Remnants of old fish farms litter shoreline near Ubin

Dismantling, proper disposal of structures planned to be completed by December: SFA

- Cheryl Tan

Abandoned fish farm structures, barges, large wooden planks and even a boat have been found along the shoreline of Pulau Ketam, close to Pulau Ubin.

During a visit earlier in October, The Straits Times also discovered that large pieces of debris were strewn in the forested areas of the island, and at low tide previously submerged structures became visible.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said it is aware of the clutter and that clean-up is in the works.

"Dismantling and proper disposal of these structures are planned to be completed by December, dependent on weather conditions and the availability of volunteers," said a spokesman.

"SFA is also working with coastal farms to manage farm structures and loose equipment. Farms are required to ensure their farm structures are secured."

The agency did not say if the clutter would be considered illegal dumping. ST understands that the fish farm operator responsible for the clutter is Mr Phillip Lim of Sea Angel Marine.

SFA said the farm operator is also helping to secure other unidentified drifting structures by placing them on the coast temporarily to prevent navigational hazards.

The debris is found along the southern shoreline of Pulau Ketam, which is opposite Sea Angel Marine.

Among the clutter is a large farm structure that includes a shelter, platforms and furniture. It bears the farm number FC110E, which belongs to Ocean King Harvest.

This is the former name of Sea Angel Marine, according to records from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, although it is unclear if the farm belonged to Mr Lim. Another structure has "FC63E" imprinted on it, which belongs to a Mr Lim Swa Sheng, according to the 2022 farm licence records from SFA.