Rationale for HDB Issuing Temporary Occupational Licences over State Land to People's Association

28 Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the rationale for HDB, as managing agent for SLA, to issue Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs) over state land to entities such as the People's Association Citizens Consultative Committees for durations of several years at a time; and (b) what is the rate of fees charged to the People's Association for such TOLs.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Vacant State land can be put to interim use until the land is required for development. Typical uses include recreational, community, commercial, and other uses.

HDB, as an agent of SLA, issues TOLs for the use of State land under its charge. Pursuant to the State Lands Rules, such TOLs are issued for a period not exceeding three years. TOL holders can apply to renew their license upon expiry. The duration of the TOL depends on the type of use, the duration requested by the applicant, and when the land is required for development.

The TOL fee chargeable varies depending on the specific use. The rates for a list of common uses can be found on SLA's website.