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Western Water Catchment
Western Water Catchment
from Wikipedia

The Western Water Catchment is a planning area located in the West Region of Singapore. The planning area borders Tuas and Pioneer to its south, Sungei Kadut, Choa Chu Kang and Tengah to its east, Jurong West to its southeast, Lim Chu Kang to its north and the Straits of Johor to its west. It is the largest planning area by land area, covering nearly a tenth of Singapore Island. It is also one of the two main water catchments in Singapore, the other being Central Water Catchment.

Key Information

The area currently houses four reservoirs, Tengeh Reservoir, Poyan Reservoir, Murai Reservoir and Sarimbun Reservoir. Part of the Western Water Catchment is also a live-firing area in which it is used by the Singapore Armed Forces for training purposes.

The SAFTI Live Firing Area commenced operations in 1968 and was revamped in 2008, the eastern part began operations in 2002 and has been extended to Lim Chu Kang Tracks 11 and 13.

History

[edit]
Date Event
1936 - 1942 Opening of the military fort called Pasir Laba Battery.
18 June 1966 Opening of Pasir Laba Camp
1967 Drawing out of SAFTI Live Firing Area, and before this date, most residents and occupants living within the affected boundaries were shifted to Boon Lay as its pioneer residents and factories there were relocated to the Jurong Industrial Area, leaving only a few villages behind. There are 504 warning signs in the vicinity.
14 July 1968 Four villagers died and nine others were injured in the live-firing area (near Kampong Berih, one of many rural villages in the area) and seven other villagers snuck into Pasir Laba (on the coastline of the Johor Straits) by sampans to pick durians and rambutans from the many fruit trees in the forest there. These villagers were injured by mortar rounds in their attempt to collect fruits.[3] There are many cases of trespassers in the live firing area.[4]
1970s Demolition of Pasir Laba Battery, located at Wrexham and Bajau area. Several of the WWII gun battery historical remains were seen at the junction of Wrexham Drive and Wrexham Road.[5]
1994 Remaining villages behind such as Kampong Berih and Chua Chu Kang Village were all gone.
July 2022 TRMC has put up additional sign depicting "No Unauthorised Photography or Filming" under the Infrastructure Protection Act.
November 2024 TRMC has put up the new generation of Live Firing Area sign depicting "Force May Be Used - No Entry Beyond This Sign" and instead of deadly skull and crossbone, a toxic substance was used instead to deter trespassers, and the yellow extra instruction sign saying "Do Not Go Beyond This Point - Live Firing Area: KEEP CLEAR" was briefly replaced by "Trespassers Will Be Handed to the Police".[6]

Districts

[edit]

There are 21 districts in Western Water Catchment. Except for Cleantech, Murai North, Nanyang Bridge, Nanyang Crescent, Nanyang Gateway and part of Peng Kang Hill (NTU), visiting to these districts and unauthorised photography or filming in these districts is not allowed by law.[7] Deadly force may be used against trespassers, security guard or military gate warden will ask trespassers to leave, if not police will be called.

  1. Ama Keng
  2. Bahtera
  3. Bajau
  4. Cleantech
  5. Jalan Bahar
  6. Kapal
  7. Kranji Camp
  8. Lorong Danau
  9. Murai
  10. Murai North (Opened from 10 January 2025)
  11. Nanyang Bridge
  12. Nanyang Crescent
  13. Nanyang Gateway
  14. Pasir Laba
  15. Peng Kang Hill
  16. Poyan
  17. SAFTI City
  18. Sarimbun
  19. Sungei Gedong
  20. Thousand Oaks
  21. Wrexham

Infrastructure

[edit]

Military

[edit]

There are seven main military bases in the Western Water Catchment. These include Pasir Laba Camp, Choa Chu Kang Camp at Lorong Danau (where the RSAF's 201 Squadron is based; it has Fighter control, SAM control, Surveillance and ASP),[8] Sungei Gedong Camp (HQ Armour), Kranji Camp II & III, Mowbray Camp (SAF MP Command) and Tengah Air Base. A military aerostat, widely referred to as a blimp locally, is tethered to the ground at Choa Chu Kang Camp as part of testing for use as long-range air defence radar in Singapore.[9] Additionally, there are various live-firing ranges in the Western Water Catchment; these include the Multi-Mission Range Complex, MATADOR Range, M203 Range, several SAFTI ranges and the Poyan 300m Range.

The SAFTI City Urban Training Facility was opened on 19 March 2025. Features do include 3 decommissioned MRT trains, 2 decommissioned buses, 2 decommissioned taxis, offices, hospitals and residential buildings, to simulate homeland operations. The names do include: Kremlin Hotel, Bahtera Hospital, Thousand Oaks Offices, North Oaks Park, Murai Path, Poyan Station, Sarimbun Market, Neo Tiew Ferry Pier and Wrexham Bus Interchange.[10]

Half of the Western Water Catchment lies within the SAFTI Live Firing Area boundary. The boundary is within Bahtera Track, Lim Chu Kang Road, New Lim Chu Kang Road, Jalan Bahar, Nanyang Avenue, Nanyang Crescent, Nanyang Drive, PIE, the production of Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC), Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC), Tengeh Reservoir and Straits of Johor. A few parts are opened to public for various reasons (e.g. short intersection of Old Choa Chu Kang Road, Pasir Laba Road and the whole of Sungei Gedong Road). The remaining half are still military training areas. Those are the places that have been fenced off:

Gate Location
SAFTI Live Firing Area
Gate A Wrexham Bridge near Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim and Singapore Rail Test Centre, for access to Tengeh Reservoir. A few portions remains open as side roads to Singapore Rail Test Centre, PUB and SembCorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm to the public, whereas a gated access is only for a main road.
Gate B Pasir Laba Road near Pasir Laba Camp. This is the only two public entrances due to military camp and requires permission from Pasir Laba Camp Commander before entering access.
Gate C Peng Kang Avenue near to Pan Island Expressway
Gate D Peng Kang Avenue near to Peng Kang Hill MRT station
Gate E Lorong Danau (Near to NTU), for access to Poyan Reservoir and Choa Chu Kang Camp. (Note: The security guards will request unauthorised persons to leave while it is too near to the camp)
Gate F New Lim Chu Kang Road/Jalan Bahar junction at an unnamed track
Gate G Jalan Sungei Poyan just at the SAFTI City, for access to Poyan Reservoir. The short intersection of Old Choa Chu Kang Road is still accessible to public.
Gate H Former Kampong Berih Road, for access to Poyan Reservoir. The short intersection of Old Choa Chu Kang Road is still accessible to public.
Gate I New Lim Chu Kang Road/Poyan North Drive junction
Gate J New Lim Chu Kang Road/Murai South Lane junction, for access to Murai Reservoir.
Gate K New Lim Chu Kang Road/Murai North Drive junction
Gate L New Lim Chu Kang Road/Oakville Road junction
Gate M Thousand Oaks Road near to New Lim Chu Kang Road
Gate N Murai North Park/Sungei Gedong Road
Gate O Sungei Gedong Camp. This is the only two public entrances due to military camp and requires permission from Sungei Gedong Camp Commander before entering access.
Gate P Sarimbun Drive/Sungei Gedong Road
Gate Q Jalan Bahtera, for access to Sarimbun Reservoir.
Gate outside SAFTI Live Firing Area
Gate 1 Jalan Bahar (East)
Gate 2 Old Choa Chu Kang Road/Jalan Berseri
Gate 4 Lim Chu Kang Track 9
Gate 5 Neo Tiew Road (South)
Gate 6 Neo Tiew Buildings
Gate 7 Jalan Gemala 3
Gate 8 East Lim Chu Kang Lane 1 from Neo Tiew Road
Gate 8 West Lim Chu Kang Lane 1 from Lim Chu Kang Road
Gate 9 East Lim Chu Kang Lane 3 from Neo Tiew Road
Gate 9 West Lim Chu Kang Lane 3 from Lim Chu Kang Road
Gate 10 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4
Gate 11 Lim Chu Kang Lane 5
Gate 12 Lim Chu Kang Lane 6
Gate 13 Lim Chu Kang Lane 6C

In the Murai area, there are more military training areas which are the Murai Urban Live Firing Facility (MULFAC), Murai Urban Training Facility (MUTF) and MEXCON. These will be affected under the proposed Lim Chu Kang Road realignment project for the expanded Tengah Air Base, along with the construction of the new SAFTI City. The facility was located within an existing training area in Lim Chu Kang, in the vicinity of Jalan Murai. The MUTF is built to resemble a typical town, and has features such as single-level houses; a commercial district comprising multi-function, multi-storey buildings; a residential district; as well as an industrial district. The MUTF was permanently closed in 26 August 2022 to be given for the construction of the new Lim Chu Kang Road and Tengah Airbase, with training being shifted to SAFTI City. The stretch of Lim Chu Kang Road between Neo Tiew Road and Old Choa Chu Kang Road will be permanently closed and given to make way for an expanded Tengah Air Base.

Home Team Academy

[edit]

Western Water Catchment houses the Home Team Academy (HTA), which is located along Old Choa Chu Kang Road, and the Civil Defence Academy (CDA), which is located along Jalan Bahar, next to the Muslim cemetery. The SPF ProCom (Protective Security Command) camp is located at Mowbray road, adjacent to the SAF Mowbray Camp.

Education

[edit]

Western Water Catchment houses the main campus of Nanyang Technological University and National Institute of Education, located at the boundary with Jurong West.

Cemetery

[edit]

Western Water Catchment houses the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, which is the largest cemetery in Singapore. It is located at the junction of the Old Choa Chu Kang Road, Lim Chu Kang Road and Jalan Bahar. Within its grounds, are several columbaria, including the state-run Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, and two private facilities, namely The Garden of Remembrance, a Christian columbarium and Ji Le Memorial Park, a Buddhist facility.

Reservoirs

[edit]

This water catchment has 4 reservoirs. There are two road connections to connect reservoirs - Wrexham Road from Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim to Wrexham Avenue for connecting via Tengeh Reservoir, and Lim Chu Kang Coast Road to cross via Poyan Reservoir, Murai Reservoir, Sarimbun Reservoir and ending at Jalan Kapal.

Tengeh Reservoir

[edit]
Tengeh Reservoir
Red dot on the west of Singapore, almost on the coastline
Red dot on the west of Singapore, almost on the coastline
Tengeh Reservoir
LocationWestern Water Catchment
Coordinates1°20′45″N 103°38′50″E / 1.34583°N 103.64722°E / 1.34583; 103.64722
Typereservoir
Basin countriesSingapore

Tengeh Reservoir (Malay: Tadahan Air Tengeh; Chinese: 登格蓄水池) was formerly a river, Sungei Tengeh, which emptied into the Straits of Johor and was dammed to become a reservoir in the early 1980s (which is part of Western Water Catchment Scheme). It is located at Wrexham and Bajau districts. Construction of the reservoir began on 11 March 1977.[11]

Tengeh Reservoir is part of the SAFTI Live Firing Area (South) and has restricted access since 19 January 1992. It is accessible from the side road of Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim called Wrexham Road and running through the Wrexham Bridge via TRMC Gate A. It is also accessible from another side road of PIE/Upper Jurong Road called Pasir Laba Road and running through the Wrexham Drive via TRMC Gate B.[7]

The southern side of Tengeh Reservoir is the Raffles Country Club, and the golf areas can see the reservoir clearly. The Raffles Country Club construction began on 29 October 1987. The government of Singapore has made the second large acquisition of land for the project by requiring Raffles Country Club to vacate its plot as the site offers the "most suitable location" to run the HSR tracks after the bridge crossing and to place the tunnel portal leading to the tunnels that would take the HSR to the Jurong East terminus. The site has to be vacated by July 31, 2018, to be used for HSR crossover tracks and a siding facility to temporarily house a train near the border for safety or operational reasons. It is renamed to Singapore Rail Test Centre, the northern perimeter is called Peng Kang View from May 2024. Peng Kang View also has built a new Instrumented Battle Circuit (IBAC).[12]

On 3 November 2011, Public Utilities Board (PUB) and Economic Development Board (EDB) decided to install floating solar panels at Tengeh Reservoir, which is part of S$11 million project.[13] The 60 MW facility became operational in July 2021.[14][15]

Poyan Reservoir

[edit]
Poyan Reservoir
Red dot on the west of Singapore, almost on the coastline
Red dot on the west of Singapore, almost on the coastline
Poyan Reservoir
LocationWestern Water Catchment
Coordinates1°22′37″N 103°39′50″E / 1.37694°N 103.66389°E / 1.37694; 103.66389
Typereservoir
Basin countriesSingapore

Poyan Reservoir (Malay: Tadahan Air Poyan; Chinese: 波扬蓄水池) was previously part of the river Sungei Poyan and its delta, which was dammed to become a reservoir. Sungei Poyan emptied into the Straits of Johor. It is located in SAFTI City, Poyan and Bajau districts. Construction of the reservoir began on 11 March 1977.[11]

At the same year, Mediacorp has filmed the drama "Behind Bars" (Season 1 Episode 28) at that location, the Poyan Temple was there, as "Temple Hill". However, at that location, there is a cash train visible at the location since 2007 and 3 additional trains (C151 003/004, C751B 321/322 and 345/346) were added since 2023.[16]

It is part of SAFTI Live Firing Area (South), which has restricted access and is accessible from TRMC Gate E, Gate F, Gate G, Gate H and Gate I.[7] In April 2019, some of the roads at Poyan Reservoir were also named - Poyan Drive, Poyan Avenue, SAFTI City Avenue and Danau Grove. The road name, Jalan Sungei Poyan still exists for a short section from Danau Grove to Old Choa Chu Kang Road.[17]

At the reservoir, only the Mobility 3rd Generation raft is deployed to load and unload military vehicles when crossing from the western side to the eastern side.

Murai Reservoir

[edit]
Murai Reservoir
Red dot on the northwest of Singapore, almost on the coastline
Red dot on the northwest of Singapore, almost on the coastline
Murai Reservoir
LocationWestern Water Catchment
Coordinates1°24′00″N 103°40′25″E / 1.40000°N 103.67361°E / 1.40000; 103.67361
Typereservoir
Basin countriesSingapore

Murai Reservoir (Malay: Tadahan Air Murai; Chinese: 慕莱蓄水池; pinyin: Mù lái xù shuǐ chí) was formerly Sungei Murai, which was dammed in early 1980s, to create a reservoir. It is located in Murai, Murai North and Thousand Oaks districts. Construction work had begun in November 1977.[11]

It is part of SAFTI Live Firing Area (North), of which is restricted to only from the TRMC Operations Room and accessible from Gate J and Gate K.[7] The Murai IBAC (Instrumented Battle Circuit) is west of Murai Reservoir, which can be accessed through Jalan Murai from New Lim Chu Kang Road at TRMC Gate J, together with the Murai Urban Live Firing Facility (MULFF).[17]

There is also a road east of Murai Urban Training Facility which goes from Lim Chu Kang Road to Jalan Murai, called Murai Farmway and was expunged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to the area and the reservoir has been restricted since October 1999. Murai North and Thousand Oaks had four dirt roads named - Lim Chu Kang Track 11 and Track 13, most of it were expunged by December 2023 and only Track 13 was renamed to Thousand Oaks Avenue. Also, with the opening of New Lim Chu Kang Road from 8 June 2025, even the road - Jalan Murai was expunged and the remaining parts in the SAFTI LFA were renamed to Murai South Lane and Murai North Drive. Lorong Melukut and Lorong Puyoh is renamed to Oakville Road and Oakville Park Street respectively for modern military reasons as it is still within the restricted Thousand Oaks area but the Murai North is already acquired for the Tengah Air Base extension.

Sarimbun Reservoir

[edit]
Sarimbun Reservoir
Red dot on the northwest of Singapore, almost on the coastline
Red dot on the northwest of Singapore, almost on the coastline
Sarimbun Reservoir
LocationWestern Water Catchment
Coordinates1°25′35″N 103°41′00″E / 1.42639°N 103.68333°E / 1.42639; 103.68333
Typereservoir
Basin countriesSingapore

Sarimbun Reservoir (Malay: Tadahan Air Sarimbun; Chinese: 莎琳汶蓄水池) was constructed by damming Sungei Sarimbun and widening of Sungei Karang, Sungei Hantu, and Sungei Sarimbun.[18] It is located in Sarimbun, Sungei Gedong, Bahtera and Kapal districts. Construction work began in November 1977.[11]

It is part of SAFTI Live Firing Area in the north, which has restricted access since 19 January 1992 and only accessible through the TRMC Operations Room. The gate is accessible through the road named Jalan Bahtera and is called TRMC Gate P and Gate Q.[7] The public can cut through from Bahtera Track to enter Sarimbun Reservoir area.

Sarimbun was where General Tomoyuki Yamashita landed his troops during World War II, and was engaged in the Battle of Sarimbun Beach. Sarimbun is also home to many small vegetable and fruit farms and health farms. Sarimbun also hosts multiple permanent campsites, especially on Jalan Bahtera. These campsites include the Singapore Scout Association's Sarimbun Campsite, Girl Guides Singapore's Camp Christine, and Ministry of Education's Jalan Bahtera Adventure Centre. These will be closed down by 2032 and will be replaced by expanded SAFTI Live Firing Area.

Etymology

[edit]

Sarimbun is a Malay place name, and existed probably since the early nineteenth century. The Franklin and Jackson's Plan of Singapore (1830) refers to Sungei Sarimbun, or Sarimbun River in Malay, as "Serimhone".

Rimbun means "luxuriant", "in great quantity" or "thick".

Other place names with Sarimbun include Pulau Sarimbun, a small island in the Straits of Johor off the coast at Sarimbun. Pulau Sarimbun is within the SAFTI Live Firing Area as shown in the map.

Islands

[edit]

There are three islands in the Western Water Catchment - Pulau Bajau, Pulau Pergam and Pulau Sarimbun. Pulau Bajau is a hypsographic island within Poyan Reservoir. It is part of the SAFTI live firing area.

Etymology

[edit]

Pulau Bajau means Bajau island, in which Bajau is an indigenous ethnic group residing in the state of Sabah in east Malaysia, Indonesia and southern Philippines.

Transport

[edit]

Bus

[edit]

Western Water Catchment Area has very few public bus connections in the vicinity – 172, 179, 199, 405 and 975. All buses are operated by SMRT Buses.

  • 172, which operates between Choa Chu Kang and Boon Lay interchanges, serves the military and Home Team installations along Jalan Bahar and Old Choa Chu Kang Road.
  • 179 and 199 operates from Boon Lay Bus Interchange and provides bus connections between NTU and nearby MRT stations, Boon Lay and Pioneer.
  • 405, which operates from Boon Lay Interchange, and provides connectivity to Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and direct connectivity to SAFTI City [Bus Stop 31009 is renamed to bef SAFTI City as a result, previously bef Jln Sungei Poyan, and u-turn immediately before the entrance to SAFTI City]
  • 975, which operates from Bukit Panjang Interchange, via Choa Chu Kang, also goes through the Old Choa Chu Kang Road, Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, New Lim Chu Kang Road and Lim Chu Kang Road, terminating at Lim Chu Kang Road End.

Besides public bus services, NTU internal campus shuttle buses provide a free alternative to public buses for commutes between Pioneer MRT station and NTU as well as within the campus.

MRT

[edit]

There are currently no operational MRT stations within Western Water Catchment. Tawas, Nanyang Gateway, Nanyang Crescent and Peng Kang Hill stations of the upcoming Jurong Region line (JRL) are currently under construction and will be completed by 2029. These stations will improve accessibility between NTU, CleanTech Park and Jurong West.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Western Water Catchment is the largest designated planning area in the West Region of , primarily serving as one of the island's key water catchment zones and a restricted military training ground for the (SAF). Established as part of Singapore's efforts to enhance local , the catchment features four major reservoirs—Tengeh, Poyan, Sarimbun, and Murai—created in the late 1970s by damming rivers to collect and store rainwater, contributing to the nation's 17 reservoirs that cover two-thirds of the land area for water harvesting. The area around these reservoirs spans approximately 70 km² and is managed by , Singapore's National Water Agency, to support water treatment facilities like the Waterworks, which draws from these sources to supply potable water to the western region. In addition to its hydrological role, the Western Water Catchment encompasses extensive forested zones that form critical ecological linkages, such as a 100-meter-wide, 5 km-long Forest Corridor connecting it to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and facilitating wildlife movement for species including pangolins and mouse deer. However, much of the area remains off-limits to civilians due to its designation as a live-firing zone and the presence of key SAF installations, including Tengah Air Base, Pasir Laba Camp, and Choa Chu Kang Camp, which support artillery, infantry, and air force training. Despite restricted access, the catchment's natural features, including secondary forests and wetlands, harbor significant , with ongoing initiatives like bridges and environmental impact assessments aimed at balancing conservation with infrastructure needs, such as water plant expansions. This multifaceted role underscores its importance in Singapore's , water resilience, national defense, and .

Geography

Location and Boundaries

The Western Water Catchment is a planning area situated in the West Region of , serving as one of 55 such areas delineated under the (URA) framework to guide land use and physical development across the nation. This area plays a critical role in Singapore's water management and defense strategies, encompassing primarily reservoirs and military zones that limit permanent habitation. Covering an area of 69.5 km², the Western Water Catchment is the largest planning area in by land extent, accounting for nearly 10% of the island's total landmass. Its expansive terrain supports essential infrastructure for water collection and security training, while its boundaries are precisely defined to integrate with adjacent urban and industrial zones. The planning area borders and Pioneer to the south, Sungei Kadut to the east, and Tengah to the southeast, further to the southeast, to the northeast, and of Johor to the north. These demarcations ensure coordinated development, separating the catchment's protected zones from surrounding residential and industrial expansions. As of June 2025, the population of the Western Water Catchment stands at 580 residents, predominantly transient workers associated with maintenance and security operations, reflecting the area's strict access restrictions.

Land Use and Restrictions

The Western Water Catchment serves as a critical zone for rainwater collection, encompassing a significant portion of Singapore's infrastructure. Approximately two-thirds of the nation's land area functions as a water catchment, channeling rainfall through an extensive network of rivers, canals, and drains spanning over 8,000 kilometers to feed 17 reservoirs across the island, including those in the western . This designation prioritizes to ensure , limiting development to compatible activities such as light industries that minimize risks. A substantial part of the catchment is allocated for military training by the (SAF), including live-firing areas that restrict civilian access to maintain operational security and safety. Facilities such as those in the Pasir Laba area have historically supported and armored training exercises. Limited civilian facilities exist, primarily related to water management and essential , underscoring the area's dual role in national defense and resource security. Key facilities and areas within the Western Water Catchment, including military installations and water infrastructure, are designated as protected places under the Infrastructure Protection Act 2017, prohibiting unauthorized entry, , or filming to safeguard and military operations. Violations can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or, in extreme cases, the use of necessary force to prevent access. The area is out-of-bounds to the public, with prominent signage warning of these restrictions and the dangers of live-firing activities. Historical trespassing incidents have highlighted the risks, contributing to reinforced enforcement measures.

History

Early Development

During the British colonial period, the Western Water Catchment area maintained a predominantly rural character, dotted with villages such as Ama Keng and Pasir Laba that supported local economies through and . In Ama Keng, communities cultivated , fruits, , and pigs on surrounding estates, transforming the area into a key food production hub by the 1950s, with the village itself originating from early 20th-century plantations of gambier, pineapples, and rubber. Nearby coastal and riverine settlements in the broader region, including parts around Pasir Laba, featured Malay fishing villages where residents combined net with prawn farming along rivers like those feeding into the Straits of . These self-sufficient communities relied on attap and zinc-roofed homes, shophouses, and basic amenities, reflecting the area's isolation from urban prior to independence. To bolster defenses against potential threats from the northwest, the British constructed the Pasir Laba Battery in the , equipping it with two 6-inch BL Mark VII guns on central pivot mounts to guard the western coast and the approaches to . Positioned on elevated terrain overlooking the Straits of Johor, the battery included concrete emplacements, magazines, and an observation post, with one gun repositioned in 1936 for an improved arc of fire. This fortification represented a critical component of Singapore's pre-World War II network, designed to deter naval incursions and protect the island's strategic rear. The area's strategic significance became evident during , particularly with the Battle of Sarimbun Beach on the night of 8 February 1942, when Japanese forces from the 5th Division launched their invasion of . Crossing the Straits of in assault boats and barges from the Skudai and Melayu Rivers, approximately 4,000 troops overwhelmed the defending 22nd Australian at Sarimbun in the northwestern part of the catchment, securing a within hours despite initial Allied artillery failures. The Pasir Laba Battery was among the first to respond, firing around 40 rounds at the before sustaining heavy from Japanese artillery starting at 0715 hours on 9 February; its guns and were damaged, leading to the deliberate demolition of the installation by Allied forces later that day to prevent capture. These events marked the beginning of the fall of , highlighting vulnerabilities in the western defenses. Following the war, the Western Water Catchment began a gradual shift toward training uses and water resource management, though its rural villages persisted into the post- era. The remaining structures of the Pasir Laba Battery were eventually demolished in the 1990s to accommodate expanded facilities.

Post-Independence Era

Following Singapore's independence in 1965, the Western Water Catchment underwent significant transformations to support national defense and needs. In 1966, the Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute (SAFTI) was established at , marking a key step in building local capabilities independent of British forces; the camp was officially opened on 18 June by then-Defence Minister Dr. . This facility became central to training operations, including the subsequent activation of the SAFTI Live Firing Area in the catchment, which enhanced the area's role as a restricted zone. These developments aligned with broader efforts to consolidate defense infrastructure in the west, prioritizing strategic land use amid rapid . Water resource initiatives also intensified in the post-independence period, with reservoir projects initiated in the 1970s to bolster local catchment capacity. Reservoir projects in the 1970s included Poyan Reservoir (completed 1973) and Tengeh Reservoir (1976), with Murai and Sarimbun following later in the decade. By 2011, national expansions—such as the completion of the —integrated the Western Water Catchment into a system covering two-thirds of Singapore's land area, up from half pre-independence, contributing to self-sufficiency goals. In the , remaining rural settlements within the area were resettled to facilitate unified military training and water protection, clearing the way for dedicated catchment and defense functions without disrupting urban growth elsewhere. Recent enhancements reflect ongoing adaptations to modern security and environmental priorities. On 19 March 2025, Minister for Defence Dr. launched SAFTI City Phase 1, a next-generation urban training facility spanning 17 hectares within the SAFTI Training Area, equipped with like instrumented battle circuits and data analytics for realistic operations simulations; it supports annual training for up to 20,000 personnel. The Ministry of plans to close several adventure campsites in the Western Water Catchment, including those in the Sarimbun area, by 2032 as part of consolidating eight sites into four enhanced locations to improve safety and capacity for student programs. Concurrently, expansion, announced in 2017 and advancing through 2025 with realignments like the new Road opening on 8 June, will acquire 106 hectares to accommodate F-35 squadrons and relocation by the mid-2030s, further entrenching the area's military significance while preserving catchment integrity.

Administrative Divisions

Districts

The Western Water Catchment is administratively divided into 21 , serving as subzones under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) planning framework to manage within this expansive area. These encompass a mix of functions, with the majority allocated for military training by the (SAF) and the protection of through reservoirs and catchment zones, while a few support limited residential, educational, or emerging development activities. Key districts include Ama Keng, focused on water catchment preservation; Pasir Laba, which houses significant SAF training facilities; Nanyang Gateway, adjacent to educational institutions; Murai North, designated for expanded exercises; Sarimbun, incorporating operations; and Tengah, bridging towards future urban extensions. Other districts, such as Bahtera, Lorong Danau, and Poyan, similarly prioritize restricted environmental and defense roles over public access. Access to most districts is strictly prohibited to the general public, enforced through regulations to safeguard training operations and integrity. For instance, the SAFTI Live Firing Area within Pasir Laba district remains a controlled zone for live-fire exercises, with advisories issued by the for periodic activities. Similarly, the Poyan district, surrounding Poyan Reservoir, imposes restrictions under Public Utilities Board (PUB) guidelines to prevent contamination of the . Violations can result in penalties under the relevant defence and environmental laws. In line with URA's long-term vision, these districts are planned for gradual integration with adjacent developments, such as Tengah New Town, through green corridors that enhance ecological connectivity while maintaining core catchment and defense functions. This approach aims to balance urban expansion with the preservation of the area's strategic roles. Islands like Pulau Bajau serve as offshore components of the .

Islands

The Western Water Catchment includes three small islands located in the Straits of Johor: Pulau Bajau, Pulau Pergam, and Pulau Sarimbun. These islands serve as offshore components of the catchment area, contributing to its overall boundaries and ecological integrity. Pulau Bajau derives its name from the Bajau ethnic group, an indigenous Austronesian people traditionally known as sea nomads who inhabit coastal and maritime regions across , including parts of , , and the . The name Pulau Pergam originates from the Malay term "pergam," referring to a species of pigeon or dove. Pulau Sarimbun is named after the Malay word "sarimbun," which denotes luxuriant or thick vegetation, reflecting the island's historical landscape. Land use on these islands is highly restricted, primarily designated for military training by the and nature conservation efforts to preserve and prevent . This integration supports the catchment's primary function of protecting and quantity for reservoirs such as Sarimbun Reservoir, to which the islands are proximate. Administratively, the islands form part of the Western Water Catchment planning area, with Pulau Bajau as a dedicated subzone and Pulau Pergam and Pulau Sarimbun associated with the Sarimbun subzone, aligning with the broader Western Water Catchment area.

Reservoirs

Tengeh Reservoir

Tengeh Reservoir, located in Singapore's Western Water Catchment, was constructed as part of the Western Catchments Scheme, a major post-independence initiative to expand the nation's water storage capacity by damming four rivers—Murai, Poyan, Sarimbun, and Tengeh—into reservoirs, with completion in 1981. This development contributed to building Singapore's network of reservoirs, bringing the total to 11 reservoirs managed by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) to secure local catchment water supplies. The reservoir plays a key role in Singapore's by collecting and storing rainwater from a of approximately 25.6 km², predominantly forested land that minimizes and . Managed by , it integrates into the national water grid, treating and distributing stored water to support domestic, industrial, and municipal needs as one of the "Four National Taps" strategy for sustainable supply. Its surface area spans about 1.4 km², providing essential storage amid Singapore's limited land and high urbanization. A standout feature is the Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm, Singapore's first large-scale inland floating photovoltaic installation, which became operational in July 2021 and generates 60 MWp of clean energy—enough to power around 16,000 four-room households annually. Covering 45 hectares (one-third of the reservoir's surface) with 122,000 panels arranged in 10 modular islands, the system avoids land use conflicts while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 32,000 tonnes per year. Developed through a under a 25-year , it feeds electricity directly into the national grid and supports PUB's operations, advancing dual-use innovations for water and energy sustainability. Access to Tengeh Reservoir is fully restricted as it lies within the SAFTI Live Firing Area, prohibiting public entry, trails, or recreational activities to ensure operational security and . This isolation helps maintain but limits it to essential maintenance and monitoring by authorized personnel only.

Poyan Reservoir

Poyan Reservoir was developed as a key component of the Western Catchments Water Scheme, initiated to expand Singapore's local by impounding rivers in the northwest. Construction began in 1977, with the damming of Sungei Poyan and its delta, and the full scheme—including interconnecting channels—was completed in mid-1981. This timeline aligned closely with the development of adjacent reservoirs like Tengeh, forming an integrated network for efficient and distribution. The reservoir primarily collects and stores rainwater runoff from the surrounding undeveloped and protected lands within the Western Water Catchment, enhancing Singapore's self-reliance on local sources amid growing demand. With its location in a largely forested and restricted zone, it supports broader efforts by supplementing supplies from neighboring reservoirs such as Tengeh, Murai, and Sarimbun, ensuring a diversified catchment system. This role underscores the strategic integration of environmental conservation with in post-independence infrastructure planning. A distinctive aspect of Poyan Reservoir is its adaptation for military training by the (SAF), particularly for vehicle crossing exercises within the SAFTI Live Firing Area. The SAF employs the Mobility 3rd Generation (M3G) raft system here to simulate amphibious operations, allowing troops to load, transport, and unload armored vehicles across the water body during maneuvers. Such training enhances operational readiness in realistic terrains, with exercises involving units like the . Due to its incorporation into the SAFTI Training Area, access to Poyan Reservoir is strictly restricted, prohibiting civilian entry to maintain security and safety during live-firing and tactical drills. No public trails, viewing points, or recreational facilities exist, preserving the site's dual utility for water storage and defense preparedness.

Murai Reservoir

Murai Reservoir was developed as part of Singapore's Western Catchments Water Scheme to bolster the nation's water storage capacity amid growing demand in the late 1970s. Construction of the Murai Dam, spanning 320 metres in length and 20 metres in height across the mouth of the Murai River, commenced in November 1977 following the award of a $24.7 million contract to a local engineering firm. The overall scheme, encompassing Murai Reservoir alongside Poyan, Sarimbun, and Tengeh reservoirs, was planned for completion in 1981 to support water needs through the 1980s. As one of four reservoirs in the Western Water Catchment, Murai Reservoir plays a vital role in the local by capturing rainfall and channeling it toward national water treatment facilities, such as the Waterworks, for processing and distribution across . This integration helps regulate and contributes to the reliability of local catchment water, which forms a key pillar of the country's Four National Taps strategy for sustainable supply. Since 2011, the reservoir has supported the expansion of Singapore's overall water catchment to two-thirds of the land area through interconnected waterway enhancements. The reservoir's management extends beyond storage under the Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Programme, which promotes integrated watershed approaches to foster environmental resilience and , though implementation here emphasizes ecological balance over public recreation due to site constraints. Situated adjacent to the Murai North district, which opened in January 2025 as part of broader northern rejuvenation efforts, the reservoir benefits from nearby urban developments while maintaining its hydrological functions. Access remains highly restricted, as the area falls within the ' live-firing zones, limiting infrastructure to essential operational needs for security and safety.

Sarimbun Reservoir

Sarimbun Reservoir is one of four reservoirs in Singapore's Western Water Catchment, constructed to bolster the nation's capacity as part of a broader initiative to develop local catchment areas. Construction began in late 1977 when the Public Utilities Board awarded a S$24.7 million contract for building both the Murai and Sarimbun reservoirs, with work forming part of a larger scheme that included Poyan and Tengeh reservoirs, collectively adding 31.4 million cubic meters of storage. The project was completed in 1981, integrating Sarimbun into Singapore's network of 17 reservoirs managed by , which collectively harness rainwater from two-thirds of the country's land area. The plays a key role in collecting runoff from northern catchment zones adjacent to the Straits of , channeling water through dams and associated infrastructure to support potable supply and resilience against . Its strategic location enhances the interconnection of reservoirs via pipelines and canals, allowing treated water to be distributed island-wide. Nearby, Pulau Sarimbun, a small 1.4-hectare island within waters, lies in close proximity and forms part of the broader , though access to both is tightly controlled. Historically, the site holds significance as the location of the Battle of Sarimbun Beach on 8 February 1942, when Japanese forces from the 5th Division landed under cover of darkness around 10:30 pm, overwhelming the defending 22nd Australian Brigade in the initial stages of the invasion of . This engagement, along the coastline near present-day Jalan Bahtera, marked the first major assault on the island after the fall of Malaya and exposed vulnerabilities in Allied coastal defenses, contributing to the rapid capitulation of just a week later. The reservoir's development in the late 1970s overlaid this wartime legacy with modern water infrastructure. Today, Sarimbun Reservoir remains restricted to the public as it falls within the SAFTI Live Firing Area, a designated zone for training that includes advanced simulations to replicate combat scenarios. Entry requires authorization through gates, such as those along Jalan Bahtera, ensuring security while preserving the area's dual role in water management and defense preparedness.

Infrastructure

Military Facilities

The Western Water Catchment serves as a critical hub for military training in , hosting several key installations of the (SAF) that support live-firing exercises, armored operations, and simulations across vast restricted zones. These facilities underscore the area's strategic importance, balancing water resource protection with national defense needs by designating large portions as protected training grounds. , established in 1966, is one of the oldest bases in the region and houses the Specialist and Warrant Officer Institute, focusing on advanced leadership and specialist training for army personnel. The camp's official opening on 18 June 1966 by then-Defence Minister Dr. marked a pivotal moment in building Singapore's post-independence military capabilities. Adjacent to it, the Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC), commissioned in 2013, is a state-of-the-art indoor facility with seven live-firing ranges stacked across three storeys, enabling year-round marksmanship training for up to three times more soldiers daily through innovative video targetry systems. This complex enhances operational readiness by simulating diverse combat scenarios in a controlled environment. Choa Chu Kang Camp, located at Lorong Danau, supports air defense operations as the home of 201 Squadron, part of the Army's air defense artillery units, contributing to integrated defense systems in the western sector. Nearby, Sungei Gedong Camp serves as the headquarters for the Armour Formation, including the Armour Training Institute and the 4th Singapore Armoured Brigade, where personnel train on advanced armored vehicles like the and 2SG tanks in realistic terrain conditions. These camps facilitate training, leveraging the catchment's expansive, undeveloped landscapes for maneuver exercises. Tengah Air Base, a of the (RSAF), is undergoing significant expansion to consolidate operations relocated from by 2030, acquiring approximately 106 hectares of land including realignments along Road. This upgrade will enhance capacity and hangars to support next-generation , ensuring air superiority in the region. The base's growth integrates with the catchment's restricted zones, providing secure airspace for joint air-ground operations. The SAFTI Live Firing Area, operational since 1968, spans extensive terrains west of and has been progressively upgraded, with eastern extensions reaching by 2002 and further revamps in 2008 to accommodate modern weaponry. Complementing this, SAFTI City—launched on 19 March 2025 by Minister for Defence Dr. —represents a cutting-edge addition, featuring a 17-hectare Phase 1 urban simulation environment with replicas of MRT stations, hospitals, high-rise buildings, malls, and a 12-storey equipped with over 11,000 sensors for real-time feedback. Designed for counter-terrorism and close-quarters battle , it will host around 20,000 soldiers annually, replicating dense urban settings to prepare forces for complex threats. Some integrates the surrounding areas for enhanced realism in terrain-based maneuvers.

Home Team Academy

The Home Team Academy (HTA) is a key training facility located along Old Road in the area of , with associated structures extending toward Jalan Bahar. Established as the corporate university of the Home Team under the Ministry of Home Affairs, it was officially opened in September 2006 to consolidate and enhance training for agencies. The academy serves as a central hub for professional development across Home Team departments, including the , , , and others, offering courses from foundational training for new entrants to advanced leadership programs for . It emphasizes inter-agency through specialized facilities such as the Home Team Simulation Centre (HTSC), which houses the Home Team Simulation System (HTS2)—a pioneering platform integrating live and virtual elements for realistic response scenarios, including multi-hazard simulations like vehicle bomb explosions, chemical attacks, and riots. Access to the HTA is strictly limited to authorized personnel, including Home Team officers and invited participants for joint exercises, ensuring the security of sensitive training environments. Its strategic placement within the Western Water Catchment facilitates occasional joint operations with nearby military zones to bolster coordination.

Educational Institutions

The Western Water Catchment hosts the main campus of (NTU), a leading research-intensive institution specializing in , sciences, , and interdisciplinary fields. Located at 50 Nanyang Avenue within the , NTU's Yunnan Garden campus spans approximately 200 hectares and serves as a hub for innovation in sustainable technologies and environmental sciences. Adjacent to NTU is the (NIE), an autonomous institute affiliated with the university and dedicated to and pedagogical . NIE occupies 16 hectares on the western part of NTU's , offering multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare educators for Singapore's evolving educational landscape. As NTU's teacher training arm, NIE integrates closely with the broader university ecosystem, fostering collaborative in areas such as and . Together, NTU and NIE serve over 40,000 students across undergraduate and graduate levels, with NTU enrolling 25,010 undergraduates and 15,729 postgraduates in the . These institutions play a pivotal role in environmental research pertinent to the catchment, particularly through NTU's Nanyang Environment and Research Institute (NEWRI), established in to advance solutions. NEWRI focuses on innovations in , , and , contributing over 2,500 publications and supporting Singapore's water management strategies amid the surrounding reservoirs. In contrast to the restricted access in much of the Western Water Catchment due to its protected , NTU's is open to the public for academic and research purposes, with designated entrances via Jalan Bahar or Pioneer Road North. Visitors can reach the via bus services such as 179 from . This accessibility facilitates public engagement in lectures, exhibitions, and sustainability initiatives, enhancing community awareness of efforts.

Cemeteries

The Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex, situated within the Western Water Catchment, serves as Singapore's largest and only active public cemetery for new s, accommodating the nation's diverse religious needs. Opened in 1946, it provides dedicated sections for Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Chinese (encompassing Taoist and Buddhist) s, reflecting the multicultural composition of Singapore's population. The complex is managed by the (NEA) and includes facilities such as columbaria and crematoria to support both traditional and practices. Spanning approximately 318 hectares, the cemetery complex was established to address long-term national requirements for end-of-life services amid Singapore's rapid and limited availability. It houses over 147,000 niches in the Columbarium across 18 four-storey blocks, with the located at 960 Old Choa Chu Kang Road to facilitate integrated services. Ongoing exhumation programs, initiated in the , aim to optimize space by progressively reducing the active burial area from 318 hectares to around 200 hectares, allowing for reallocation to other needs while preserving the site's primary function. The complex's development occurred during a period of significant rural restructuring in the late , including the relocation of nearby villages as part of broader township expansions in the area. Access is provided via dedicated roads such as Old Choa Chu Kang Road, with public bus services like route 405 offering connectivity for visitors. The NEA oversees all operations, including applications, exhumations, and maintenance, ensuring respectful and efficient management of the grounds.

Transport

Bus Services

The primary bus services operating within and around the Western Water Catchment are routes 172, 179, 199, 405, and 975, all provided by under Singapore's bus contracting model. These routes offer connectivity to key sites in the area, including military installations such as the Home Team Academy, Army Logistics Base, Keat Hong Camp, and along Jalan Bahar and Old Choa Chu Kang Road (served by 172 and 405); Nanyang Technological University (NTU) via loops along Nanyang Drive and Lien Ying Chow Drive (served by 179 and 199); Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and related memorial sites (served by 405 and 975); and external transport hubs like MRT station (NS4/BP1, served by 172 and 975) and Boon Lay MRT/Bus Interchange (EW27, served by 172, 179, and 199). Service frequencies vary by route and time, with most operating at 5–13 minute intervals during peak weekday hours, though coverage is limited due to the area's restricted access zones, where public entry requires authorization and some segments prioritize military or institutional users. For instance, route 405 runs on a reduced schedule, primarily on selected days such as Qing Ming Festival and other commemorative periods, with departures every 22–30 minutes between 07:00 and 17:00. These services integrate into Singapore's broader network, allowing seamless transfers with MRT lines and other buses, with fares paid using contactless cards or similar stored-value options under the distance-based fare system managed by the .

Rail Transport

The Western Water Catchment currently has no operational Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations, primarily due to the area's restrictions as a protected zone and training ground. The Jurong Region Line (JRL), Singapore's seventh MRT line, is under construction and will introduce the first rail connections to the catchment. This 24 km fully elevated and automated line will feature 24 stations in total, with four planned within the Western Water Catchment: Tawas (JW2), Nanyang Gateway (JW3), Nanyang Crescent (JW4), and Peng Kang Hill (JW5). Tawas station, part of Stage 1, is scheduled to open in 2027 as an interchange with the East West Line at Boon Lay, serving nearby CleanTech Park. The remaining three stations—Nanyang Gateway, Nanyang Crescent, and Peng Kang Hill—fall under Stage 3 and are expected to open by 2029, providing direct access to the (NTU) campus. The JRL aims to enhance connectivity for key institutions like NTU, emerging residential developments in Tengah, and adjacent industrial and commercial areas in , reducing travel times and supporting regional growth as a major economic hub. began in 2023, with the line operated by a joint venture between Rail and RATP Dev using 62 driverless three-car trains. In the interim, bus services provide essential links to external MRT stations.

References

  1. https://sgwiki.miraheze.org/wiki/Western_Water_Catchment
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