The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) serves to achieve a balanced ethnic mix in HDB estates and prevent the formation of ethnic enclaves.

By providing HDB residents of different races with opportunities to interact as neighbours, the EIP fosters racial harmony among the various ethnic groups, and strengthens social cohesion in Singapore.

Under the policy, maximum proportions are set in a given HDB block or neighbourhood for the main ethnic groups - Chinese, Malays and Indian/Others.

For mixed-race couples or individuals with mixed parentage, the HDB may exercise flexibility by treating them under a more favourable ethnic category, where applicable. For instance, if the Malay quota has been reached, a Chinese-Malay couple can be considered under the Chinese category and still buy a unit in the given area.

Mr Lackey has expressed interest in buying a resale flat in Pasir Ris. However, the proportion of Indian/Others households in the block where he intended to buy had already reached the EIP limit on Jan 1.

It is unfortunate that Mr Lackey did not check with the HDB or visit the HDB website to check the EIP limit before he exercised the option to purchase on Jan 11 and submitted the resale application on Jan 18.

We regret we are unable to accept his application to buy the resale flat.

Mr Lackey may wish to consider other resale flats available in the open market, including those in Pasir Ris Town, which are not affected by the EIP limit on Indian/Others households.

Loh Swee Heng
Deputy Director (Resale)
for Director (Estate Administration & Property)
Housing & Development Board