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Singaporeans can continue to enjoy the rich marine life at Chek Jawa, located at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin. On 14 January 2002, the Ministry of National Development (MND) announced the decision to put off reclamation works at Pulau Ubin for as long as the island is not required for development.

This will allow Chek Jawa to be retained in its natural state. The decision to put off land reclamation works at Pulau Ubin comes after consideration and consultation with various government agencies (HDB, NParks, NUS and MINDEF), led by URA.

In order to protect the marine life at Chek Jawa, NParks has put in place measures to control access to Chek Jawa. Those who wish to visit the place must report to the NParks information desk at Pulau Ubin Community Centre. Prior bookings can be made through NParks at 542-4108.

NParks is also setting up a committee of experts to work out a comprehensive plan to manage the area.

"Land in Singapore is scarce. There will always be competing needs for land for development and national security needs. The decision not to reclaim Pulau Ubin at the moment has been made only after we have weighed the trade-offs and carefully considered the land use implications. This episode is a positive example of consultation and collaboration between the Ministry and the stakeholders which has resulted in a win-win situation. The Government will continue to take a balanced and pragmatic approach to land use planning."

Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development