- Target:
- Mindef
- Region:
- Singapore
Sungei Khatib Bongsu, located in Yishun, is one of the last natural areas in Singapore that have yet to be touched by development. It is a densely forested area leading gradually into a mangrove rich area, contributing to its rich array of biodiversity. It is also a place to experience how the kampong lifestyle was in olden days.
Earlier this year, however, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) decided to completely restrict access of Sungei Khatib Bongsu to the public in order to utilize the area for its own purposes. The last two residents of Sungei Khatib Bongsu who have lived on this land and made a living by fish and prawn farming were also forcefully evicted into modern living, they now reluctantly have to adapt to.
Khatib Bongsu is one of the last few local sites left that retain the essence of a kampong lifestyle that used to exist in Singapore. Should its natural environment be further destroyed or denied access to the public, particularly students like us, we stand to lose forever a huge range of biodiversity and a place where we will be able to get a taste of olden Singapore.
We, the undersigned, appeal to the Ministry of Defence to reconsider their decision to close down Sungei Khatib Bongsu permanently.
We sincerely urge that the public, particularly school students, be allowed entry into the area during the weekends and on public holidays, for the purpose of national education and biology fieldtrips.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Petition to Save Khatib Bongsu petition to Mindef was written by KhatibKonservers and is in the category Environment at GoPetition.