Public views sought on proposed laws to allow S’pore Govt to acquire archaeological artefacts

New laws that would require those who discover archaeological objects to turn them over to the authorities are being drafted, as part of efforts to protect Singapore’s archaeological heritage.

The proposed laws will grant the National Heritage Board (NHB) powers to declare ownership over these artefacts, make it compulsory to report such finds in certain sites, and require those who conduct archaeological activities to hold a permit.

These are areas currently not covered by the law.

In October, the NHB launched a public consultation through the Government’s feedback unit Reach to canvass views on its legislative proposals.

“Without legislative safeguards in place, there is a risk that significant archaeological sites and/or finds within Singapore may not receive timely expert attention, proper care and safeguarding,” said the NHB.

It pointed out that there is a risk archaeological sites or finds could be damaged, and the latter kept privately or sold overseas.

This results in “a potential loss of valuable archaeological information which could potentially contribute to Singapore’s cultural patrimony”, it added.

Artefacts the NHB can declare ownership over will include “moveable objects” that are at least 75 years old – which will cover items dating back to World War II and the colonial period – that are either fully or partially buried, or submerged, within Singapore.

The proposed laws will also make it compulsory to report finds at designated sites on land, and at shipwrecks at sea.

The existing Merchant Shipping Act 1995 requires those who find wrecks within Singapore, or those who bring wrecks within the country’s waters, to deliver them to a receiver appointed by the authorities.

The NHB added that no compensation or reward will be given when it acquires such finds, as these artefacts are public goods and not items to be monetised.

This ensures that private landowners are not entitled to windfall gains, and discourages potential treasure hunting, it said.

It added that any acquisition will be made public and there will be an appeal mechanism against acquisition.

The proposed laws will also make intentionally damaging or destroying artefacts an offence.

Those who carry out archaeological activities will also have to apply for a permit, which will spell out conditions under which these activities can be conducted.

Since 1984, more than 30 archaeological excavations have taken place in Singapore, including at sites such as the Padang, Fort Canning and Empress Place.

Asked about ownership of artefacts recovered from previous digs, the NHB said it could not provide additional information “at this juncture” beyond what was published on Reach’s website on the public consultation.

Acknowledging that the enforcement of laws on the reporting of archaeological finds is “highly challenging in practice”, it added that it will focus on public education over enforcement in the first three years that the new laws are in place.

It will do this by developing guidelines to increase awareness among the public and key stakeholders on the types of finds that need to be reported to the NHB.

It also said the three-year period will allow industry players to incorporate the new requirements into their business practices and give the local archaeology industry time to build capacity to meet increased demands.

International Council on Monuments and Sites Singapore president Kevin Tan said the proposed laws “are largely administrative and reactive”.

He suggested that these would need to be complemented by measures, such as the establishment of an inspectorate to identify and gazette potential archaeological sites, or the introduction of heritage impact assessments that compel developers to conduct archaeological studies prior to commencing works.

Cleaning, documenting, storing and exhibiting these artefacts are also a costly affair, noted Dr Tan, who added that since the State would take possession, it will also have to provide the means to care for items that are found.

Dr Yeo Kang Shua, the Hokkien Foundation Professor in Architectural Conservation at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, said NHB needs to give details on how it can reasonably expect the public to identify archaeological artefacts.

Many discoveries are likely to be chance finds, such as those uncovered during construction and redevelopment works. He asked if developers would be required to allow time for archaeologists to conduct studies in such circumstances.

Dr Yeo also said he hopes the board will set up a publicly-accessible registry that will cover the archaeological finds currently owned by the state, as well as those that it will take ownership of if the proposed laws are passed.

“These artefacts are important research materials and it is imperative that researchers are granted access to them to further our understanding of Singapore’s history,” he added.

People have until 6pm on Oct 31 to submit their feedback at go.gov.sg/feedbackarchaeology

Source: Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

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