Dear Minister Masagos,
I am writing to ask for your support in protecting Maju Forest because I believe that access to meaningful natural environments is an important part of building a Singapore where families can thrive, children can develop, and communities remain connected.
Your work in supporting families through initiatives that help them become stable, self-reliant and achieve social mobility recognises that strong families depend on more than financial support alone. The quality of the environment in which families live also shapes wellbeing, relationships and opportunities for children to grow.
Natural forests provide benefits that extend across generations. For children, places such as Maju Forest offer opportunities for exploration, curiosity and unstructured play that support confidence, creativity and connection with the natural world. For parents, accessible natural spaces provide affordable opportunities for families to spend quality time together away from the pressures of urban life.
Access to nature is also an issue of social equity. Landscaped parks provide valuable recreation, but mature natural forests offer unique experiences of biodiversity, discovery and connection that cannot be fully replicated. Protecting accessible natural areas ensures that these benefits remain available to all families, regardless of income or background.
Your vision for Tampines as an Eco-Town demonstrates the importance of integrating sustainability into the places where Singaporeans live. Initiatives such as Singapore’s first integrated District Cooling Network show how technology can help create more sustainable and efficient urban environments. Equally, protecting natural ecosystems such as Maju Forest represents another form of essential infrastructure — one provided by nature itself. Mature forests help moderate temperatures, support biodiversity, regulate water flows and contribute to healthier living environments. Together, innovative technology and natural systems create towns that are not only efficient, but also resilient and liveable.
Natural places can also strengthen community bonds. Shared experiences in nature create opportunities for families, neighbours and different generations to connect, helping build the social resilience that underpins a caring society.
I respectfully ask that you support the permanent protection of Maju Forest, raise its importance within Parliament and Government discussions, and encourage a reconsideration of the current plans for the site in light of its long-term value to Singapore’s families, communities and social wellbeing.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,