Speech By Mr Mohamad Maidin BPM Senior Parliamentary Secretary Ministry Of Home Affairs and Ministry of the Environment

At the Launch of the Green Transport Day &
Fuel Economy Label
05 June 2003, 9.40 am at Shaw House

Ms Kay Kuok, Chairman, Singapore Environment Council,
BG Lam Joon Khoi, Chief Executive Officer, NEA,
Mr Howard Shaw, Executive Director, SEC,
Mrs Ling Yin Fong, General Manager, Automobile Association of Singapore,
Mr Michael Wong, Vice-President, Motor Traders Association of Singapore,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning,

I am pleased to be here today at the launch of Green Transport Day, an initiative of the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) to commemorate the World Environment Day.

Transportation contributes to social and economic progress by enabling access to economic, social and cultural opportunities such as trade, employment, education and leisure. The level of development and sophistication of a country's transportation infrastructure is an important indicator of its economic well-being and success. Nowhere in Singapore is this more apparent than here along Orchard Road. Over the years, we have seen it transformed into a 6-lane road, flanked by wide pedestrian walkways, with excellent public transport access via bus services and an underground MRT system. These developments have without a doubt played an important part in maintaining Orchard Road's status as Singapore's premier shopping belt renowned the world over.

Car ownership is a topic that is dear to many Singaporean hearts. For some, it is also a symbol of status and individual success. However, motor vehicles are a major source of air pollution that can lead to a deterioration of our air quality. So, while our transportation policies and infrastructure development have achieved their economic and social objectives, we must also minimize the environmental impact of road transport.
Singapore's Policies

Several major policy interventions have been instrumental in curbing Singapore's vehicle population growth, and reducing congestion and pollution from road traffic. They include vehicle taxes, the quota system, the phase out of leaded petrol, fuel quality improvements and the imposition of more stringent emission standards.

The best option to reduce pollution and improve the energy efficiency of the road transport sector is to switch to public transportation such as the MRT and bus services.

The Green Transport Day launched today is a timely and appropriate measure to raise awareness and educate the public on what each of us as individuals can do to reduce the environmental impact of transportation. Green Transport Day focuses on easy to achieve steps that both the motoring and non-motoring public can take to avoid unnecessary car trips and to minimise emissions.

For example, we can try alternative means of transport such as buses, the MRT, cycling, walking, and car pooling. Car owners can consider green alternatives such as the Park-and-Ride scheme instead of driving all the way to work. We should also maintain our cars in good condition to keep fuel efficiency high. The organisers have lined up a very interesting set of exhibits on green transportation and fuel economy. I urge members of the public to pay a visit to the exhibition and to reflect on the green messages.
Fuel Economy Labelling Scheme

Last year, the Ministry of the Environment announced that it would launch the Fuel Economy Labelling Scheme in 2003. I am pleased to launch this scheme today. The scheme is an initiative under the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme, and is administered by the SEC and NEA, and supported by the National Energy Efficiency Committee or NEEC.

The main objectives are to raise public awareness of fuel economy in cars and to provide car buyers with the information to help them make better-informed decisions on energy efficiency when purchasing new cars. In the longer run, as consumer awareness of fuel economy grows, motor traders would be encouraged to bring more fuel-efficient vehicles into Singapore.

I am happy to note that more than 70 car models have already been issued with fuel economy labels. On behalf of the NEEC, I would like to thank the motor traders who have shown their support by participating in the scheme. I hope that more traders will join the scheme and bring in models that are more fuel-efficient so as to offer their customers better value for money.

Conclusion
Today's initiatives will complement the set of instruments that have been implemented over the years to ensure an environmentally sustainable transport sector.

Our challenge is to continue the development of our transport system to meet our transportation needs without compromising our quality of living and the environment.

Thank you.