SINGAPORE: A video showing contractors hired by the National Parks Board (NParks) laying chicken traps has ignited controversy online.

The incident occurred in the Cactus estate, located in Yio Chu Kang.

The video, first uploaded on 9 October to the Facebook group Singapore Wildlife Sightings, shows two men in green vests kneeling on a grass patch and setting up what appeared to be traps for wild chickens.

According to the original post, the contractors were responding to complaints from local residents.

In response to media inquiries from MS News, Mr How Choon Beng, NParks’ Group Director of Wildlife Management, confirmed that both NParks and the Cheng San Grassroots Organisation had received numerous complaints about free-ranging chickens in the Cactus and Sunrise estates over the past year.

The complaints cited issues related to disturbances caused by the chickens, referred to as “dis-amenities.”

Mr How explained that NParks is currently conducting “population management measures” to address the growing number of chickens in the area.

He emphasized that NParks adopts a science- and community-based approach to managing animal populations, including free-ranging chickens.

These efforts include studying the birds’ population ecology, conducting biosurveillance programs, and implementing a variety of management strategies such as public education and habitat modification.

Mr How noted, “There is no one-size-fits-all management approach when it comes to addressing the multi-faceted issues related to free-ranging chickens.”

In addition, NParks collaborates with Grassroots Organisations to promote best practices in population control and engages residents by sharing tips on managing disturbances caused by the chickens, including the removal of eggs.

NParks also reminded the public to avoid feeding the chickens, as this contributes to their overpopulation and exacerbates the problem.

Netizens criticize NParks for trapping and culling wild chickens

Under an MS News Facebook post, many netizens expressed their opposition to the trapping and culling of wild chickens, arguing that they are harmless creatures.

Some users commented that they enjoy the presence of chickens, as they contribute to a “kampong” atmosphere in the neighbourhood.

One user mentioned that it is always nice to see chickens roaming around, helping to create that nostalgic vibe of home.

Another user shared their fondness for the sight of chickens, stating it feels reminiscent of the kampong days.

They suggested that instead of targeting chickens, NParks should focus on managing more disruptive animals like pigeons and otters, which can be a nuisance.

Several commenters questioned why NParks would catch harmless chickens while allowing other animals that pose more significant issues, like otters and pigeons, to remain unchecked.

One user criticized NParks for wasting time on chickens, emphasizing that they do not pose any threat to the public, unlike otters or wild boars that have attacked people.

Another commenter pointed out that chickens play a role in controlling harmful insects and pests, while otters contribute to the removal of pet fish in local ponds.

Others urged NParks to prioritize addressing the pressing issues posed by crows and pigeons rather than focusing on roaming chickens.

Many argued that NParks should aim to preserve nature by leaving harmless chickens alone and managing genuine pests instead.

A frustrated user criticized the authorities for succumbing to complaints rather than making decisions based on what is right.

They recalled a personal experience at Alexandra Village hawker centre, where they admired a group of wild chickens with a Malaysian worker, only to learn that authorities planned to cull them due to complaints.

One user questioned the nature of these complaints, urging NParks to clarify what is so problematic about having chickens in the neighbourhood.

They argued that these animals are harmless, self-sufficient, and do not bother humans.

As urban development continues to encroach on their natural habitats, many believe it is unjust to deny them the right to coexist with people in their own neighbourhoods.

SINGAPORE: Marking one year since the Israeli assault on Palestine that claimed over 42,000 lives, on 7 October 2024, pro-Palestinian supporters from Punggol West gathered at a Meet-the-People Session to discuss sanctions against Israel with MP Sun Xueling.

Ms Sun highlighted Singapore’s humanitarian efforts, noting that over S$17 million (approximately US$13 million) had been directed to the region. She called the crisis a “huge human catastrophe” and advocated for an immediate ceasefire.

However, residents questioned the feasibility of a ceasefire given Singapore’s ongoing arms trade with Israel, citing the purchase of Blue Spear missiles for the Navy and the display of Israeli weapons at the Singapore Air Show.  They also pointed out that Israeli defense company Elbit Systems operates in Singapore.

Although Ms Sun was not involved in arms discussions, she promised to raise these concerns with the relevant ministries.

On 2 July 2024, Mr Leong Mun Wai, Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) from the Progress Singapore Party, asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Singapore had sold any defence materials to Israel since the conflict began on 7 October 2023.

Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan responded that Singapore strictly adheres to international arms sales obligations and submits regular reports to the UN, but does not disclose specifics due to national security reasons. It should be noted that there is no embargo on arms sales to Israel.

On 18 September 2024, Singapore voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution A/ES-10/L.31, which called for a halt to imports from Israeli settlements and arms provisions to Israel in situations where they might be used in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Following this, NCMP Leong filed a question regarding whether Singapore would implement the resolution’s steps.

The session shifted to concerns about a broader conflict, with residents referencing Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon and Syria and questioning whether sanctions were being considered.

Ms Sun acknowledged their fears and affirmed that the crisis in Gaza was unacceptable.

When asked about sanctions, she explained that the Israel-Palestine conflict is more complex than other international issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, but assured residents she would relay their concerns to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

Residents pressed further, questioning whether Israel’s invasion of Lebanon justified sanctions and expressing frustration about a perceived double standard in how invasions in the Middle East are treated compared to those involving predominantly white countries.

Ms Sun noted that Singapore had previously imposed sanctions in other contexts, such as during the US invasion of Grenada and Vietnam’s incursion into Cambodia, emphasizing that sanctions are not determined by ethnicity.

They also pointed out the inconsistency in Singapore’s approach, highlighting that the country only established diplomatic ties with South Africa after the end of apartheid.

Ms Sun admitted her limited knowledge of this history but promised to raise these examples with the MFA.

The session concluded with residents submitting a petition urging the government to impose sanctions on Israel.

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Netizens criticize Singapore’s stance on Israel

Under a post by Monday of Palestine Solidarity on Instagram, netizens voiced their opinions on the recent dialogue between Punggol West residents and MP Sun Xueling regarding Singapore’s stance on Israel.

One user questioned Ms Sun’s knowledge of the situation in Palestine, asking, “Is she even aware of what’s happening at all?”

They argued that while Ms Sun claimed the scale of the conflict was different from the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Palestine is actually far worse.

The user criticized her for not using accurate terms to describe the crisis, suggesting she was avoiding terms like “mass murder,” “apartheid,” “genocide,” and “ethnic extermination.”

The commenter also pointed out historical context, referencing a New York Times article from June 20, 1899, titled “Conference of Zionists in Baltimore: Will Colonize Palestine,” to emphasize the long-standing nature of the issue.

They concluded by stating, “Humanitarian aid does NOT stop the killing,” highlighting the need for stronger action.

Another user expressed frustration, calling the government’s response “absolutely unacceptable.”

They criticized Singapore for being one of the top exporters of weapons, which are “being used and tested on Palestinians,” while only offering humanitarian aid and failing to take meaningful action against Israel.

One commenter highlighted the disparity in Singapore’s response, noting that the government had immediately sanctioned Russia when the war in Ukraine began, yet after a year of violence in Palestine, no similar action had been taken against Israel.

Another user challenged the common narrative that the Israel-Palestine conflict is an ancient issue that spans thousands of years, calling it a “lazy excuse for inaction.”

They stressed that Israel has been in violation of international law since its illegal occupation of Palestine and the establishment of apartheid in 1967.

Some users expressed skepticism about Singapore’s ability to take a stronger stance. One commenter argued that Singapore depends on its Zionist allies for security, stating that any action against Israel could jeopardize the country’s safety.

They pointed to the historical ties between Singapore and Israel, particularly in building Singapore’s military, and concluded that speaking out against Israel would endanger Singapore’s security and stability.