Keeping Changi's Bumboat afloat
Tucked away in the mangroves of Pulau Ubin, Mr Choo Seng Sim, 72, runs a quaint repair boatyard. Mr Choo was issued a temporary occupation occupation licence after Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong announced in June that the National Parks Board (NParks) will take over as the central managing agency for Pulau Ubin. Under the license Mr Choo will be able to operate at the site until an alternative space is provided elsewhere on the island in a few years' time.
Mr Choo Seng Sim, 72, runs the only bumboat repair yard in Pulau Ubin. Ferry operators in Changi prefer to come to his boatyard, instead of travelling longer distances to use similar services in Jurong and Tuas. ST PHOTO: MARCUS TAN
Mr Darren Massang, 36, scrapes off barnacles growing on the underbelly of a bumboat using an improvised metal pipe. If the barnacles are left alone, they can grow into the wood and can cause the boat to grow heavier over time, leading to increased fuel consumption. ST PHOTO: MARCUS TAN
Mr Zainal Suraton, 54, scrubs the hull of a boat vigorously to remove the algae growing on the sides of the vessel. ST PHOTO: MARCUS TAN
Mr Choo Seng Sim, 72, runs the only bumboat repair yard in Pulau Ubin. Ferry operators in Changi prefer to come to his boatyard, instead of travelling longer distances to use similar services in Jurong and Tuas. ST PHOTO: MARCUS TAN
This photo essay was done for and published on The Straits Times,
15 September 2016 (B10 & B11)