Monday, October 12, 2026

REACH (Telegram) 164 -   What other support or actions would you like to see from the Government to better protect Singaporeans and manage the impact of haze episodes?

(SK)

12 Oct 2026 (10am - 7pm)


REACH (Telegram)

[12/10/2026 10:38 am] REACH Singapore: Dear contributors,

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[12/10/2026 10:41 am] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

On 10 October, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said that Singapore is closely monitoring the worsening haze situation and stands ready to assist Indonesia as haze from Sumatra and Kalimantan continues to affect local air quality.

Minister Fu stated that:

(1) The government’s Haze Task Force, led by NEA and comprising 28 agencies, has prepared response measures if the 24-hour PSI exceeds 200, including distributing N95 masks to eligible groups and opening air-conditioned haze shelters at selected community facilities;

(2) Sector-specific measures are in place for pre-schools, schools, workplaces, healthcare institutions and uniformed services, including reducing outdoor activities, using enclosed ventilated spaces. School closures will only be considered if the next day’s forecast enters the hazardous range above 300;

(3) Singapore supports broader regional cooperation on haze issues, while longer-term cooperation with Indonesia includes environmental collaboration and discussions on early warning information and support for the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control.

On 11 October, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung announced that the haze subsidy scheme will be activated, allowing Singaporeans to seek subsidized treatment for haze-related conditions at polyclinics and Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs).

💬 What other support or actions would you like to see from the Government to better protect Singaporeans and manage the impact of haze episodes?

👉🏻https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/singapore-stands-ready-to-assist-indonesia-amid-worsening-haze-grace-fu-in-touch-with-counterpart

👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/haze-subsidy-scheme-gp-clinics-polyclinics-moh-6449066

----


[12/10/2026 10:54 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : I am concerned about the haze situation in Singapore. ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

[12/10/2026 10:54 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : I am satisfied with the Government's response to the haze situation in Singapore ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

[12/10/2026 10:59 am] Daniel: I would like the government to reconsider the way air quality data is published. Currently only broad regions are given without detail on where the stations are. I also assume that there are more than 5 station on the island. Having this sort of granular information would be useful to plan activities and would increase the trust in the government. Because right now I see a lot of opinions and discussions online that the data is either being falsified (I don't believe this is the case) or misinterpreted.

[12/10/2026 11:01 am] Adam: To add to that, the way the gov use 24hr average

[12/10/2026 11:04 am] Daniel: Yes, that's true. I understand why 24 hour average is used, but what's really confusing is that hourly is in PM2.5 concentration and 24h in PSI. I think it would be less confusing if along with 24h PSI there would be the 24 hour average PM2.5 and/or along with the hourly PM2.5 the hourly PSI. Right now people are confused why these are two different quantities


[12/10/2026 12:21 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

1. For haze, anything we do here will not be effective.

2. Curbing the fire at the source is the most effective.


[12/10/2026 12:25 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

1. I suggest working at the ASEAN coordination centre for transboundary haze pollution control to find measures to address yearly burning will be more fruitful in a longer term.


2. The current haze, no choice, we got to wait for monsoon rain to come - expected to be sometimes in November - put out the fire in Indonesia and rain to dispel the haze in Singapore.


[12/10/2026 12:29 pm] Kai Bin in reply to REACH Singapore:

> 📢 Topic 📢  On 10 October, Minister for Sustainability and the...

I suggest that Singapore proposes to the Indonesian government  could do cloud-seeding in dry parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan to produce more rain to help extinguish the forest fires there.


[12/10/2026 12:55 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

1. The reasons why plantation owners starting fire to clear their plantations are:-

a. Using fire to clear land to plant crops is the minimum costs.

Very difficult to stop such practices which has go on for years already.

b. Fertile soils are needed.

c. Need to irrigate the plantation with access to water - to ensure its crops can grow.


So to tackle such needs - we can suggest and work with Indonesia to propose a design to address such needs - that indirectly will curb the intensity of the burning and hence prevent haze from reaching out shores.

This can happen during the ASEAN transboundary haze pollution control coordination center.


[12/10/2026 12:59 pm] Joomua Tng in reply to REACH Singapore:

> 📢 Topic 📢  On 10 October, Minister for Sustainability and the...

what is the objective and obtainable objectives?

bottom line..

nothing just empty talks with regards to Indonesia or other countries that the haze originated from

I don't see the effectiveness nor productivity of having this discussion.

there are more important discussion like global potential war and conflicts with regards to terrorism Movement that is causing the break down of france, the possible danger of having U.S falling to the chaos also..

This is more important as it will affect Singapore long term and permanently.

global coordination against terrorism infiltration of government system, politics is more important and immediate threat at the current global stability

https://youtube.com/shorts/0jOYl_AxvFk?is=_Thcaj1yS913nNFw


[12/10/2026 1:00 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Also can the year after year haze problem be solved ?

Yes, almost except the momentum didn't go on.

It is not through law, through forceful means that will trigger political firestorm with another country.

But a skilful technical solution - known as the checker canal installation for all big and small plantations - will have stopped the haze once and for all.

It was proposed in 2012, the previous president pick it up the moment he was inaugurated in 2015.

Come out in big international news and in the UN climate report.

Haze didn't come on for many years (it is not coincidental).


But then momentum stops.

The department that oversee such projects was closed down.

1. New plantations come in, no momentum for checker canal plantations to be built.

2. Existing checker canal plantations lack maintenance, water dry up in the canals and not refill.

Haze return.

https://babe118.blogspot.com/2026/07/draft-social-media-post.html?m=0


[12/10/2026 1:03 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

What does the checker plantation canal do.

Draw inspiration from a checker chess board.


1. Build the whole plantation like a chess board.


2. The lines cutting across the plantations are canals to trap rain and water.


3. Fire on the plantations can be put out by water from the canals if fire engine water cannot reach the vast plantations.


4. If fire turn into peat fire that continue to smother, open up the flood gates from the canal to flood the plantations and put out the smothering peat fires.


5. The canals act as fire barriers that stop fire from strong winds to spread the forest fire.


6. During normal days, the water in the canal is used for irrigation to help the crops grow.


7. Dam rivers, create reservoirs to trap river water and rainwater during wet seasons to ensure local water table are consistently replenish at all seasons including dry seasons.

Also can design drainage systems to channel flood water into these reservoirs and checker canals as holding water areas.

Can even propose water desalination plants to desalinate sea water finance by World Bank - whereby we bid and provide expertise or joint venture development as national projects (JV) - to ensure local water table are consistently maintain without dropping in water level during dry seasons.

Periodically release water to the interconnected checker canals.


8. It win praise by UN climate report and accord the praise to the ex president - of course the idea come from an anonymous social media post in Yahoo news.

But then yahoo stop the comment column.


9. Haze stop for many years.


[12/10/2026 1:05 pm] Joomua Tng in reply to Joomua Tng:

> ‎⁨what is the objective and obtainable objectives?...

the government talks about high pay to compensate the income reduction suffered by top talent ministers .

then focus on the more important things, long term global stability, anti global terrorism Movement, jihad and other types of terrorism.

economy, birthrate, 

total defense : total means total as in anything goes and everything goes..including birth rate defenses, ideologies defenses.

a.i 

.....


[12/10/2026 1:07 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨What does the checker plantation canal do....

"Indonesia’s new peatland agency to get greater powers, but more work needed to stop forest fires.

Indonesia is reviving a dedicated peatland and mangrove agency amid its worst wildfires in years. Experts cautiously welcome its greater powers and wider scope of responsibilities."

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-forest-fire-new-peatland-agency-haze-6426601#:~:text=Indonesia%E2%80%99s%20new%20peatland,scope%20of%20responsibilities.


[12/10/2026 1:11 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨"Indonesia’s new peatland agency to get greater powers,...

However, the current President is coining setting up and reviving a dedicated peatland and mangrove agency to tackle the yearly fire in which its structure directly report to the President.

I feel that it is a good window opportunity to propose the above solutions to the new agency via the transboundary haze pollution control coordination center.

Even though if the plantations start the fire to clear lands, the haze generated will be minimal and will not trigger a trans-border haze.

Previous few years results have shown its effectiveness.


[12/10/2026 1:18 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨What does the checker plantation canal do....

04/07, 1:09 pm] 13July2017☸️  心: 

"Indonesia blocks major haze-causing drainage canal.

Blocking a major artery in one of the largest networks of drainage canals in the country signals the start of what could be the world’s largest peat swamp restoration effort."

https://www.eco-business.com/news/indonesia-blocks-major-haze-causing-drainage-canal/#:~:text=Food%20%26%20Agriculture-,Indonesia%20blocks%20major%20haze%2Dcausing%20drainage%20canal,of%20what%20could%20be%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20largest%20peat%20swamp%20restoration%C2%A0effort.,-By%20Indra%20Nugraha (https://www.eco-business.com/news/indonesia-blocks-major-haze-causing-drainage-canal/#:~:text=Food%20%26%20Agriculture-,Indonesia%20blocks%20major%20haze%2Dcausing%20drainage%20canal,of%20what%20could%20be%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20largest%20peat%20swamp%20restoration%C2%A0effort.,-By%20Indra%20Nugraha)


[12/10/2026 1:38 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨What does the checker plantation canal do....

Pinning blame on the Indonesian won't help.

It will hurt relationship, create illwill and won't solve the yearly haze pollution problem.

Identify their concerns and understand their needs.

Thereafter devise workable solutions to address their needs - will resolve their root cause of burning that trigger haze.

At the same time, win over a friend and our close neighbor.


[12/10/2026 1:45 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSb7jGvDs/

Indonesia arrested 72 fire suspects.

But unable to link to any companies engaging them to clear plantation to save costs.


[12/10/2026 1:48 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSbWAkPAM/

Indonesia haze due to deforestation.


[12/10/2026 1:49 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSbnNMhbg/

Kalimantan zero visibility.


[12/10/2026 1:50 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): [10/10, 3:08 am]:

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSbnernmU/

Look at Indonesia haze, they live like living hell.


[10/10, 3:10 am]: 

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSbneBEu5/

Kalimantan is burning.


[12/10/2026 2:12 pm] REACH Telegram Administrator: 📢 Topic 📢


[12/10/2026 2:40 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨However, the current President is coining setting up and...

The new outfit will also likely have powers to manage permits as well as determine which areas are suitable for agriculture and which should be preserved for conservation, unlike its predecessor, the Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM) which ran from 2016 to 2024. Its powers were more restorative and preventative in nature.


It worked within pre-allocated zones to fix damaged terrain and prevent future fires using a community-centered framework.


Core Responsibilities and Functions

By the time its mandate concluded in December 2024, BRGM had successfully restored 1.6 million hectares of peatlands and rehabilitated 84,000 hectares of mangroves, reducing land fires in its operational areas by roughly 29.59%.


[12/10/2026 2:48 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨The new outfit will also likely have powers to manage permits...

Source :- Google Gemini AI 

AI Overview


Indonesia's Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM) was a non-structural government body tasked with repairing degraded ecosystems to combat climate change and mitigate toxic transboundary haze caused by land fires. 


·Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency of Republic of Indonesia

Because its powers were strictly restorative and preventative, it did not have the authority to manage land-use permits, issue penalties, or dictate agricultural policy. Instead, it worked within pre-allocated zones to fix damaged terrain and prevent future fires using a community-centered framework. 


Core Responsibilities and Functions

The "3R" Peatland Restoration Approach: BRGM fought peatland degradation and fires by executing three core strategies:

Rewetting (R1): Building infrastructure like canal blocks, deep wells, and canal backfills to retain water, moisten drained land, and lower fire risks.

Re-vegetation (R2): Replanting native flora to restore green land cover.

Revitalization (R3): Helping local communities develop sustainable livelihoods (like eco-tourism or paludiculture) so they wouldn't resort to clearing land with fire. 

Massive Mangrove Rehabilitation: Added to its mandate in 2020, the agency coordinated the replanting and recovery of degraded coastal mangrove forests across priority provinces to boost carbon sequestration and secure coastal economies. 

Community Engagement: Lacking direct jurisdiction over large commercial corporate territories, BRGM focused heavily on the grassroots level, forming "Mangrove Care Villages" and working with small-scale farmers and civil organizations. 

Data Coordination: The agency worked to collect inventory data, map peatland functions, and sync environmental metrics between different ministries. 


By the time its mandate concluded in December 2024, BRGM had successfully restored 1.6 million hectares of peatlands and rehabilitated 84,000 hectares of mangroves, reducing land fires in its operational areas by roughly 29.59%.


[12/10/2026 2:53 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨Source :- Google Gemini AI   AI Overview  Indonesia's Peatland...

The formation of this agency that go big to build "checker canal plantation" - successfully restore the peatlands 84,000 hectares and reduce land fires by close to 30%.

We experience haze free for 3 years.

----


After note:-

Like the new BPGMN, its predecessor (BRGM) was set up in 2016 under the previous president, Joko Widodo, as a response to the 2015 forest fires when 2.6 million ha of land was burned. 

By the end of its mandate, BRGM said it had restored around 1.6 million ha of peatland. 

The agency ceased operations after its second mandate expired in December 2024, despite calls for the newly inaugurated Prabowo administration to make the ad hoc body permanent.

Following its dissolution, responsibility for managing and restoring peatlands and mangroves was divided among the forestry, environment and marine affairs ministries.

“Despite its limitations, BRGM played an important role in bridging the various ministries and government agencies responsible for different aspects of peatland and mangrove management,” Nyoman said. 

“We need that bridge back,” he said, adding that officials from the ministry of agriculture and the ministry for spatial planning also need to be involved in the planned agency.

Forestry minister Raja said on Sep 24 that the new body will be different from BRGM, which he said had “limited authority”.


[12/10/2026 2:56 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Now with the new President setting up and reviving this new agency with more teeth:-

1. Report directly to the new President 

2. Have more powers to manage permits plus determine which areas are suitable for agriculture and preserving which one for conservation.

3. And I hope to preserve all those functions under the old units in the checker canal building plus restoration.

Hopefully, Indonesia can curb its haze and cross border haze once and for all.

I think in ASEAN meeting, we can discuss with the Indonesia new agency on this.

It has worked well under the old agency for a few years, it should work better if the political will and momentum are sustained with the new agency.


[12/10/2026 3:40 pm] G in reply to REACH Singapore:

> What other support or actions would you like to see from the Government to better protect Singaporeans and manage the impact of haze episodes?

Maybe can start thanking her counterpart for providing oxygen to the region whenever there's no haze 😂

When this haze episode dies down, start sending daily thanks for the oxygen via MSM

https://mothership.sg/2026/10/indonesia-communications-head-when-no-smoke-send-oxygen/

Overwhelm them with regular public kindness and gratitude


[12/10/2026 3:41 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

@Babe:Source:- Google Gemini AI

AI Overview

No, the idea that Indonesian forests directly supply oxygen to Singapore and Malaysia is scientifically inaccurate, though it has surfaced in political remarks during recent transboundary haze disputes.


Scientific Reality

Global Atmosphere: Atmospheric oxygen is globally well-mixed at roughly 21%, meaning neighboring countries breathe from a shared planetary pool rather than a localized forest pipeline.

Net Oxygen Production: Mature tropical rainforests consume nearly as much oxygen through respiration and organic decay as they produce via photosynthesis.

Primary Source of Oxygen: Most of the Earth's oxygen supply actually comes from marine organisms like phytoplankton in the oceans.

Ecological Value: Rainforests function globally as vital carbon sinks and climate regulators rather than regional oxygen exporters.


Context of the Claim

Haze Defenses: The notion was mentioned by Indonesian officials—such as Government Communications Agency head Syahganda Nainggolan—amid regional complaints over severe smog and forest fires affecting Malaysia and Singapore.

Transboundary Reality: While the oxygen claim is rhetoric, the smoke and PM2.5 particulate matter from slash-and-burn and peatland fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan are physically carried by winds across the region.

https://babe118.blogspot.com/2026/10/indonesia-forest-provide-oxygen-to.html?m=0


[12/10/2026 4:16 pm] REACH Telegram Administrator: 📢 Topic 📢


[12/10/2026 4:21 pm] REACH Telegram Administrator: Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you on today’s topic! 

We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active! 

💬 What other support or actions would you like to see from the Government to better protect Singaporeans and manage the impact of haze episodes?

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you.

Megan 😊

[12/10/2026 4:41 pm] Wilson: /stat@combot

[12/10/2026 4:41 pm] Combot: REACH Telegram G4 (https://t.me/combot/stat?startapp=stat_-1002165706342_ubot_stat) 💬 19448


[12/10/2026 5:49 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Malaysia to raise haze issue at Asean foreign ministers' meeting | The Star.

https://share.google/SfBrXehsvlnIaia6F


[12/10/2026 5:50 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨Malaysia to raise haze issue at Asean foreign ministers'...

Indonesia has 34 aeroplanes and 34 helicopters, but they cannot take off because visibility is so poor that it is unsafe for any flights in the affected areas.

"However, they have deployed 60,000 people to work on the ground," Mohamad said, adding that Indonesia also faced challenges because the fires were located deep inland, water supplies were limited and fires continued to smoulder in peatland areas.


[12/10/2026 5:51 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

He said cloud-seeding operations could not be carried out in Indonesia at present because suitable cumulonimbus clouds were absent.


[12/10/2026 5:52 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Look like the only alternative is to:-

1. Pray

2. Hope monsoon rain coming soon...


[12/10/2026 5:53 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨Indonesia has 34 aeroplanes and 34 helicopters,...

Where are the checker canals......


[12/10/2026 5:59 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨Malaysia to raise haze issue at Asean foreign ministers'...

Can exploit this ASEAN meeting called by Malaysia - to ask more information on Indonesia new Agency BPGMN - how to tackle the yearly haze.

Offer our expertise in canal construction, drainage system etc.

Prevention will be more useful than fighting fire.

With no water, without checker canals - even if our fire fighters go in - can only use palm branch to fight fire.


[12/10/2026 6:00 pm] REACH Telegram Administrator: 📢 Topic 📢


[12/10/2026 6:07 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Pressure intensifies on Indonesia as regional haze worsens | The Star https://share.google/CFdWTHGfObeWooCpi


[12/10/2026 6:09 pm] Jun Ming: Okay so Singapore need to only legalize sustainable palm oil to be imported. Those products found to be unsustainable should be illegal

[12/10/2026 6:10 pm] Jun Ming: At least show a attitude to Indonesia business man


[12/10/2026 6:11 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Singapore don't buy oil from Indonesia.

Indonesia buy fuel from Singapore.


[12/10/2026 6:12 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

• Indonesia buys refined fuel from Singapore: Singapore is a major global oil refining and trading hub despite having no domestic crude oil fields of its own. 

Historically, Indonesia has imported roughly 54% to 59% of its refined petroleum and gasoline needs from Singapore through state-owned energy company Pertamina.


[12/10/2026 6:13 pm] Jun Ming: And this year haze is worse than previous years is due to many factors. 

1. Root cause is the burning peat land due to economic driven palm oil

2.) lack of facility to extinguish fire. Due to oil price increase and the dry season villagers are hard to secure diesel to fuel pump to pump water extinguish fire

[12/10/2026 6:14 pm] Jun Ming in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨• Indonesia buys refined fuel from Singapore:...

Indonesia exports several main types of palm oil and related derivatives to Singapore, spanning raw materials to processed cooking oils:

• Crude Palm Oil (CPO): Unrefined oil extracted from the pulp of oil palm fruit, which is often shipped to regional trading or processing hubs.

• Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO): Processed and purified palm oil ready for commercial and industrial use.

• Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized Palm Olein (RBDPL): The liquid fraction of palm oil commonly used as cooking oil and in food manufacturing.

• Used Cooking Oil and Palm Oil Residues: Byproducts and waste residues, including palm oil mill effluent (POME), used for industrial or biofuel-related processing.


[12/10/2026 6:14 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Indonesia exports several main types of palm oil and related...

Oh you mean palm oil.


[12/10/2026 6:15 pm] Jun Ming: Oops typo

[12/10/2026 6:15 pm] Jun Ming: But yeah palm oil is the main reason for the haze

[12/10/2026 6:17 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨And this year haze is worse than previous years is due to many...

So Singapore may need to aid in extinguish fire from the peat land

[12/10/2026 6:18 pm] Jun Ming: And tbh our haze always come from Indonesia

[12/10/2026 6:19 pm] Jun Ming: Sustainable palm oil certification should be easily identify on products

[12/10/2026 6:21 pm] Jun Ming: I am sure NGO have feedback just that gov have been fallen on deaf ears


[12/10/2026 6:24 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Industry & Advocacy Initiatives: The Singapore Alliance for Sustainable Palm Oil (SASPO) was formed to increase business demand and supply for certified sustainable palm oil and reduce regional deforestation and haze impacts. 


[12/10/2026 6:25 pm] Daniel in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Sustainable palm oil certification should be easily identify...

And same for paper I'd suggest.


[12/10/2026 6:25 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Major Traders & Producers: Singapore-based companies like Wilmar International and Musim Mas Group source significant amounts of palm oil from Indonesia (including from their own plantations, corporate suppliers, and independent smallholders) and manage commitments toward traceable, deforestation-free, or RSPO-certified palm oil. )


[12/10/2026 6:26 pm] Jun Ming: Why is it not like bcrs chop chop make it illegal

[12/10/2026 6:27 pm] Jun Ming: Making Singaporean life hard is easy while making foreign counter part hard cannot

[12/10/2026 6:29 pm] Jun Ming: Bcrs took half a year while haze problem took more than 10 years


[12/10/2026 6:31 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Sustainable palm oil certification form only 10% worldwide - mainly from Malaysia and Indonesia.

If we insist on certification, then we are short of supply by 90%.


[12/10/2026 6:33 pm] Daniel in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨Sustainable palm oil certification form only 10% worldwide -...

At least label it. So far I rarely see any labels for sustainable palm oil or paper products.


[12/10/2026 6:34 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Current Palm Oil Sourcing in Singapore

• Low Certified Sustainable Share: An estimated 10% of the palm oil consumed or processed in Singapore is certified sustainable (such as through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or national certification standards).

• Regional Supply Chain: Singapore imports the vast majority of its palm oil from neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia, which together dominate the global supply.

• Biodiesel & Processing Hub: A substantial portion (roughly 35% to 40%) of the palm oil entering Singapore is refined or processed into biodiesel and other industrial products before being re-exported.


[12/10/2026 6:35 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨Current Palm Oil Sourcing in Singapore  • Low Certified...

Rspo palm oil are labeled.


[12/10/2026 6:37 pm] Jun Ming: Not visible. Maybe segregate them in supermarkets

[12/10/2026 6:37 pm] Daniel: Yeah, rarely see any labels

[12/10/2026 6:38 pm] Daniel: Only imported European products sometimes


[12/10/2026 6:40 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

10% out of 90%.

To see one, I think is very rare.


[12/10/2026 6:44 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

I think those "green" stores that sell only sustainable products - higher chance to find the label.

But the products are very expensive.

1 soap can cost $5 to $10.


[12/10/2026 6:45 pm] REACH Telegram Administrator: Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊


[12/10/2026 6:46 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨I think those "green" stores that sell only sustainable...

Not label green soap - $2.50 - 6 piece 1 slab.

Lux soap.


[12/10/2026 6:46 pm] Daniel: Should put on all products with palm oil

[12/10/2026 6:47 pm] Jun Ming: Or maybe put label and say this is not a sustainable palm oil. And the picture show haze


[12/10/2026 6:47 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Or maybe put label and say this is not a sustainable palm oil....

By default, not label are non green.


[12/10/2026 6:48 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Or maybe put label and say this is not a sustainable palm oil....

Yes so consumer will be more conscious. Just like cigarettes


[12/10/2026 6:48 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

My wife use to buy those expensive soap.


[12/10/2026 6:48 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Yes so consumer will be more conscious. Just like cigarettes⁩

Than those sustainable ones will put nice picture


[12/10/2026 6:49 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

But now I cannot tahan.

I buy lux soap.

Cheap and fit for used


[12/10/2026 6:49 pm] Jun Ming: You see economic effects will start to change than more farmers will start to be sustainable

[12/10/2026 6:50 pm] Jun Ming: And when supply go up yeah those palm oil will be cheap


[12/10/2026 6:50 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Unless people are willing to pay $10 for 1 soap.

I will only pay $2.50 for 6 lux soap.


[12/10/2026 6:50 pm] Jun Ming: At least like organic and non organic produce palm oil shall be segregate

[12/10/2026 6:51 pm] Jun Ming: Sustainable and non sustainable


[12/10/2026 6:51 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨Unless people are willing to pay $10 for 1 soap....

Trust me.

Go for the checker canal can solve the haze problem.


[12/10/2026 6:51 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨Trust me.  Go for the checker canal can solve the haze...

And still got cheap soap and cheap cooking oil.


[12/10/2026 6:51 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Sustainable and non sustainable⁩

Than rich people that cares and want to be atas will buy


[12/10/2026 6:52 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Sometimes we need to be creative and innovative to solve difficult problem.

And still achieve our ideal objectives.


[12/10/2026 6:54 pm] Jun Ming: Basically gov with that salary right should be creative enough to solve all problems


[12/10/2026 6:55 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Don't harbor unwholesome envy thoughts.


[12/10/2026 6:56 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨And this year haze is worse than previous years is due to many...

But ya this is basically the issue

[12/10/2026 6:57 pm] Jun Ming: And yes gov with the haze are you still considering to develop the maju forest

[12/10/2026 6:57 pm] Jun Ming: Just for mere housing


[12/10/2026 6:58 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨And yes gov with the haze are you still considering to develop...

This won't help.


[12/10/2026 6:59 pm] Jun Ming: City in nature becomes city in hazy

[12/10/2026 7:00 pm] REACH Telegram Administrator: Dear Contributors,

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

[12/10/2026 7:00 pm] Jun Ming: Good night

[12/10/2026 7:01 pm] Jun Ming: Have a thoughtful Monday

[12/10/2026 7:01 pm] Kai Bin in reply to REACH Telegram Administrator:

> ‎⁨Dear Contributors,  We will be closing the chat for today....

Good night

[12/10/2026 7:02 pm] REACH Telegram Administrator: [ 🤚 Sticker ]

 

====

After note:-

"Prabowo orders tougher action on Indonesia fires; foreign offers to help tackle haze not discussed".

Before the meeting, Dudung said Prabowo was deeply concerned about the impact on Indonesia’s neighbours, adding: “The impact is indeed being felt by neighbouring countries. That is why he is very concerned.”

On how quickly the fires could be brought under control, Dudung said: “The President’s target is as soon as possible. He is very, very focused on this forest and land fire problem.”

It is preparing to establish a National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency, whose leadership could be inaugurated as early as next week, Dudung said.

A similar entity called the Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG) was formed in 2016 by then president Joko Widodo, but the agency, which was subsequently renamed Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), was dissolved in 2024, and its responsibilities were split across several ministries.

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Indonesia forest provide oxygen to Singapore and Malaysia?

 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSbc3GBL9/


@Babe:Source:- Google Gemini AI

AI Overview

No, the idea that Indonesian forests directly supply oxygen to Singapore and Malaysia is scientifically inaccurate, though it has surfaced in political remarks during recent transboundary haze disputes.


Scientific Reality

Global Atmosphere: Atmospheric oxygen is globally well-mixed at roughly 21%, meaning neighboring countries breathe from a shared planetary pool rather than a localized forest pipeline.


Net Oxygen Production: Mature tropical rainforests consume nearly as much oxygen through respiration and organic decay as they produce via photosynthesis.


Primary Source of Oxygen: Most of the Earth's oxygen supply actually comes from marine organisms like phytoplankton in the oceans.


Ecological Value: Rainforests function globally as vital carbon sinks and climate regulators rather than regional oxygen exporters.



Context of the Claim

Haze Defenses: The notion was mentioned by Indonesian officials—such as Government Communications Agency head Syahganda Nainggolan—amid regional complaints over severe smog and forest fires affecting Malaysia and Singapore.


Transboundary Reality: While the oxygen claim is rhetoric, the smoke and PM2.5 particulate matter from slash-and-burn and peatland fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan are physically carried by winds across the region.

Friday, October 9, 2026

Prayers cannot change your karma if you do bad things.

 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSbGq5BGX/


Prayers cannot change your karma if you do bad things.

Only do good things will reap good karma.


But prayers can calm a person's mind and a reminder to do good.

Hence prayers got its merit if used in the right way.

REACH (Telegram) 163 -   What are your views on LTA’s proposed changes to the COE? What should be considered to ensure the system remains fair, transparent and responsive to different transport needs?

(SK)

09 Oct 2026 (10am - 7pm)


REACH (Telegram)

[9/10/2026 9:45 am] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

Welcome Back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 10am to 7pm today. ⏰

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Megan 😊

[9/10/2026 10:01 am] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

On 8 October (Thursday), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) launched a public consultation on proposals to merge car COE Categories A and B, introduce a value-based rebate and surcharge system to better distinguish between mass-market and higher-end cars, and make adjustments to Category E (Open category).

💬 What are your views on LTA’s proposed changes to the COE? What should be considered to ensure the system remains fair, transparent and responsive to different transport needs?

📌 LTA's public consultation

LTA stated that:

(1) All cars would bid in a single COE category if Categories A and B are merged, with a rebate or surcharge applied based on each model’s median Open Market Value (OMV).

(2) LTA is consulting on either a three-band or five-band structure, with the maximum rebate and maximum surcharge set at $15,000 each. LTA emphasised that the proposed changes are intended to better differentiate mass-market and higher-end cars, but are not meant to lower overall COE prices, which would continue to be determined by demand and available supply;

(3) LTA is separately seeking feedback on whether Category E (Open Category) should be removed or modified, and said the public consultation will close at 11.59pm on 2 November, with findings and recommendations to be shared by the first half of 2027.

📌 Other proposals that were considered but not adopted

LTA also explained why it did not take up various suggestions that were floated during its dialogue sessions.

On allocating COEs based on family needs, LTA said doing so requires judgment about whose needs should receive greater priority. Setting aside more COEs for families with young children would mean fewer COEs for other groups such as caregivers and multi-generational households, it said, noting the difficulty of administering such a system fairly over the lifespan of a COE as household circumstances change over time.

Other ideas raised include adopting a pay-as-you-bid system for COEs, creating a separate category for private-hire cars, and imposing a surcharge on owners of multiple cars.

On creating a separate category for PHV cars, the LTA said the move will mean setting aside some COEs for the new category, and prices could rise if too many COEs are reallocated from the existing pool.

On the other hand, setting aside too few would reduce the number of private-hire vehicles on roads, leading to higher rental fees for drivers and more expensive fares for travellers.

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/merging-cat-a-and-b-rebates-based-on-car-value-among-proposed-changes-to-coe-system

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/car-coe-merge-category-fee-rebate-lta-proposal-consultation-6436626

👉https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/priority-for-families-with-children-new-ride-share-car-category-among-ideas-left-out-of-coe-review

👉https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2026/10/news-releases/launch-of-public-consultation-on-coe-categorisation-for-cars.html

👉 https://www.reach.gov.sg/latest-happenings/public-consultations/2026/public-consultation-on-proposed-changes-to-certificate-of-entitlement--coe--categorisation-for-cars/

----


[9/10/2026 10:07 am] Adam: It looks like the system is improving. Not perfect but better. The govt looks to be acknowledging the limitations of the current system

[9/10/2026 10:10 am] G: It is very very concerning that the covid jabs are now included in the national immunisation schedule. 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-vaccination-national-immunisation-schedule-cda-6438661

This is despite the countless harms that these jabs have caused.

Furthermore, Pfizer is being sued by the Florida attorney general for misleading safety data, misleading transmission claims for their covid jabs

 https://www.myfloridalegal.com/sites/default/files/oag-v.-pfizer_filed-complaint.pdf

[9/10/2026 10:11 am] Adam: I think much of the price of the car is because of the middlemen culture our country has. Hard to buy car and bid coe differently.

What the gov should do is regulate loans and car purchases like house and bank loans. Are they selling a car or selling a financial product? Should MAS step in.

[9/10/2026 10:14 am] G in reply to G:

> ‎⁨It is very very concerning that the covid jabs are now...

Example of pfizer's own data that was used to push the narrative that their covid jab was safe (from the lawsuit):

"76. By February 28, 2021, Pfizer possessed reports for 458 pregnant women

exposed to its COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy:

a. More than half of the pregnant women (248 cases, or 54%)

reported an adverse event from Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.

b. More than 1-in-10 women (52) who received Pfizer’s COVID-19

vaccine during their pregnancy reported a miscarriage, many within

days of vaccination.

c. Nearly all these miscarriages occurred in the first trimester,

suggesting miscarriage rates among those receiving the vaccine in the first trimester were significantly higher than 1-in-10.

d. Six women who received Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine during their

pregnancy reported premature deliveries; several babies died. "

[9/10/2026 10:14 am] Adam: Are we discussing the same topic in Reach?

[9/10/2026 10:16 am] G in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨Are we discussing the same topic in Reach?⁩

It's ok. REACH has shown us many times in this group that not staying on topic is acceptable as long as whatever is being discussed pertains to national policy

[9/10/2026 10:16 am] Daniel in reply to G:

> ‎⁨Example of pfizer's own data that was used to push the...

I thought even a normal pregnancy has a 1-5 to 1-4 chance of miscarriage in the first trimester, so 1-10 seems like it's well within normal ranges.

[9/10/2026 10:17 am] Daniel: I think these changes to the COE are good. Make the bidding a bit more predictable.

[9/10/2026 10:18 am] G in reply to Daniel:

> ‎⁨I thought even a normal pregnancy has a 1-5 to 1-4 chance of...

Pregnancy is just 1 aspect

Women's reproductive health is another:

"77. These concerning reports were reinforced by tens of thousands of

adverse events Pfizer knew about by April 2022 showing its COVID-19 vaccine was

impacting women’s reproductive systems—including heavy menstrual bleeding (27,685); menstrual disorders (22,145); irregular periods (15,083); delayed periods (13,989); absence of periods (11,363); and other reproductive system effects."

[9/10/2026 10:18 am] Daniel: Overall I wish policies would be a bit less car centric and favour pedestrians and busses more, since a bit majority of the population does  not own a car. Making public transport or walking/cycling more attractive will also lead to less demand for COE and hopefully lower prices of COE.

[9/10/2026 10:19 am] Adam: We need more people centric infra design

[9/10/2026 10:21 am] Adam: Imagine if crossings were raised to pedestrian level and colored as pedestrian roadside. Instead of us stepping down to a road to cross

The psychological implication that a car is intruding into a pedestrian space will slow them down. Current state is car being entitled as walkers are intruding into the car's space

[9/10/2026 10:22 am] Adam: And if got accident, the image of someone being hit who isnt on a road

[9/10/2026 10:23 am] G: Pfizer hid adverse event data, but was forced to reveal them via the freedom of information act

"90. The Pfizer Feb. 28, 2021 Adverse Event Data document was only

obtained through FOIA litigation and at a much later date than February 28, 2021.

91. As of February 28, 2021—about 10 weeks after Pfizer obtained

emergency use authorization—Pfizer’s adverse events database already contained

158,893 adverse events (from 42,086 case reports) from its COVID-19 vaccine"

[9/10/2026 10:24 am] Daniel: As an example, I used to have my kids in two different schools (preschool and kindergarten) and we couldn't get one near my flat. So I used a bicycle with two seats to bring them. That worked okay, but there are so many obstacles (barriers made to slow down bicycle are very hard to navigate with children's seats, but also no sheltered bike parking at the train station to get to work after dropping them off). It still worked for me, but barely. We almost got a car in the end. So lowering this kind of barriers (while still maintaining safety for pedestrians from errant cyclists) would enable more people to rely on walking or cycling for this kind of last mile commute and maybe slightly reduce the demand for COEs.

[9/10/2026 10:28 am] G: Against this backdrop of questionable safety profile, at least for the pfizer jabs, it is therefore very very concerning that MOH / CDA see fit to include them into the national immunisation schedule

"ROLLOUT OF UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINES

Updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting the XFG strain will also be rolled out from Oct 12 at more than 600 GP clinics, all polyclinics and MVT sites across Singapore.

The XFG Moderna/Spikevax and XFG Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccines provide better protection against current and emerging strains of COVID-19, MOH and CDA said.

Their safety profiles are comparable to those of previous versions, they added."

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-vaccination-national-immunisation-schedule-cda-6438661

[9/10/2026 10:28 am] Adam: Demand for COE needs to be reduced for working class people. Right now public transit is too inconvenient for many jobs. Especially those that travel around singapore

[9/10/2026 10:38 am] REACH Singapore in reply to G:

> ‎⁨Against this backdrop of questionable safety profile,...

@t_l3e 

Dear Contributors,

All contributors are reminded to adhere to the Terms of Use for this platform, which can be found at: https://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/

It is requested that contributors refrain from making statements that are irrelevant to the ongoing discussions, or that may be considered harmful, offensive, or inaccurate. It is everyone’s responsibility to make this online space a safe and conducive one for all participants to share their views and feedback on national issues.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

REACH

[9/10/2026 10:42 am] Daniel in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨Demand for COE needs to be reduced for working class people....

This is true. Especially busses are so slow to get anywhere.

[9/10/2026 10:54 am] G in reply to REACH Singapore:

> @t_l3e   Dear Contributors,  All contributors are reminded to...

Oh well, what's shared are verifiable facts (statements by MOH / CDA indicating the jabs' safety profiles being comparable to those of previous versions as reported by CNA, lawsuit by Florida AG vs pfizer highlighting numerous adverse events from the pfizer jabs)

What's not verifiable is my own opinion and feedback of concern arising from the backdrop established by facts. 

Given the trend of others in this group frequently going off topic, I saw sharing my concerns and feedback on the covid jabs being included as part of the national immunisation schedule (it's a national issue) as permissible by REACH. 

Thank you for your understanding.

[9/10/2026 11:00 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : I believe that the proposed changes will help in differentiating the prices between mass-market cars and higher-end models. ]

- Strongly agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly disagree

[9/10/2026 11:10 am] Daniel: I think the fact of giving a rebate on cheaper cars and making more expensive cars pay higher COE is a good way of making it cheaper for people who just need a car out of necessity. I wonder whether that approach could be calibrated a bit. Like it makes a difference whether the car is more expensive because it's a family van or a bigger vehicle to fit a wheelchair or whether it's more expensive because it's a fancy car. But obviously hard to consider all those.

[9/10/2026 11:27 am] Adam: The thing is it can be argued that everyone needs a car out of necessity. If we subsidize car usage for parents. The parents who cannot even afford a car will not benefit. Only benefit rich parents.

[9/10/2026 11:28 am] Adam: Same for disabled people. Only rich wheelchairs own a car for themselves

[9/10/2026 11:28 am] Adam: Are we gonna give credits to low income immobile people to take taxi?

[9/10/2026 11:29 am] Jun Ming: I can foresee more smaller car less big cars

[9/10/2026 11:29 am] Adam in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨I can foresee more smaller car less big cars⁩

Singaporeans will always maximise the worth of their coe if possible

[9/10/2026 11:29 am] Adam: If small car and big car is almost same price, just pay a bit more so if some guy crash into you, you will not fly

[9/10/2026 11:30 am] Adam: In the end all car take 1 parking lot

[9/10/2026 11:30 am] Adam: Perhaps sg can incentivise japanese kei cars somehow

[9/10/2026 11:31 am] Adam: Its gonna be a race to the bottom. In america, if you dont drive big car, you will barely see past the car in front of you blocking your vision

[9/10/2026 11:32 am] Daniel in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨The thing is it can be argued that everyone needs a car out of...

Yes, that is true.

[9/10/2026 11:32 am] Jun Ming: But coe have more rebate. So I guess more people would buy smaller cars. As it's worth it

[9/10/2026 11:32 am] Daniel in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨In the end all car take 1 parking lot⁩

You mention Kei cars. They got some tiny parking lots for those to.

[9/10/2026 11:34 am] Adam in reply to Daniel:

> ‎⁨You mention Kei cars. They got some tiny parking lots for...

K category cars with less restrictions could be done. But it will be a headache with many categories of users on the roads

[9/10/2026 11:34 am] Derek Teo: i personally think the impact of this proposal will be low. There are two problems they are trying to solve: (1) EVs that deliberately lowered their technical specifications to drop from CAT B to CAT A, and (2) the competition with PHV drivers. 

The proposal only solved (1) but not (2), and you will still see a skyrocketing COE prices. I think it wont go back to the 'good-old-days' state but it can be lowered a little bit more. 

On a minor point, the surcharge of 15k doesnt make a huge impact as the range of cars is too wide e.g., Mercs C-Class to Roll Royce. I understand from the CNA report that the impact of luxury class or multiple cars in a single house hold is low, which doesnt affect the overall the COE pricing when we look at it from a grander perspective. Still, i think the surcharge should be further tiered accordinly and can go way higher for those who are looking at luxury/supercars

[9/10/2026 11:35 am] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨But coe have more rebate. So I guess more people would buy...

After all most people just need it to transport from point a to b fast

[9/10/2026 11:35 am] Jun Ming: Unless have big family

[9/10/2026 11:35 am] Jun Ming: Which low tfr does not justify

[9/10/2026 11:36 am] Adam: But really, it shouldnt be framed that a car is needed to do these essential things like transport family

[9/10/2026 11:36 am] Adam: The public transport should be good enough. But it isnt

[9/10/2026 11:37 am] Adam: So, if somehow the gov can fix bus such that its will always be on time. Maybe robot taxi for last mile. Are we still gonna argue about cars for family?

[9/10/2026 11:38 am] Jun Ming in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨The public transport should be good enough. But it isnt⁩

Would you stand for 1 h in mrt in a very pack environment

[9/10/2026 11:38 am] Jun Ming: Given a choice would you want to sit in your car

[9/10/2026 11:38 am] Adam in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Would you stand for 1 h in mrt in a very pack environment⁩

No choice. Are you implying that if mrt is crowded we need to build more roads and make cars cheaper?

[9/10/2026 11:39 am] Jun Ming: I am implying if people have a choice they will go for a car

[9/10/2026 11:39 am] Jun Ming: No matter how small it is

[9/10/2026 11:39 am] Adam in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Given a choice would you want to sit in your car⁩

I always had a choice. I wont go for car. Because the choice is not merely transport comfort. It considers the price

[9/10/2026 11:40 am] Adam: I took a $40 grab to work last week. Why?

My company pay for it. Not my money.

Imagine if the government subsidize your car.

[9/10/2026 11:41 am] Adam: I couldve take a train that makes the transit cost 10% less yet take only 20 mins more

[9/10/2026 11:41 am] Jun Ming in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨I took a $40 grab to work last week. Why?...

If company compensate good if no?

[9/10/2026 11:42 am] Adam in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨If company compensate good if no?⁩

Yeah. Its the buffet syndrome. If our gov did it, its the taxpayer footing the bill

[9/10/2026 11:43 am] Jun Ming: So I think gov need to expand more on public transport.

[9/10/2026 11:43 am] Jun Ming: Faster bus

[9/10/2026 11:44 am] Jun Ming: Don't run on 30km/h

[9/10/2026 11:45 am] Adam: Bus train all need to be solid. Idk how we can immigrate so much yet our infra cannot cope. If we have positive tfr how to handle?

[9/10/2026 11:45 am] Andy: I agree on public transport expansion. 

But remember these come with increased public transport costs. Either way the money will have to come from somewhere.

[9/10/2026 11:47 am] Adam in reply to Andy:

> ‎⁨I agree on public transport expansion....

I'd say car usage can fund public transport building. Look at it this way too. More people using bus mean your coe is more roomy and your car can go less traffic

[9/10/2026 11:48 am] Jun Ming: Expand phv and taxi fleet too

[9/10/2026 11:48 am] Jun Ming: Everytime need to wait for long time to get a taxi

[9/10/2026 11:48 am] Andy: Overall I agree that nation should become more car lite. 1 car, fit 1 to 5 people. For the same unit size, a bus can transport more people. Car is selfish.

But then again I understand the dream of owning a car so we have our own space at our own convenience. COE definitely will continue to rise if supply drop

[9/10/2026 11:48 am] Adam: We need autonomous taxis so grab driver wont pull funny things

[9/10/2026 11:49 am] Andy in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Expand phv and taxi fleet too⁩

People dont wanna work PHV.. haha

[9/10/2026 11:49 am] Adam in reply to Andy:

> ‎⁨Overall I agree that nation should become more car lite....

I have dream of owning a gun, and shooting for fun. But alas i live in singapore. Ill do those things overseas

[9/10/2026 11:49 am] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Everytime need to wait for long time to get a taxi⁩

Make sure if someone call a grab you can get phv within 5 min

[9/10/2026 11:50 am] Jun Ming in reply to Andy:

> ‎⁨People dont wanna work PHV.. haha⁩

Lower down the age can drive phv

[9/10/2026 11:50 am] Adam in reply to Andy:

> ‎⁨People dont wanna work PHV.. haha⁩

Hey this honorable job is reserved for singaporeans only

[9/10/2026 11:50 am] Jun Ming: I pretty sure some youngster want to drive

[9/10/2026 11:50 am] Andy: Oh, whats the age now? Didnt know got restriction

[9/10/2026 11:50 am] Jun Ming: 35

[9/10/2026 11:51 am] Adam: Lol 35 is when gov really give up hope. Cannot use the firstdate. Just hand over small hdb and drive grab.

[9/10/2026 11:52 am] Andy: I just searched is 30. But hor, yeah i surprised the age quite high

[9/10/2026 11:53 am] Adam: Wonder why 30. Feels like age is arbitrary. Maybe some people just wanna chill and drive car when grow up

[9/10/2026 11:54 am] Adam: On the topic of transport,

What if we allow ride hailing with motorcycles. Like indonesia got gobike.

[9/10/2026 11:55 am] Jun Ming in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨On the topic of transport, What if we allow ride hailing with...

Too dangerous

[9/10/2026 12:21 pm] Andy: Back on topic, I welcome the idea of merging COE bands, and with additional fees imposed not on engize size/power, but on OMV.

1 thing I'd disagree is the flat surcharge. I'd prefer a percentage based surcharge which would really scale up the cost of luxury vehicles- these owners have money to pay it anyway, why let them off at only 15k?

[9/10/2026 12:33 pm] Andy: I'm also skeptical (not disagree, but skeptical) with the rebates for lower value cars. I don't think it is necessary to make owning cars cheaper. The additional revenue from surcharges can go back to improving public transport infrastructure. 

BUT, on an adjacent topic, rebates for EV cars should continue due to environmental benefits.

[9/10/2026 12:44 pm] Adam in reply to Andy:

> ‎⁨I'm also skeptical (not disagree,...

The benefits have to be weighted. If we give rebates for evs, why not give rebates for non carowners. You burn wayy less fossil fuel by taking public transit.

[9/10/2026 12:48 pm] Adam: It would be better to simply do a fee on fuel and account that need to be maintained by electrical infra. Naturally if a car is more energy inefficient, it will be less economical to own. 

Also would make less sense for someone to drive solo than as a group.

With the coe system, its a flat fee. No extra price for distance nor energy usage. so even if your cat drains fuel fast a bulk of the cost is already paid for.

[9/10/2026 12:51 pm] Andy in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨The benefits have to be weighted....

Because they are not paying for coe? Public transport is cheap enough what rebates you mean?

[9/10/2026 12:54 pm] Andy: I mean, from my pov, rebates are given to drive a certain behaviour i.e. drive EV adoption. Rebates dont need to be given to public transport takers because well we dont have a choice 😂

[9/10/2026 1:20 pm] Adam in reply to Andy:

> ‎⁨I mean, from my pov, rebates are given to drive a certain...

But the way the rebate is structured is important. It cannot be gamed. Or applied ineffectively. Policies implemented hard to amend.

Pollution is ongoing for cars and variable. Cannot have flat amount for evs. Would you let a cybertruck get the rebate?

[9/10/2026 1:21 pm] Adam: And have to think of second order effects and perverse incentive. An ev owner at end of coe might choose to buy a whole new ev instead of maintaining current car. More wastage and environmental cost. They are gonna keep driving anyway so buy new subsidized car. Even if cost more than keeping old car, the small nudge of cheaper cost to buy and the psychology of govt footing part the cost will tilt in favor of wastage. Incentive to get new ev instead of maintaining old.

[9/10/2026 2:02 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[9/10/2026 2:25 pm] G in reply to REACH Singapore:

> On creating a separate category for PHV cars, the LTA said the move will mean setting aside some COEs for the new category, and prices could rise if too many COEs are reallocated from the existing pool.

This is nonsense. 

COE mechanism for taxis today is separated vs private cars

Prior to 2012, taxi operators competed directly with private buyers for CAT A COEs, which pushed premiums for CAT A higher, and hence the de-coupling 

Why not lump PHV car leasers with the taxis operators and let these businesses compete with each other instead of with private individuals?

Furthermore, these companies are allowed greater financing flexibility compared to individual buyers


[9/10/2026 2:59 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

1. I understand the logic of merging the Cat A and Cat B - because the advent of EV cars have increasingly make the differentiation of CC inapplicable - and hence unable to clearly differentiate the distinction of mass-market and higher-end cars.


2. I think is a good idea to introduce the rebate and surcharge cap at a maximum to distinguish between a mass-market and higher-end cars - as richer folks who want a super higher-end cars should contribute more to enjoy the prestige.


3. Having a maximum cap on the rebate and surcharge will also not overly penalise the higher-end cars - and introduce undue penalty or discrimination against higher-end cars. Hence I feel the maximum rebate and surcharge cap is appropriate.

Because my underlying philosophy is always go along the concept of "Middle Path" - not extreme at either end.


4. As for should we introduce the 3-band or 5-band structure - I feel that 5-band structure will introduce more administrative complications, sometimes can make mistake and public can be more confused.


Hence the following considerations - define my choice to go for a 3-band structure:--

a. 3-band structure will benefit the mass-market public more - as mass-market public have more choice and get higher rebate to a bigger pool of mass-market car.


b. Less administrative complexity (lower administrative cost), less confusing to public, less likely to make mistake.


c. Higher-end cars owners will pay higher surcharge due to bigger banding - detriment to high--end owners (but they have deeper pocket and can pay). 


d. Of course these will also be less beneficial to high-end car sellers - as their high end cars will be more expensive. But high-end car purchasers will have deeper pockets - with the maximum cap on rebate and surcharge - their damage will be $15,000 - $30,000 - not open-ended.


[9/10/2026 3:13 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Next let us address the open Category E - should it be abolished?


1. Understand that Cat E is for those that need cars urgently to buy in the open market without waiting for the next round of bidding.

Hence I feel is useful to keep Cat E.


2. However, I want to explore whether Cat E can be exploited to better used?


a. Instead of letting PHV car owners (that use the car as public transport and personal use) to bid in Cat A and Cat B, I feel that as the PHV car is used for revenue-generating, they should bid under Cat E and not from the merged Cat A and Cat B that should be reserved for personal used.

Cat E is an "open" category as such should be used for this purpose.


b. Wonder if taxi is under Cat E open category, shouldn't PHV cars be under Cat E as well?


3. With such distinction, then our COE system will be less cumbersome, less unwieldy, less complicated, less complex to manage, administer and managed - and less confusing to public, car dealers and the Administration.


Because there will only be 2 broad categories :-

i. Merged Cat A and B (Cat Private)

a. Band 1

b. Band 2

c. Band 3


ii. Cat E (Cat Open)

- PHV, 

- Taxi

- Private (that need cars urgently).


[9/10/2026 3:28 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Now throwing these 2 broad categories into COE bidding, does anyone think that COE prices will come down?


1. I doubt so...... because it will depends on how strong the demand is. If the demand is strong, COE will still be about the same as currently the COE $130,000 reflected - plus and minus the surcharge or rebate of $15,000 - $30,000 - or could be higher if the demand is strong that will neutralise the surcharge or rebate of $15,000 - $30,000 - to prevent high-end car bidders from crowding out the mass-market car bidder.


The surcharge and rebate - is to give mass-market bidders an even ground (handicap gain) to compete more fairly with deep pocket high-end car bidders.


[9/10/2026 3:39 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Should we intrude into the space of according priorities to families based on social needs - to become a "Social Judge"?


1. This evidently won't work, who is to judge :-

A family with young children (VS) a family with elderlies (VS) a family with disabled (VS) a family with large number of members (VS) a family with lesser number of members (VS) professionals or business or blue collar that need cars - has higher priorities over the other ?


2. A family with young children grow up already leh? Then unfair to others.


3. A family with elderlies - elderlies go to nursing homes leh? Then unfair to others.


4. A family with disabled - recover and become well leh? (Eg. got PMA, got artifical leg, mental disability recovered) - Then unfair to others.


5. A family with lesser number of members - suddenly breed and have more children - Then others unfair to these families.


6. Professionals or business or blue collars that need to run business, create jobs and contribute to our Economy.

Without them, our Economy fail, we got no jobs.


The last thing we want to become - is to be a Social Judge - Jamus now you understand?


[9/10/2026 4:02 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢


[9/10/2026 5:29 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): 

Side issue:-

I go to my neighborhood to do Brcs.

Met the same uncle that do mass recycling. He got 2 big bags 

I ask him nicely can I recycle first, as I got only a few?

He say go ahead please.

I thanks him.

So just a nice words, the world is a better one.


[9/10/2026 5:30 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):

> ‎⁨Side issue:-  I go to my neighborhood to do Brcs....

Sorry, side track.


[9/10/2026 6:00 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[9/10/2026 6:45 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

[9/10/2026 7:00 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊


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