Additional Measures to Tackle Pigeon Nuisance
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the pigeon nuisance in housing estates and the effectiveness of multi-agency measures, as raised by Mr Liang Eng Hwa. Minister Lawrence Wong stated that NParks, NEA, and Town Councils collaborate on surveillance, enforcement at feeding hotspots, and food waste management to reduce food sources. Minister Lawrence Wong cited a successful Yio Chu Kang pilot where grassroots leaders and residents helped persuade feeders to change their habits. Insights from this pilot are being used to scale up strategies, specifically the development of targeted public education to modify community behavior. Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized that concerted efforts involving government agencies, grassroots leaders, and residents are essential to effectively manage the pigeon population.
Transcript
50 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the pigeon nuisance at the housing estates has worsened; (b) whether the additional measures taken by NParks and NEA to step up surveillance, education and enforcement have been effective in reducing pigeon feeding; and (c) whether there is a need for a concerted multi-agency effort to significantly reduce pigeon feeding.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Pigeons, like other birds, are attracted to places where food is easily available. NParks has been working closely with Government agencies and Town Councils on measures to reduce pigeon feeding, which can attract pigeons and cause them to breed quickly. For instance, NParks monitors pigeon feeding hotspots and works with the Town Councils to carry out targeted enforcement operations. NParks also raises public awareness against pigeon feeding via advisories, posters and outreach events. NEA works with food centres and coffee shops in HDB estates to ensure proper food waste management and to enforce against littering.
To address pigeon feeding issues comprehensively, we need concerted efforts not just by government agencies and Town Councils, but also grassroots leaders and residents. One good example is the High-Rise Littering Pigeon Feeding pilot programme in Yio Chu Kang last year. This involved not only multiple government agencies, but also grassroots leaders who played an integral role in persuading potential pigeon feeders to change their behaviour, and encouraging residents to help educate the local community. The pilot demonstrated how an active and engaged community can help to deliver positive outcomes.
Agencies are studying how the insights gained from the pilot can be scaled up, starting with the development of more targeted public education messages and materials to change the behaviour of pigeon feeders.