Oil patches detected in Singapore's southern waters near southern islands

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it has detected oil patches in the country's southern waters, in areas near Pulau Sebarok, Pulau Semakau and Selat Pauh. The authority has activated its oil spill response contractors to manage the situation. The extent of the spill and its source remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the oil patches or provided details on the volume of oil detected in the affected areas. MPA has advised mariners to exercise caution in the region as cleanup operations proceed. The discovery comes amid heightened concerns over maritime pollution in Singapore's busy shipping lanes and coastal waters.