JTC Corporation has revealed an ambitious reclamation project that will transform approximately 49 hectares of coastal area off Lorong Halus in Pasir Ris into valuable industrial land, equivalent to the size of 11 Padang fields. The initiative, which builds upon JTC’s extensive history of land reclamation in Singapore, aims to address future industrial demand by designating the newly created terrain for industrial and special purposes.
The statutory board is proceeding with careful environmental consideration, having already conducted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) that was reviewed in March 2025. According to preliminary findings, the project is expected to have minimal impact on nearby seagrass and mangrove patches, though JTC has emphasized that reclamation activities will only commence after thorough finalization of the EIA report and development plans. The implementation of nature-based solutions will be assessed to enhance biodiversity in the reclaimed area.
Visitors to Pasir Ris and Lorong Halus jetties will experience changes as the project progresses, with JTC confirming plans to construct two new replacement jetties to maintain proper access for fish farms and other marine activities. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the project’s potential effects on dugong populations in the East Johor Strait, as the area overlaps with known sighting hotspots. This approach reflects JTC’s commitment to balancing development needs with existing usage patterns of the coastal area.
The Lorong Halus site represents a continuation of Singapore’s strategic land reclamation history, with the current coastline itself having been reclaimed in the 1980s. This follows JTC’s established practice dating back to 1963, when the organization completed its first reclamation project adding 46 hectares to the Jurong Industrial Site.
Throughout its history, JTC has overseen approximately one-third of Singapore’s reclaimed land between 1965 and 2015, including major projects that transformed the southwestern coastline and created Jurong Island through the consolidation of several smaller islands. These reclamation initiatives have played a significant role in Singapore’s economic development, providing vital industrial infrastructure for the nation’s petrochemical sector and manufacturing base.
While no fixed timeline has been established for the Lorong Halus project, JTC continues to conduct thorough environmental investigations along the northeastern coast before finalizing implementation plans.
