Senior transport correspondent Christopher Tan's commentary is a timely reminder to the National Environment Agency (NEA) of its statutory obligation to ensure that vehicles on our roads do not emit excessive levels of toxic gas and noise ("In regulators we trust"; yesterday).

The NEA reacted to the Volkswagen emissions saga very quickly by proclaiming that none of the offending vehicles was sold in Singapore while the authorities in other countries were just starting their investigations ("Volkswagen models in emissions scandal not sold in Singapore: NEA"; ST Online, Sept 22).

The NEA needs to explain what happened here, as now, its earlier statement has been proven untrue ("662 Volkswagen vehicles here affected by emission scandal"; Tuesday).

Also, it should advise the public on what resources it has to ensure that vehicles comply with smoke and noise emissions regulations and how successful it has been in managing this responsibility.

Phang Fook Ghay