Showing posts with label Pulau Ubin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pulau Ubin. Show all posts

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Malaysia's proposals for third link via Pulau Ubin

Source Website: http://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singapore-has-not-received-malaysias-proposals-third-link-pulau-ubin-desmond-lee
By Charmaine Ng, The Straits Times, Asiaone, 01 September 2018


Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian was quoted as saying the proposed bridge would start from Pengerang near Kota Tinggi and end at Pulau Ubin.

PHOTO: Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian was quoted as saying the proposed bridge would start from Pengerang near Kota Tinggi and end at Pulau Ubin.
PHOTO: The Straits Times
Picture posted by Charmaine Ng, The Straits Times, Asiaone on 01 September 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZVc7nViMqZFiDucOWMjcBIRO7hyHUlEaLQW8iskqUuemgs-hoKU8AlSHpfcXWqaoClcDoLc1Y4hcNHrRFojmfzmpoayo_qHHDNxgtYWRl4hBXIGOtqyd9M-ie7ED5A7tI9SbiR_KpoM/s1600/pulauubin_st.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640x360/public/original_images/Sep2018/pulauubin_st.jpg?itok=yYyR0gPq
http://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singapore-has-not-received-malaysias-proposals-third-link-pulau-ubin-desmond-lee


SINGAPORE - Singapore has not received Malaysia's proposals for a third link via Pulau Ubin, said Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee on Friday (Aug 31).

He was speaking a day after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that there was "some" plan to build a third link with Singapore.

Malaysia's The Star newspaper also quoted Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian as saying that the state government was in talks with a company about the third-link project, which could be built in the next three to four years.


On Thursday, the Johor state government reportedly expressed interest in developing another link to Singapore on its eastern flank and mooted the idea of a link directly to Pulau Ubin.

PHOTO: On Thursday, the Johor state government reportedly expressed interest in developing another link to Singapore on its eastern flank and mooted the idea of a link directly to Pulau Ubin.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad also told media in Kuala Lumpur: "There is some plan in the offing... there is already some plan." No further details were given.
File photo of visitors strolling in Pulau Ubin.
Picture posted by Today on 01 September 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwMkYGPIeTiPCHgZC86YrGPGN6934gcqtnw3iTJOMUElqlpPlmVCBsoRg1KsqgEYO1VtZjyhIpo3yri0LswtbQe5tmfKDNBN5RI9HCNb0pk_TBBuJ9OZeng7CXNEWGDLQhVhdS2MHJBQ/s1600/tdydesmond0831.jpeg
https://www.todayonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/new_app_article_detail/public/photos/43_images/tdydesmond0831.jpeg?itok=ex3U28Yf
https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/no-news-malaysias-proposal-third-link-pulau-ubin-desmond-lee


Datuk Osman said the proposed bridge - which would start from Pengerang near Kota Tinggi, in Johor, and end at Pulau Ubin, in Singapore - could help ease traffic congestion on the two existing land links between the two countries.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Mr Lee said he was at a meeting with volunteers from Friends of Ubin Network, when he was asked about news reports about the third link.


Enjoy a fun-filled island getaway at Celestial Ubin Beach Resort.

PHOTO: Enjoy a fun-filled island getaway at Celestial Ubin Beach Resort. Indulge in 3hrs long fish spa after a day of outdoor events, bet your body/feet deserve some pampering.
Picture posted by juztoday.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Io4ztsukfc3U7xfpZriNFxbEhRXFNmSmL9rwTp6LtpmWnG-u2e4y39WIDorHowFksDyCbzDfRIq0ay280oCaG8tSHqJ1T1huYjANyZxwTv1dIrzwbXRtS4KjDP_NWOi_EDq7twgGQqs/s1600/pic5.jpg
https://www.juztoday.com/deal/264/img/pic5.jpg
https://www.juztoday.com/deal.php?id=264


"I explained that we have not received Malaysia's proposals and do not have details of it. If we do receive it, the relevant agencies will certainly study it carefully," said Mr Lee, who is also Second Minister for National Development.

"Work on the Ubin Project, to keep Pulau Ubin rustic and to protect its heritage and biodiversity continues," he added.


Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee said Singapore has not received any proposals from Malaysia to build a third link connecting east Johor to the island.

PHOTO: Desmond Lee added that Pulau Ubin will be kept rustic and its heritage and biodiversity will be protected.
Picture posted by wallhere.com on 31 October 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqatc_vnSW9C-vC6iqePTgc-2ZOSdfozKfxYf05aiuk0V4pMbhgTJyCFb4Sh6FDvg2UO47eqiwBd36bO53o09VUfuo1CsJx53Bc7c4RLIUMW5gKAinoZFz1ZRxR9udR6wgPM14774JSg/s1600/portrait_woman_girl_beautiful_face_pose_model_women-857348.jpg%2521d.jpg
https://c.wallhere.com/photos/be/37/portrait_woman_girl_beautiful_face_pose_model_women-857348.jpg!d
https://wallhere.com/pt/wallpaper/857348

By Charmaine Ng, The Straits Times, Asiaone, 01 September 2018
This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.



Reference
[1] Charmaine Ng, The Straits Times, Asiaone, Singapore has not received Malaysia's proposals for third link via Pulau Ubin: Desmond Lee, posted on, http://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singapore-has-not-received-malaysias-proposals-third-link-pulau-ubin-desmond-lee
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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

No reported illness from diners at Pulau Ubin

My Paper, Monday, December 23, 2015, Page A3, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/epc/en/2015-12-23/
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/no-reported-illness-diners-pulau-ubin-20151223
By Carolyn Khew, mypaper, kcarolyn@sph.com.sg, Published on 23 December 2015


Pulau Ubin villagers use boiled water after quality of well water falls
PHOTO: Pulau Ubin villagers use boiled water after quality of well water falls
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMey69cmAAq0N4iKFbRLlyefX1nTvmGsFgMt8wchmafoHOVSwj1jK1V-XOB6MN-07c1xyR_y2zqDpDBNibjnZC4CXHOgqNC8FgKWlTl0Xndsna8AmRG-L7Nu8Fx_CJW1d9W7u_xm7Y6OE/s1600/Ubin3.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Dec2015/Ubin3.jpg?itok=LhHr-7_w
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


NO ONE has reported falling sick from dining at food establishments on Pulau Ubin despite authorities having found a deterioration in the water quality on the island.

But all retail food outlets - believed to be fewer than 10 - must now boil water from their wells continuously for at least one minute before using it to prepare food and drinks for sale.

This is according to a joint statement on Monday from the National Environment Agency (NEA), national water agency PUB, National Parks Board and the Singapore Land Authority.

Alternatively, the outlets may also use bottled water or PUB water piped from mainland Singapore.

In response to queries yesterday, an NEA spokesman confirmed there has not been a reported case of food- or water-related health incidents associated with Pulau Ubin in the past five years.

The Straits Times understands the order for food outlets on the island was made after routine checks by NEA on the island.

Without elaborating on what it had found, it said the quality of well water could have deteriorated because of contamination with animal or human waste or surface run-off from contaminated soil.

According to village chief Chu Yok Choon, 70, all residents use well water for their daily needs.

Residents told The Straits Times they drew water from wells in their backyards. One uses a motor pump to fill containers in his home.


Residents told The Straits Times they drew water from wells in their backyards. One uses a motor pump to fill containers in his home.
PHOTO: Residents told The Straits Times they drew water from wells in their backyards. One uses a motor pump to fill containers in his home.
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHowURekiV_8Sw7w0UvmbeP9ate3V3i9Lcv2rHyoM75CjJoQnT9i-laWf6orbHbBNL5iy3dQwes-tPCpjEyns5dE4PfT1w-YrDi9qRGT6IXXIdMdTYspgSvXUO0m818tKZTjmcYyT3E_8/s1600/Ubin1.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Dec2015/Ubin1.jpg?itok=ZUTBEYuo
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


Authorities said in its advisory on Monday that water from the taps is drawn from wells and is not potable without further treatment. Signs are up to remind visitors not to drink water straight out of the taps.


Authorities said in its advisory on Monday that water from the taps is drawn from wells and is not potable without further treatment.

PHOTO: Authorities said in its advisory on Monday that water from the taps is drawn from wells and is not potable without further treatment. Signs are up to remind visitors not to drink water straight out of the taps.
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNVCgJV4et1LeuM20Bis7ZWO6c3Ch_F8oOQbD7e2Cj2SGCl4WqoEsH3QSbGUgSR4WOY_b7vNcEwFCUN5tElqPNVA0Xr9RI7cZe1K1laU7b8YEV3rd607l_EfLLnZnt1YoChK12Y3MZWM/s1600/Ubin0.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Dec2015/Ubin0.jpg?itok=8e7s7QfC
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


In a letter to a retail outlet that was seen by The Straits Times, NEA's director-general of public health Derek Ho said operators of retail food establishments had to comply with the requirement or face "strict enforcement action" if they are found selling food unfit to be eaten because they had not complied.

Goh Lai Guat, 60, who runs an eatery with her sister on Pulau Ubin, said she would use boiled water from now on for washing utensils as well as vegetables before serving meals to customers.


Ms Goh Lai Guat (far right), 60, and her sister pushing trolleys of supplies and bottled water to their food stall on Pulau Ubin after an advisory from the authorities on the usage of well water.
PHOTO: Ms Goh Lai Guat (far right), 60, and her sister pushing trolleys of supplies and bottled water to their food stall on Pulau Ubin after an advisory from the authorities on the usage of well water.
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEtRBQoeUVI0MfQhV8r3unvqjl09-4eMwEH_tS1-oNHO3C56I4DqxyVkzNQZOJbYlIDtb6ar9n_9P25Tqy2YE_p3gvndg5ScgrOp0tC7HKtgM368JaM9GzgcOxHrawYSTu8LUkMq9Kks/s1600/20151223_ST_Ubinwater.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w848/public/original_images/Dec2015/20151223_ST_Ubinwater.jpg?itok=saIB3qgh
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


"Before this, we would boil well water only for drinking. But since NEA has told us, we have to change our way of doing things," she said.

Many residents said the advisory would have little impact on them since they already boil the water from their wells before they drink it.

At least one resident, 63-year-old retiree Chua Keng Beng, said he had long switched to using more hygienic bottled water instead.

Other old-timers, like Ahmad Kassim, an 80-year-old drinks stall owner, will have none of that. He draws from two wells just opposite his home.


Ahmad Kassim, an 80-year-old drinks stall owner, boils the water to drink but just to show that he believes it is safe, he took a sip straight from the well yesterday, saying: 'I have been drinking the water for 80 years and nothing has happened to me.
PHOTO: Ahmad Kassim, an 80-year-old drinks stall owner, boils the water to drink but just to show that he believes it is safe, he took a sip straight from the well yesterday, saying: "I have been drinking the water for 80 years and nothing has happened to me."
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y85h6DO-SljDcJ7rlv37h444UuVEGuho3tVv7R6hSt7cc6zcLubG5GGe1G1ULkClCRx9CnBCl8i5nQM5YckVXuQus9iU3Gw9eDbTB-txbWrcxsJF9xqE68Lzx5gBq6dZoWb5gGSf6jE/s1600/Ubin16.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Dec2015/Ubin16.jpg?itok=3QXe1cDl
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


Mr Kassim boils the water to drink but just to show that he believes it is safe, he took a sip straight from the well yesterday, saying: "I have been drinking the water for 80 years and nothing has happened to me."

By Carolyn Khew, mypaper, kcarolyn@sph.com.sg, Published on 23 December 2015


Ms Goh Lai Guat (far right), 60, and her sister pushing trolleys of supplies and bottled water to their food stall.
PHOTO: Ms Goh Lai Guat (far right), 60, and her sister pushing trolleys of supplies and bottled water to their food stall on Pulau Ubin. "Before this, we would boil well water only for drinking. But since NEA has told us, we have to change our way of doing things."
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN4MBn1OdHRQj67AmtuET8umWWjV2q_WlLa6WNbRS16LQTR0B5b3KgaNoh_O0CZcjUktRV5F6Mzm9kb_XSb0jeAsCvFAZYaYclET_Wal2qNDDjLUdrRKwPJXg3r2I1gUd66lW5TAHA3Q/s1600/Ubin25.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Dec2015/Ubin25.jpg?itok=oVb7nkgt
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


Love Gone Wild at Pulau Ubin!
PHOTO: Love Gone Wild at Pulau Ubin!
Photo by Marcus Chua (Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum), Wood you be my Valentine?
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTToKAamY7nP42HZtUDQlfws77BICQWmIqHxdYc5ALq4JA2erAjXHqukAJiwQ9wWPoWz8rkYdAxg8zM0fJ3n3UXKbDzPNY9Ys3VEXXdFZ_p_z-gJ-Mfm-jKVa1nTPnG4QW2pRmLVFRvNM/s1600/dsc_6953-1.jpg
https://lkcnhm.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/dsc_6953.jpg
http://lkcnhm.net/2015/02/16/lovegonewildatubin/



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Friday, October 9, 2015

Successful drone trial by SingPost (Update: headline changed to reflect that the mail delivery by drone might not be the world’s first)

My Paper, Friday, October 09, 2015, Page A1, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/epc/en/2015-10-09/
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/world-first-successful-drone-trial-singpost-20151009
By Irene Tham, mypaper, itham@sph.com.sg, Published on Oct 09, 2015


The view from the drone en route to Pulau Ubin
PHOTO: The view from the drone en route to Pulau Ubin
PASS WITH FLYING COLOURS: The successful test by a postal service provider saw a UAV flying 2km, between Lorong Halus and Pulau Ubin, carrying a letter and T-shirt. It can carry up to 500g, and fly at a height of up to 45m.
PHOTOS: SINGPOST
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ARWmmPz6OrmuqkD9ChtAWBge2a4A67T-i5FH4JnPvroDZKDdlVwSW2lGUCUrJHFIO5v471JyFUvDX3rHJu3RwSeIuwba0zSSHZ6R36WpAWN5BT8XqPaG2PCK-Bz7NsZABM07ISMgxjM/s1600/the-view-of-pulau-ubin-data.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/blob/2177446/1444265248000/the-view-of-pulau-ubin-data.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/mail-sent-to-pulau-ubin/2177406.html


YOUR postman could one day be a drone.

Last month, Singapore Post completed an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) delivery trial, a successful test by a postal service provider.

The trial, which took place on 25 September 2015, involved an off-the-shelf drone system customised by engineers from SingPost and the government-backed Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) Labs.

It flew 2km, between Lorong Halus and Pulau Ubin, carrying a letter and T-shirt in a packet.


The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flew 2km, between Lorong Halus and Pulau Ubin, carrying a letter and T-shirt in a packet.
PHOTO: A letter and a T-shirt in a parcel were transported by drone from Lorong Halus to Pulau Ubin - a distance of about 2km, and taking about five minutes.
Posted by SPH Digital News on 08 October 2015 at 8:40 am SGT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnySAh9Aib48KPQVE3FByE7Z3pk-g4MwcUFNki2kXzEJTvu5-MmcMccChLS01z3YaXquN2IKAhTgPK59ocEb0YxyDkp9V1gAAVS4EYd-BFqwdOJa1cMVHNFyVQnPv-kraSdDAvQqgMmI/s1600/drone09.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/drone09.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/business/world-first-trial-to-deliver-mail-by-drone-lands-successfully-in-pulau-ubin


The drone prototype has safety features designed for dense urban areas. It can carry up to 500g, and fly at a height of up to 45m.

Its delivery route can be controlled by an in-house smartphone app, complete with verification features to ensure that the mail reaches its intended recipient.

Bernard Leong, head of digital services at SingPost said, "There is immense potential in UAV technology for last-mile mail and e-commerce delivery." For instance, delivery times can be shortened as the flight paths can be more direct than road delivery routes, he said.


A SingPost drone successfully makes a 2km mail run from the mainland to Pulau Ubin
PHOTO: A SingPost drone successfully makes a 2km mail run from the mainland to Pulau Ubin
The drone has the capacity to carry a payload of up to half a kilogramme, fly at a height of up to 45m and travel a distance of 2.3km.
Photo: SingPost
Posted by CNA on 08 October 2015 at 08:49
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhOjjZ-0GRk9HnCLoBYbE2-yTsWSgjCOSF9-pf5PTT4ifGp0ENE_pkAXPavnaO41dYohjymSzzsFu8x_ZNSt4JzyOEO-Ij0vi-_krEgFcakfp_-KN0y6XaYdHGrtjuB4vbGSyFESVnqE/s1600/a-singpost-drone.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/image/2177440/1444265147000/large16x9/768/432/a-singpost-drone.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/mail-sent-to-pulau-ubin/2177406.html


Since United States e-commerce giant Amazon's announcement last year of a potential drone-based delivery service, consumers have been excited about this possibility.

But obstacles remain. SingPost, for instance, could not project when drone delivery would become the norm. Common challenges include safety concerns, weight limits, distance limits and weather restrictions.

"Although it will be a while before it is viable for drone mail delivery to take off in Singapore... this first step by SingPost and IDA demonstrates what Singapore is trying out with our smart nation vision," said IDA managing director Jacqueline Poh.


Common challenges include safety concerns, weight limits, distance limits and weather restrictions.

PHOTO: Common challenges include safety concerns, weight limits, distance limits and weather restrictions.
Posted by SPH Digital News on 08 October 2015 at 8:40 am SGT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2RpBAlxpSTGLMS-91kMmG_nwgfz44uHURDVevEMXaoUpMmwTI_sDa6N65IeOYufTTkOrNLIRKslNIFXbKaFOtimuxrkoBhXymnxo5pwiOtPouazgYoN1pJB2s0jRMr3L1uifw363QMw/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MPI_ifH13Zk/maxresdefault.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/business/world-first-trial-to-deliver-mail-by-drone-lands-successfully-in-pulau-ubin


She said the vision is to have various parts of Singapore's ecosystem collaborating and experimenting with new ways of doing things.

SingPost received the green light from the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, the Singapore Air Force and the Singapore Police Force for its first drone trial.

Last month, the Finnish postal service also tested the use of drones to deliver packages, although its test drone landed away from the designated landing zone.


SingPost trials mail delivery by drone with help from IDA

PHOTO: SingPost trials mail delivery by drone with help from IDA
Drone depicted in photo not the same one used by SingPost.
Update: headline changed to reflect that the mail delivery by drone might not be the world’s first
Posted by Colin Tung on 08 Oct ober 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PvwQO9T7EtA3JTbSFmeGyXhk7BtujC5ijykv18LE4u7aGbXqLrcAW5zt3b3VQhNejLSDnj6WSOHaSa0uJMBfNelCGYizGxzUf4Nu5etqEZcTghiDJWfuteBIRIaFV69IhxdBbSed2Dk/s1600/fc0c61ee-562d-4f72-99ff-a65353ffd7db_shutterstock_244004761-1.jpg
http://e27.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/fc0c61ee-562d-4f72-99ff-a65353ffd7db_shutterstock_244004761.jpg
http://e27.co/singpost-makes-world-first-mail-delivery-drone-20151008/

Republic Polytechnic lecturer Sasidharan Nair, who teaches a course on drone videography, said a drone would be handy for reaching offshore islands such as Sentosa or Pulau Ubin. "Other instances where drones can come in handy include medical emergencies, search and rescue missions and disaster management," he said.

By Irene Tham, mypaper, itham@sph.com.sg, Published on Oct 09, 2015


Drone deliveries start in Singapore
PHOTO: Drone deliveries start in Singapore
Drones can come in handy include medical emergencies, search and rescue missions and disaster management.
Posted by The Rakyat Post on Friday 09 October 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMTudH0Rch34A928UUyf8HGfVdVhSJG1_VVsDkRuBPUwQMojqUQlrzrHE8HGggngrnjd3DmAlrRVCJzRxFr40GNfcI12mOfrGmCzgbnvlVu7AP3S2iIH58qgDVM2DaRm2mnzB0W2Jjig/s1600/bigstock-Delivery-drone-55675544.jpg
http://www.therakyatpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/bigstock-Delivery-drone-55675544.jpg
http://www.newsunited.com/drone-deliveries-start-in-singapore-news/19033255/



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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Weekend spot for many, home to a few

My Paper, Tuesday, October 21, 2014, Page A8, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/emnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2014-10-21
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/weekend-spot-many-home-few-20141021
By Goh Wei Hao, mypaper, myp@sph.com.sg, Published on Oct 21, 2014


QUIET SPOT:
PHOTO: QUIET SPOT: Pulau Ubin, located off the north-eastern coast of Singapore, housed 2,000 villagers during its heyday. Now, just over 30 remain.
PHOTOS: LAWRENCE CHONG
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iKqWi4w-NCYhQfmB2m0_eOFrE2EMRxzUnD0pMid9M2uWtpJI7JaBme5qLTvk5w_z7fSguPJvdTQSi2A50LnjX2kZvpmVWWBN0O4XVLk5DBvsDkX4f-gckHbGBAtAaCrKfUXM6AcQolA/s1600/MY_20141021_UBIN_P1_755343-1.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/20141021/MY_20141021_UBIN_P1_755343.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/weekend-spot-many-home-few-20141021


TODAY, just over 30 villagers remain on the once bustling island - all of whom are elderly.

Pulau Ubin, located off the north-eastern coast of Singapore, housed 2,000 villagers during its heyday.

"People started leaving for Singapore and Malaysia to look for jobs when the ubin (Malay for granite) quarry closed," said Madam Tan, the daughter-in-law of the dead village chief.

These days, Madam Tan can be found sitting on the front porch of her two-storey home, where she lives alone. She spends most of her time planting crops, cleaning the house and playing with her dog.

On weekends, her three sons and two daughters come to visit.

"Whenever my children come, they will keep asking me to move in with them," she said.

She has resisted their overtures (suggestions).

"I like it here because it is less crowded," she explained. "The air is also fresher after the quarry closed and people stopped practising slash-and-burn farming."

Madam Tan, 76, married the village chief's eldest son when she was 15.

"My husband had eight brothers, so I had to take care of 10 people," she said. "I also had to rear the pigs and chickens, and help to tend my father-in-law's provision shop."

However, she was very contented. "If I was unhappy, I would have left ages ago!" quipped Madam Tan.

According to her, the main source of income for the villagers used to be from the quarries, rubber plantations and farming.

"I started working at a very young age, helping my father tap rubber sap and my mother push carts in the quarry," she said.

Today, these industries are obsolete. Instead, the main village is filled with bicycle rental shops and seafood restaurants, all vying for the patronage of visitors to the island.

One such store can be found deep within the island: a food and beverage store opened by Mr Ahmad, 78, and Ms Saipiah, 75 who have been together for more than 50 years.

The couple enjoy spending time at the five-year-old store - selling coconuts, drinks and Malay snacks - because they get to interact with visitors. Their other pastimes include watching TV and listening to the radio.

On Fridays, the couple travel to a mosque in Bugis or Geylang for their prayers.

Even though the number of villagers has dwindled, the "kampung spirit" is still alive and well on the island.


GOOD OLD DAYS: PHOTO: GOOD OLD DAYS: Even though the number of villagers has dwindled, the "kampung spirit" is still alive and well on the island.
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http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/weekend-spot-many-home-few-20141021


Ms Juhaini, a 46-year-old production operator, is a prime example of this. Even though her parents have died, she returns to the island to help her neighbours on weekends, especially with translations.

The other big draw is that living expenses on the island are closer to those during the 60s. Ms Lee, an illustrator in her 30s, said both her parents spend less than $1,000 a month, with the bulk of it going to groceries and phone bills, as the rent is just over $100.

The island's tranquil pace of life makes it easy to see why it is still a draw with visitors, who come during weekends or holidays to fish and cycle.

"The visitors are normally from the Philippines, Indonesia and China," said Mr Heng, 69. "Singaporeans normally only come to cycle during the weekends or during Qing Ming Festival to sweep their ancestors' tombs."

Mr Heng, who lives in Hougang, visits the island every few months to stay at his friend's house - located a stone's throw from the jetty.

"When I am here, I like to fish, cut the grass, clean the house or just sit here (outside the house)," he said.

"Sometimes, I bring my brother or my kids."

According to him, the villagers - although greying - are still very healthy and mobile.


STILL GOING STRONG:
PHOTO: STILL GOING STRONG: The villagers - although greying - are still very healthy and mobile, says a visitor, adding that those who are ill have all left the island.
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http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/weekend-spot-many-home-few-20141021


"You will be surprised because many of the villagers in their 90s can still walk faster than me," he said.

He added: "The villagers who are ill have all left the island."

So have the children of the villagers, who have moved to the mainland.

One such person is Ms Lee, who left because "it was too troublesome to keep travelling to and fro".

According to her, she belongs to the "last generation of Ubin-born children".

The Lasalle School of the Arts graduate added: "During my time, there were only around 10 children left."

When she visits her parents with her older brother and sister on weekends, Ms Lee makes sketches of the island in her black notebook.

She still holds many fond memories from her childhood, especially of cycling and exploring the island with her neighbours. "I like that it is less congested and the air is much fresher. I might retire here one day," she said.
By Goh Wei Hao, mypaper, myp@sph.com.sg, Published on Oct 21, 2014



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