Written Reply by Minister for Law Mr Edwin Tong SC on Improving Barrier-Free Accessibility on Kusu Island

4 November 2026 Posted in Parliamentary speeches and responses

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye (Member of Parliament for Radin Mas SMC)

Question
To ask the Minister for Law whether the Singapore Land Authority will review and improve barrier-free accessibility on Kusu Island, particularly access to the religious sites, to enable elderly devotees and persons with mobility difficulties to participate safely in the annual pilgrimage.

Written Answer by Minister Edwin Tong SC:

1.      Barrier free access is available on parts of Kusu Island, including a barrier-free walkway which connects the ferry landing point to the jetty and extends further into the island. During the annual Kusu pilgrimage, personnel are stationed along the walkway to assist visitors, and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) puts up tents along the way to shelter them. These arrangements help elderly devotees and visitors with mobility difficulties move around the island safely and comfortably.

2.      The Chinese temple on Kusu Island is a short distance from the jetty, and has a ramp which provides access for wheelchair users.

3.      However, the natural terrain on Kusu Island constrains the provision of barrier-free access on parts of the island. It is currently not feasible to provide lift access to the shrines, which sits on higher ground and can only be reached by climbing about 150 steps. Handrails are provided along the steps for the safety of visitors.

4.      Within these site constraints, SLA will continue to do what it can and find practical ways to make visits safer and improve access, taking into account the island’s terrain and the space available at each site.