 2015, respectively.

HDB said the pricing of projects in these estates will depend on the location, design and the different attributes of the flats such as floor area, design features and orientation, as well as the resale prices of nearby HDB units.

Most analysts whom TODAY spoke to expect the projects in Bidadari to be the most popular among the three new estates, due to its centralised location and links to transportation nodes. PropNex CEO Mohamed Ismail, however, felt that Punggol Matilda could potentially be most attractive. “Punggol is attracting a lot of attention, mainly because of lifestyle amenities and facilities,“ he said.

All three new estates will have extensive cycling and pedestrian networks. In terms of public transport, Bidadari will be served by the North-East Line (NEL) and Circle Line (CCL), while Punggol Matilda will be near the Punggol LRT line. New bus interchanges will also be built in Bidadari and Tampines North. Chris International Director Chris Koh noted that currently, Tampines North is the least accessible by public transport as there are no MRT or LRT stations in the vicinity. Analysts also wondered whether Tampines North would be classified as a mature estate given that it is part of the larger Tampines town, leading to its flats being priced higher.

ERA Key Executive Officer Eugene Lim said: “Tampines North could possibly be considered as part of the mature town of Tampines... residents there will be able to access the regional centre without being directly affected by the hustle and bustle.”

Tampines North: A ‘green shoot’ of Tampines Town
HDB fly-through of Tampines North development plan
Xue Jianyue Today Online 30 Aug 13;



SINGAPORE — Tampines North, with an estimated 21,000 dwelling units spread across 240 hectares, will be added to the existing Tampines Town.

Envisioned as the “green shoot” and extension of Tampines Town, the new estate will consist of four housing districts — Park West District, Green Walk District, Park East District and Boulevard District — each with a unique housing design.

The first housing parcel in the Park West District will be launched in the second half of next year.

A Boulevard Park — featuring a stretch lined with seasonal flowering trees — will run through the estate, providing residents with a seamless connection from Sun Plaza Park to Sungei Api Api. Community spaces and facilities such as childcare centres will be located along the park.

A second major park, Quarry Park, will also be created and could feature a quarry pond, inspired by Tampines’ history as a sand quarry site.

Apart from the two major parks, smaller ones will be scattered across the estate, and linked to one another by a pedestrian and cycling network weaving through the housing districts.

A new landmark mixed development, with mixed commercial and residential use as well as a bus interchange, will be a focal point for residents in Tampines North. The Tampines North Hub could be integrated with a plaza square and a green arcade,

A landbridge will also mark the gateway into Tampines Town, which will consist of 90,000 units with the inclusion of Tampines North.

This bridge will link the Quarry Park to Sun Plaza and Boulevard Park, allowing Tampines North residents to connect with the rest of Tampines Town.

Tampines North is one of three new housing areas being showcased at HDB’s “Future Homes, Better Lives” Exhibition this evening (Aug 29) at the HDB Hub Atrium.

The exhibition showcases the broad development plans for three new housing areas — Bidadari, Tampines North, and Punggol Matilda. It will be held from today to Sept 15.

New Alkaff lake for Bidadari estate
HDB fly-through of Bidadari development plan
Xue Jianyue Today Online 30 Aug 13;



SINGAPORE — The 93-hectare Bidadari estate, with 11,000 housing units, will feature a lake inspired by the former Alkaff Lake Gardens.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has envisioned the estate as a “tranquil urban oasis” for residents.

There will be six neighbourhoods — Alkaff, Bartley Heights, Sennett, Park’s Edge and Woodleigh — with the first housing parcel in Alkaff Neighbourhood to be launched by 2015.

The new Alkaff lake will be located in a new Bidadari Park, of around 10 hectares. The park will integrate an existing Memorial Garden commemorating the heritage of Bidadari Cemetery.

When the estate is ready, residents can access the nearby Bartley and Woodleigh MRT stations through pedestrian and cycling pathways.

A 20-metre wide greenway, lined with rest spots, commercial and communal facilities, will also cut across the estate from Bartley Road to Upper Serangoon Road. A town centre called Market Square will feature public housing integrated with community facilities and a bus interchange.

To bring back the rich and fond memories of Bidadari, the estate will feature a Heritage Walk showcasing stories of Bidadari’s history and contributions of prominent personalities, including Syed Shaik Abdulrahman Alkaff, a famous merchant and landowner whom the Alkaff Lake Gardens was named after.

Built in 1929, the garden was an attraction in pre-war colonial Singapore. In its heyday, families rowed boats in the lake and dating couples frequented the surrounding man-made hills. While the garden survived the Japanese Occupation, it was bought by a realty company in 1949 and subsequently redeveloped into a school and a private residential estate.

Bidadari is one of three new housing areas being showcased at HDB’s “Future Homes, Better Lives” Exhibition this evening (Aug 29) at the HDB Hub Atrium.

The exhibition showcases the broad development plans for three new housing areas — Bidadari, Tampines North, and Punggol Matilda. It will be held from today to Sept 15.

New public housing concept at Punggol Matilda
The new form of housing will have a landscaped deck and hybrid car park
Xue Jianyue Today Online 30 Aug 13;



SINGAPORE — To provide residents with a greater sense of spaciousness, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will be introducing a new form of housing with a landscaped deck and hybrid car park at Punggol Matilda.

This concept consists of housing blocks built around precinct spaces located on elevated decks. Car park facilities are provided beneath it.

There will be longer distances between buildings. Integrated landscaped decks also provide “door-step” accessibility to the precinct amenities.

The HDB has identified a few suitable sites in Punggol Matilda to be designed with this new housing form. About 500 units will be launched next month.

The new Punggol Matilda estate was named after the Matilda House, a colonial house built in 1902 at Punggol’s waterfront. It inspired architects to include verandahs and colonnaded walkways into its design.

Punggol Matilda will thus feature open lawns and dense tree groves to resemble the tropical fruit orchard that once surrounded the house. One of the oldest houses here, the property was given conservation status by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 2000.

When fully complete, Punggol Matilda, a waterfront housing district, will consist of 8,000 units that are expected to house about 28,000 residents. The development of the district is part of the Phase 2 master plan for Punggol New Town which was unveiled in October last year.

To connect residents to the waterfront, there will be three corridors across the estate.

The central corridor, along Punggol Field, is planned as a community street with pedestrian-friendly features such as an “urban verandah”. The two-storey high verandah will provide shelter for residents walking from the waterfront to future commercial developments. The community street will have amenities such as a proposed waterfront shopping centre, eating houses and shops to serve the residents.

The other two corridors are envisioned by HDB as boulevards lined with trees.

Punggol Matilda is one of three new housing areas being showcased at HDB’s “Future Homes, Better Lives” Exhibition this evening (Aug 29) at the HDB Hub Atrium.

The exhibition showcases the broad development plans for three new housing areas — Bidadari, Tampines North, and Punggol Matilda. It will be held from today to Sept 15.

Ambitious plans for 3 new HDB projects
Charissa Yong Straits Times 30 Aug 13;

FROM lush spaces for neighbourly bonding to cycling trails for healthy living, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan promised that each new Housing Board project would be a cut above the rest.

"Every new town must be better than the previous one," he said as he unveiled plans for the upcoming Bidadari, Tampines North and Punggol Matilda districts yesterday.

These projects will yield 35,000 public homes and 5,000 private units in stages over the next 10 to 15 years. While prices have not yet been released, Mr Khaw gave a glimpse of the amenities which will be on offer.

Bidadari, which will offer 10,000 public homes ranging from studio apartments to five-roomers, will have a man-made lake inside a 10ha park which will be a tenth of the estate's size.

Punggol Matilda will include an elevated, landscaped deck with verandahs, colonnades and a pavilion resembling the iconic Matilda House, after which the district is named. The south-western Punggol district, which will have 8,000 HDB units, will also have boulevards leading to a new waterfront shopping centre.

At Tampines North, which will eventually have 17,000 HDB flats, residents can unwind at a new shopping centre, which will be integrated with the bus interchange, or at the estate's two parks. A pond with a sandy beach is also on the cards, a nod to the area's past sand quarries.

Each town will have several common amenities, including public spaces such as community gardens, where residents can mix with one another, said Mr Khaw.

"They create a quality living environment where families and communities can grow."

These new estates will feature more greenery. At Bidadari, for instance, a canopy of mature trees along a stretch of Upper Aljunied Road will be preserved, and the road itself will be converted into a pedestrian walkway.

Cycling and pedestrian networks will also be a part of every new town, to promote healthy lifestyles. "We will look after the interests and safety of pedestrians and cyclists... We will encourage more to cycle and walk rather than drive," said Mr Khaw.

All future towns will also be energy efficient and have separate chutes for recyclables, he added at the launch of an exhibition yesterday featuring these plans at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh. It runs till Sept 15.

Punggol Matilda's new homes will be the first to be launched, with 500 three- and four-room flats on offer during next month's Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise.

Tampines North's initial batch of BTO flats will go on sale in the second half of next year, followed by Bidadari's in 2015.

Blocks in these areas will be up to 17 storeys high. Details will be available closer to the launches.

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Residents recall Paya Lebar's civilian airport and kampung days

Memories take flight over 'wide swamp'
Charissa Yong And Joanna Seow Straits Times 30 Aug 13;

MENTION Paya Lebar, and it conjures up many different memories.

For 59-year-old Mr David Sia, what comes to mind is the former Paya Lebar Airport terminal building which he frequented with his cousins in the 1960s.

"We watched the planes from the viewing gallery on the open rooftop.

"It was a joy to look at them coming in and touching down," said the corporate trainer.

For others, Paya Lebar is an industrial town, dotted with low- rise hardware and repair workshops, and offices in the Singapore Post Centre and iPark complex.

The area will be transformed again after 2030 when its iconic airbase moves to Changi, as announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during his National Day Rally speech, and new homes, offices and factories take its place.

The space was first used by the international Paya Lebar Airport from 1955.

It was converted into an airbase in 1981, when Singapore became such a popular destination that Changi Airport was opened to accommodate the traffic.

Today, military planes still roar overhead, a familiar sound for many long-time residents.

"They interrupt conversations for minutes," said Mr Sia, who grew up in Paya Lebar.

"Apparently the farmers back then said their chickens were so disturbed they couldn't lay eggs."

But Paya Lebar was also once a notorious gangland, said Mr Sia.

"If you were a stranger and came here, there'd be eyes on you. You might have been challenged to a fight.

"Gangsters would warn us and our neighbours beforehand to stay indoors on the nights that fights took place."

The town began as a "wide swamp" - which is exactly what Paya Lebar means in Malay. Sand quarries and rural settlements dotted the area.

Former residents like Mr Azhari Mohamad remember when home was a wooden kampung house where the current Paya Lebar MRT station now stands.

He and his family had to make way for the new development in 1979.

The 46-year-old drinks stall manager still misses the kampung atmosphere.

Where Paya Lebar starts and ends is loosely defined.

Its two main roads, Paya Lebar Road and Upper Paya Lebar Road, span five MRT stations - Paya Lebar, MacPherson, Tai Seng, Bartley and Serangoon.

Several workers at the SingPost Centre next to Paya Lebar MRT station said they liked the location and the lack of crowds.

That could change though with work already under way on the Paya Lebar Square office complex, which is part of government plans to spruce up the area with more shops, hotels and open spaces.

"It's pretty peaceful here, not as congested as the Central Business District," said information technology security consultant Antara Chakraborty, 30.

Ms Wong Siew Yim, 28, a network engineer, said that the food options were "good and cheap", especially at the hawker centres in the industrial estates nearby.

Further north, Tai Seng is a sprawl of warehouses, factories and headquarters of food and beverage companies like Sakae Sushi and BreadTalk.

Some of the shophouses that used to house bakeries and a flour mill still remain.

Today, several have become popular eateries that sell food like pork rib soup and roast duck rice.

Further up, the low-rise industrial estate of Defu Lane and the peaceful housing blocks of Lorong Ah Soo border the airbase.

On Defu Lane, subcontractors and workshop owners say that not much will change for them when the airbase goes.

"Our customers don't come from here anyway," said Mrs Soma Kumar, 48.

She has been repairing furniture with her husband in the same corner workshop for the past 20 years.

Lorong Ah Soo residents and shopkeepers are curious about what the future will bring.

Several, like minimart employee Rani Veddapan, 58, said that their business may pick up with more people coming to the area.

Residents too are hoping the increase in human traffic will bring benefits.

"Maybe there'll be more eating places nearby and better transport too.

"But taller buildings will block the breeze," said administrative assistant Jocelyn Lam, 53, who lives in a 13th-floor flat in Paya Lebar.

Her neighbour, seamstress Chok May, is looking forward to a new shopping centre or two, and fewer factories.

Said the 50-year-old: "But by then, I'll be old already. It's the next generation, kids growing up now, who will benefit from the changes."

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