News
September 03, 2025
IN FOCUS: Time stands still in Singapore’s last fishing village, as occupants face an uncertain future
Members of a quiet coastal community in the country’s northeast say they have been “waiting indefinitely” to be pushed out.
Singapore's northeastern coast holds a secret, a place where the relentless march of modernity seems to pause: Singapore's last remaining fishing village. But behind the serene facade of bobbing boats and weathered houses, a deep uncertainty hangs heavy in the air. Residents of this close-knit community say they are living in a state of limbo, "waiting indefinitely" for the inevitable – relocation.
For generations, these families have lived off the sea, their lives dictated by the tides and the rhythm of the fishing seasons. They have built their homes, their livelihoods, and their identities around this unique way of life, a stark contrast to the towering skyscrapers and bustling cityscapes that define much of Singapore.
However, the land on which their village stands is not theirs. It is state-owned, and whispers of redevelopment plans have been circulating for years. While no concrete timelines or specific projects have been officially announced, the lack of information has left the villagers in a perpetual state of anxiety. They know, deep down, that their time is limited.
The uncertainty has made it difficult for the younger generation. Many are hesitant to invest in maintaining or improving their homes, knowing that their efforts could be short-lived. The future of the village's traditional fishing practices also hangs in the balance. With each passing year, fewer young people are choosing to follow in their parents' footsteps, opting instead for careers in the city's more stable and lucrative industries.
The residents understand the need for progress and development in a rapidly growing nation like Singapore. What they crave is clarity and transparency. They hope for a fair and respectful relocation process that takes into account their unique circumstances and the deep ties they have to their ancestral home. They want to ensure that the spirit and legacy of their fishing village, a vital part of Singapore's history, is not completely lost in the pursuit of progress. The fate of this coastal enclave remains in the balance, a poignant reminder of a simpler time facing an uncertain future in the heart of a modern metropolis.
For generations, these families have lived off the sea, their lives dictated by the tides and the rhythm of the fishing seasons. They have built their homes, their livelihoods, and their identities around this unique way of life, a stark contrast to the towering skyscrapers and bustling cityscapes that define much of Singapore.
However, the land on which their village stands is not theirs. It is state-owned, and whispers of redevelopment plans have been circulating for years. While no concrete timelines or specific projects have been officially announced, the lack of information has left the villagers in a perpetual state of anxiety. They know, deep down, that their time is limited.
The uncertainty has made it difficult for the younger generation. Many are hesitant to invest in maintaining or improving their homes, knowing that their efforts could be short-lived. The future of the village's traditional fishing practices also hangs in the balance. With each passing year, fewer young people are choosing to follow in their parents' footsteps, opting instead for careers in the city's more stable and lucrative industries.
The residents understand the need for progress and development in a rapidly growing nation like Singapore. What they crave is clarity and transparency. They hope for a fair and respectful relocation process that takes into account their unique circumstances and the deep ties they have to their ancestral home. They want to ensure that the spirit and legacy of their fishing village, a vital part of Singapore's history, is not completely lost in the pursuit of progress. The fate of this coastal enclave remains in the balance, a poignant reminder of a simpler time facing an uncertain future in the heart of a modern metropolis.
Category:
Politics