Compensation from Shipping Companies to Fish Farm Owners Affected by Oil Spill in January 2017

30 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether any of the fish farm owners affected by the oil spill in January this year have received compensation from the shipping companies thus far; (b) what measures are being taken by AVA to address the time delay associated with the claims process; and (c) when is the expected date by which the compensation will be paid.

Mr Lawrence Wong: An insurance claim process is a private matter between the claimant and the insurer. The duration of the process depends on the complexity of each claim and the negotiations between the relevant parties. It is the same in this case where the affected farmers are engaging directly with the relevant insurers.

That said, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has made additional efforts to help farmers affected by the January oil spill with their claims. For example, AVA helped affected farmers submit their claims and arranged a meeting for the affected farmers to seek clarification from the relevant insurers about their claims. We understand that some farmers have already received compensation.