Much thought must go into the expansion of Pulau Tekong ("New reclamation method to create bigger Pulau Tekong"; Nov 17).

Reclamation work must take into consideration not only the impact at home but also on our immediate neighbour.

The Strait of Johor is narrow to start with. It is almost impossible for large vessels to pass through.

We have had run-ins with Malaysia in the past when it comes to such developments to maximise land use.

This must be avoided in order to continue our good relationship.

The tide of development is slowly but surely creeping up on our islands.

There is no doubt that military training inevitably has to be carried out away from the mainland, where land use has to be very carefully regulated.

But the impact on nature must not be forgotten, and must be monitored at all times.

This would entail maintaining a balance between nature and development, and making sure, especially, that the fragile marine life around the island is protected or restored to its former pristine state where possible.

This is very important if future generations are not to be exposed only to concrete, steel and glass.

Manoraj Rajathurai