For transparency, JCC could not be given advance notice

In “Earlier notice could have been given to JCC members” (May 13), Mr Tong Hsien-Hui felt there was a lack of adequate notice for the compulsory acquisition of Jurong Country Club (JCC).

Information regarding compulsory acquisition is market sensitive. Acquisition announcements are made through publication in the Government Gazette, and all registered land owners would be notified on the date of the Gazette.

This is to ensure parity of information flow and transparency, to prevent undue speculation or use of privileged information prior to the acquisition announcement via the Gazette. It was thus not possible to have given the JCC management any advance notice.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) understands acquisitions can be difficult for the affected parties. Hence, we do not undertake acquisitions lightly and do so only after careful study of all other alternatives.

The acquisition of JCC is necessary: The land is needed both for comprehensive redevelopment and to build the terminus for the high-speed rail link to Kuala Lumpur. This rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur was first announced in 2013.

Following the announcements, the SLA will work closely with parties affected by acquisitions to facilitate the transition and mitigate difficulties as far as possible.

We will work closely with the JCC management to assist the club throughout the acquisition process. We will be meeting the JCC management today to discuss the way forward.