On July 24, the National Environment Agency (NEA) issued an urgent advisory urging the public to avoid primary water contact activities in the waters surrounding Tuas Second Link. This includes areas near Raffles Marina. The warning follows a serious accident earlier that day on the Malaysian side of the bridge, involving two heavy tankers. One of the vehicles was carrying chemical tanks, and a tank filled with propylene glycol plunged into the sea after a collision.
The NEA, responding to the incident via an official update on Facebook, clarified that while the second tanker involved remained intact with no visible chemical leaks on the bridge, caution must still be exercised. Primary water contact activities, defined as those involving frequent full-body or head immersion (such as swimming, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and military water training), are temporarily discouraged due to potential water quality issues.
Propylene glycol is a chemical used widely in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. NEA emphasized that the substance is biodegradable and not classified as hazardous. However, it may reduce dissolved oxygen levels in marine environments, particularly affecting nearby fish farms, such as those located in the Lim Chu Kang aquaculture zone. Low oxygen levels can stress or kill fish, making the current conditions a potential risk for local fisheries.
As a precaution, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has alerted affected fish farms to be on heightened alert. Farms have been advised to prepare mitigation measures and report any irregularities, such as mass fish deaths or unusual water conditions, directly to SFA.
The incident is not currently affecting Singapore’s desalination plants. National water agency PUB has confirmed that all seawater intakes at these facilities remain unaffected, though monitoring efforts are being intensified. NEA has also assured the public that ongoing water quality checks are being conducted to detect any changes in marine conditions.
Authorities in Singapore are in direct communication with their Malaysian counterparts to coordinate environmental responses and ensure accurate situational awareness. The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department reported that the accident occurred at approximately 5:40pm on July 24. Iskandar Puteri Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Faiz Suleiman confirmed that a lorry carrying propylene glycol collided with another tanker. The collision caused one of the tanks to be dislodged and fall into the sea. Emergency response teams, including seven firemen and a Fire Rapid Tender vehicle, were deployed immediately.
According to Mr Mohd Faiz, there were no signs of leaks from the tanks involved, and no contamination was detected in the waters where the chemical tank fell. This has helped prevent a more serious environmental emergency.
A video posted online shows a dramatic moment where a moving tanker crashes into what appears to be a stationary vehicle. The impact causes the moving tanker to veer off balance, with one of its tanks toppling over the bridge’s edge and plunging into the sea below.
Ironically, this accident occurred just one day after a planned joint chemical spill response drill at the same location. On July 23, NEA had conducted a full-scale bilateral exercise with Malaysia’s Department of Environment and other agencies, simulating a cross-border chemical spill along the Tuas Second Link. All three lanes on the Malaysia-bound side of the carriageway were closed from 5am to 2pm for the drill.
Traffic on the Tuas Second Link was delayed following the real-life incident on July 24, with Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority confirming disruption for outgoing vehicles at Tuas Checkpoint.
Investigations into the full impact of the chemical spill are still ongoing, and further updates will be issued by the relevant agencies. In the meantime, the public is strongly advised to avoid direct water contact in the affected areas.
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