Ensuring a continuous line of defence to keep out rising seas

These segments are nonresidential and comprise mostly shipyards and ports, as well as businesses in the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors, said Ms Angela Koh, PUB's deputy chief executive of flood resilience.

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Most are located on the south west and northern coastline segments, including Jurong Island and the industrial estates of Tuas, Pioneer and Senoko.

Tabling the Bill now will allow the affected groups to make more informed decisions, as they assess their long-term development or renewal plans, added Ms Koh.

A critical requirement under the proposed law is that landowners must ensure that one plot’s coastal protection measures are tightly connected to another’s, to ensure there is a continuous line of defence to keep out rising seas.

In the event that landowners need to enter to build on another owner’s land, the Bill will provide access and facilitate this.

Failure to ensure this connection, causing seawater to gush through an unprotected area, is an offence. Failure to put in place a coastal protection measure by the deadline or altering the structure without PUB’s approval could result in the highest penalty of two years’ jail and a $200,000 fine.

CODE OF PRACTICE

The authorities will publish a code of practice in mid-2026 to help equip landowners with knowledge about solutions against sea-level rise and standards to be met.