SINGAPORE – The former Pasir Panjang Distriparkhas been identified as a possible alternative temporary distribution site in the event of disruptions in Singapore’s food supply chain.
Announcing this during her visit to the now-vacant premises, at 151 Pasir Panjang Road, on Tuesday (July 27), Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said Covid-19 clusters can cause short-term disruptions to the operations of Singapore’s fishery ports and distribution centres.
This was the case on July 17, when Jurong Fishery Port was closed due to a Covid-19 cluster.
Shoppers were later seen snapping up fish in wet markets, while fish suppliers took to social media to announce they would not be taking new orders. Some market stalls selling fish sold out early for the day.
On Monday, Ms Fu told Parliament that an alternative site was being made available for use in the event of another closure of the fishery ports or Pasir Panjang Wholesale Market.
She said at the site on Tuesday: “In our food supply chains, our fishery ports and Pasir Panjang wholesale centres are important nodes – fishery ports for fish, and Pasir Panjang wholesale centre for vegetables and fruits.”
She added that the Singapore Food Agency had identified the vacant premises at Pasir Panjang as a place that could be activated on “very short notice”.
The area has good facilities, such as an unused warehouse with a large area for loading and unloading, which make it suitable for logistics activities. There are also large carparks surrounding it.
It covers about five hectares – the size of seven football fields – and is similar in size to Jurong Fishery Port.
Ms Fu said: “This is a way to ensure our supply chain remains resilient despite having cases and quarantine orders disrupting our supply chain activities. We’re always ready to see how we can support our food industry, so the supply of food continues to meet the needs of Singaporeans.”
