MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2026

A Week of Community Action and Environmental Challenges

The June school holidays resulted in very few school-based VIA programmes, but they also created valuable opportunities for stronger community and family participation in sustainability activities. Corporate CSR programmes continued at a steady pace, with between five and six programmes conducted during the reporting period, while many volunteers brought along their family members to take part in meaningful environmental activities. WWS also successfully conducted the first of three planned in-house First Aid courses for members, welcomed 11 new members through its New Members Orientation, and decorated its offices and pontoons at Lakeside, Punggol, and Kallang with National Day banners and flags. Despite these positive developments, increasing litter, illegal fishing, smoking in parks, oil spills, and irresponsible waste disposal continue to present significant environmental challenges that require stronger public education and enforcement.

Patrols

Increasing Environmental Challenges on the Ground

Patrols conducted throughout the week highlighted several growing environmental concerns across Singapore’s waterways and parks. Members patrolling Marina, Punggol, and Lakeside reported a substantial increase in litter collected, reinforcing concerns that public anti-litter campaigns have yet to achieve the desired impact. Illegal fishing activities are also expected to increase during the school holidays, and members continued engaging anglers on the importance of fishing only within designated zones while ensuring their own safety. Smoking was again observed at Kallang Riverside Park and at Chinese Garden in Jurong Lake Gardens, where four smokers were approached by our Foot Patrol and all complied when advised. Two separate oil spills were also sighted in Kallang on 23 and 27 June at different locations and were promptly reported to PUB. In addition, PMDs and PABs continue to be seen travelling at speed through Kallang Riverside Park and Kampong Bugis, many without proper number plates or displaying unusual registration numbers, prompting WWS to seek clarification from LTA regarding authorised registration sequences.

Programmes

Building Community Through CSR and Volunteer Development

Corporate and community support remained encouraging throughout the week, with strong participation from organisations, schools, volunteers, and their families. A total of six corporate CSR programmes and one school programme were successfully conducted during one reporting period, while another week saw five CSR programmes completed after one clean-up activity was postponed due to adverse weather. Many participants attended together with their children, allowing families to bond while contributing to environmental conservation through hands-on clean-up activities.

INTERESTING SIGHTINGS

Environmental Observations That Deserve Attention

Several noteworthy observations during the week highlighted ongoing sustainability challenges. Members recorded a significant increase in litter across multiple patrol locations, illustrating that Singapore still has considerable work to do in maintaining a truly clean environment. Without greater public responsibility and more effective enforcement, the growing volume of waste will continue placing pressure on Semakau Landfill. During the Great Green Run, one WWS member observed a recycling bin containing mixed waste, including plastic bottles, aluminium cans, banana skins, rubbish bags, and other general waste. The sighting demonstrated that simply providing recycling bins is insufficient unless the public understands the importance of proper waste segregation. Such events present valuable opportunities to educate participants on sustainability and promote initiatives such as WWS’ Return Right Campaign, reinforcing that protecting the environment requires consistent responsible behaviour rather than participation in a single event.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS

Educating and Inspiring Responsible Behaviour

Public engagement remained an important aspect of WWS’ activities throughout the week. Members actively engaged smokers found in prohibited areas, all of whom complied with advice given by patrol volunteers. Anglers were also reminded to fish only within designated areas while paying attention to their own safety. Family-oriented CSR programmes provided an excellent platform for participants of all ages to learn about environmental stewardship while working together to keep Singapore’s waterways clean. Through these engagements, WWS continues to advocate responsible waste disposal, proper recycling practices, and everyday sustainable behaviour. As climate change, rising sea levels, and Singapore’s limited landfill capacity become increasingly pressing concerns, WWS believes that sustainability can only be achieved when every individual takes responsibility for protecting the environment every day.