Study to find out how sea-level rise can impact 8 S'pore offshore islands

It will explore measures to protect islands, indicate timelines to put solutions in place

- Shabana Begum

The authorities in Singapore will be carrying out a study to find out how rising seas could impact eight of the country's offshore islands, and suggest ways to protect them.

The islands are Pulau Tekong, Kusu Island, Sisters' Islands, Pulau Bukom, Pulau Hantu, Pulau Pawai, Pulau Senang and the Southern Islands (comprising St John's Island and Lazarus Island, which are linked by a causeway).

On June 27, national water agency PUB launched a tender for this two-year study, which is expected to begin by 2026.

The study will gather data through field surveys, assess flood risks and recommend flood protection standards.

It will explore possible measures to protect the islands and indicate timelines to develop the solutions and put them in place, said PUB in a statement.

All the islands have specific purposes such as military use, marine research, heritage, recreation and petrochemical works. While Pulau Tekong is located north-east of the mainland, the others lie south in the Singapore Strait.

A quick getaway for leisure seekers, many of the islands in the southern waters are also biodiversity havens, home to most of the country's remaining intact coral reefs.

Pulau Senang and Pulau Pawai serve as military live-firing areas.

"The offshore islands are rich in biodiversity and may have very different terrain profiles compared to mainland Singapore," added PUB, noting that solutions have to be tailored to accommodate their unique characteristics.