Frequency of Government's Periodic Facade Inspection

111 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the total number of buildings that are required to undergo the Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI) currently; (b) of the buildings that have undergone PFI, how many of these buildings require a full facade investigation; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider increasing the frequency of PFI, especially for older buildings.

Mr Desmond Lee: The PFI regime will apply to buildings that are above 20 years old and 13 metres in height, or roughly four storeys. Façade inspections must be conducted by trained personnel, known otherwise as Competent Persons, every seven years. Based on the findings from these inspections, the Competent Person may decide to carry out a full façade investigation, to determine the cause of defects identified and to recommend appropriate rectification measures.

The PFI regime will take effect from early next year and about 30,000 buildings will be required to undertake façade inspections within the first seven-year inspection cycle. BCA will regularly review the requirements under the PFI regime to ensure public safety.