Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Asbestos in Older Buildings

Question:

Dr Choo Pei Ling. To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment regarding asbestos in older buildings (a) whether the Ministry has an updated registry of such buildings that is accessible to the public; (b) if so, what measures and incentives are available for owners to remove asbestos; and (c) how the Ministry monitors and manages asbestos exposure risks for visitors to these buildings.

Answer:

There is no central register of asbestos in buildings. Building owners are responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements relating to work involving asbestos in their buildings. Under the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) Workplace Safety and Health (Asbestos) Regulations, asbestos surveys need to be conducted prior to carrying out building works in buildings built before 1 January 1991.

The need to remove asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) depends on the condition of the material. ACMs in buildings pose minimal health risks if the materials are in good condition and are not damaged. However, if the ACMs are damaged or likely to be disturbed due to building works, building owners must engage an asbestos-removal contractor approved by MOM to remove the ACMs.