Question

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether all alternatives were explored before the decision was made to demolish the Sentosa Merlion; and (b) in light of the public sentiment from locals and tourists, whether the decision to demolish the Merlion will be reconsidered and, if not, whether there are plans to build another Merlion statue as a replacement.

Written reply (to be attributed to Minister for Trade & Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing)

1. Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) decided to demolish the Sentosa Merlion after exhausting all options of retaining or relocating it.  

2. The size and location of the Sentosa Merlion will severely constrain the development of the surrounding area. It will also block access along the thoroughfare for the elderly and less mobile.

3. It is not feasible to relocate the Sentosa Merlion.  It is 37 metres tall, which is the same size as a 12-storey building with staircase, lift and other structural installations within it.

4. We recognise that some members of the public have sentimental regard for the Sentosa Merlion. This is why its removal was a difficult decision for SDC.  As there are five other replicas of the original Merlion in different parts of Singapore, there are no plans to build a replacement.