6.9 million population projection is "worst case scenario": Khaw

National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan has stressed that the projected 6.9 million population by 2030 is the worst case scenario.

In his latest blog post, Mr Khaw said the government hopes that the country does not reach that figure and added that it may never reach it.

The Minister said as planners, the government has to ensure that the infrastructure can accommodate such a figure, if need be. 

But it hopes that the actual figure would turn out to be much lower.

He stressed the projection is not a forecast or a target. 

It simply states the assumptions going forward, based on a certain set of productivity and workforce growth rates. 

Mr Khaw explained that for planning purpose, it is safer to take the more aggressive projection and plan infrastructure needs based on it. 

Mr Khaw said the White Paper on Population and the Ministry's Land Use Plan were released this week as the government knows the country's demographic challenges are severe. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said he fully agrees with Mr Khaw's explanation. 

In a Facebook post, Mr Lee said the government needs to plan consciously and responsibly for the future so that Singaporeans can continue to enjoy a good quality of life and that Singapore continues to thrive.