More than 25 drone uses being tested by public sector: Transport Ministry
The National Environment Agency, for one, is looking to combat dengue with drones that can deposit larvicide on hard-to-reach places like roof gutters.
SINGAPORE: More than 25 uses of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones, are being tested out by public sector agencies, according to the Transport Ministry on Thursday (Feb 4).
The trials are being facilitated by an inter-agency UAS Committee - chaired by the Transport Ministry - and formed early last year. For example, the National Environment Agency (NEA) is looking to combat dengue with drones that can monitor infected areas and deposit larvicide on hard-to-reach places like roof gutters.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is another agency that is exploring the use of drones in marine incidents, such as to support oil spill clean-ups and search and rescue operations.
Said Mr Pang Kin Keong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport: "I think if you put your mind to it, there are actually a lot of very innovative applications and uses that you can put the drones to that will save, that will enhance efficiency and enhance the effectiveness of the operations. Not just of the public sector agencies, but also private sector companies as well."