Many rules, fewer visitors, say Pulau Ubin islanders

Ubin islanders, visitors say rules spoil business and fun; officials, others say they are necessary

Mr Billy Tan (above, left) on a fishing trip to Pulau Ubin with his friends. The fishing enthusiast who has been visiting Pulau Ubin once a week in the past four years said he was put off by new fences put up around the island, which once had "many g
Mr Billy Tan (above, left) on a fishing trip to Pulau Ubin with his friends. The fishing enthusiast who has been visiting Pulau Ubin once a week in the past four years said he was put off by new fences put up around the island, which once had "many good fishing spots".PHOTO: COURTESY OF MR BILLY TAN
Senior Correspondent
  • Published
    Feb 24, 2019, 5:00 am SGT
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Since he was a teenager, Mr Mohamad Farhan Ahmad has made weekly trips to Pulau Ubin to fish and camp.

But after his last trip in March last year, the 47-year-old assistant engineer has not returned there. "In the past, my friends and I could pitch our tents anywhere, set up a campfire and cook, as though we were living in a kampung. We would all go home with a bucket full of fish," said Mr Farhan.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on February 24, 2019, with the headline 'Trouble in paradise'. Print Edition | Subscribe
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