Statute Details
- Title: Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2019
- Act Code: RRA1985-S114-2019
- Type: Subsidiary Legislation (SL)
- Authorising Act: Requisition of Resources Act (Chapter 273)
- Enacting authority: Minister for Defence
- Key operative provisions (from extract): Sections 1–2 (Citation; Date of requisition / commencement and duration)
- Legislation status: Current version as at 27 Mar 2026 (per provided extract)
- SL number: SL 114/2019
- Date made: 15 January 2019
- Commencement / requisition date: 23 February 2019 (Part III of the Act)
What Is This Legislation About?
The Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2019 is a short but legally significant instrument. In plain terms, it activates a specific part of Singapore’s Requisition of Resources Act—namely Part III—so that the statutory powers contained in that Part can take effect for a defined period.
Although the Order itself contains only two operative provisions in the extract, its practical effect is substantial. By bringing Part III of the Act into operation on a particular date, the Minister for Defence enables the legal framework for the requisition (i.e., compulsory acquisition or control) of resources when required for national defence or related purposes. Such powers are typically used in contingency planning, emergencies, or periods where the State needs to ensure continuity of essential services and supplies.
In other words, this Order does not create a new set of requisition powers from scratch. Instead, it “turns on” an existing statutory regime already enacted by Parliament in the Requisition of Resources Act. The Order is therefore best understood as an activation mechanism: it specifies when the relevant Part of the Act begins to operate and how long it remains in force.
What Are the Key Provisions?
Section 1 (Citation) provides the formal name of the instrument: “Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2019.” This is standard legislative housekeeping, but it matters for legal referencing, citation in submissions, and ensuring that the correct subsidiary legislation is identified in practice.
Section 2 (Date of requisition) is the core operative provision. It states that “the provisions of Part III of the Act are to come into and remain in operation on 23 February 2019.” The wording indicates both commencement and duration: Part III is not merely to start on that date; it is also to remain in operation from that point (subject to any later orders or statutory limits that may apply under the Act).
From a practitioner’s perspective, the key legal question is: what does Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act do? While the provided extract does not reproduce Part III’s text, the structure of the Act (as suggested by the Order) indicates that Part III contains the operative requisition powers. Those powers likely cover matters such as the authority to requisition resources, the process for doing so, and the legal consequences for affected persons or entities. The Order’s function is to make those powers legally available on the specified date.
Enacting formula and enabling power further confirm the legal basis. The Order is made “in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 of the Requisition of Resources Act.” This is important for validity and statutory interpretation. It signals that Parliament has delegated to the Minister for Defence the authority to determine when Part III should come into operation. In administrative law terms, the Minister’s discretion is exercised through a lawful subsidiary instrument, and affected parties can rely on the existence of the Order to confirm that the statutory conditions for activation have been met.
Made on 15 January 2019 but with Part III operating from 23 February 2019. This timing suggests a deliberate lead time between the making of the Order and the activation date. Practically, this can allow government agencies to prepare operationally (e.g., identifying resources, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, and ensuring internal procedures are ready) and can provide notice to the regulated community.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
The Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2019 is structured as a short subsidiary legislation instrument with at least two sections in the extract:
(1) Citation (Section 1): identifies the Order.
(2) Date of requisition (Section 2): activates Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act on a specified date.
There are no schedules, definitions, or procedural steps in the extract. Instead, the Order is designed to be read together with the parent Act. The parent Act supplies the substantive requisition framework, while the Order supplies the timing mechanism that brings the relevant Part into force.
In practice, a lawyer should therefore treat this Order as a “gateway” document. The legal analysis of rights, duties, and remedies will primarily be found in the Requisition of Resources Act—especially Part III—while the Order determines whether those provisions are currently operative and from when.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
This Order applies to the extent that Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act applies. While the extract does not list categories of persons, requisition legislation typically targets “resources” that may be owned, controlled, or provided by private and public entities. Accordingly, the Order’s activation of Part III can affect individuals and organisations that possess or manage relevant resources—such as goods, services, facilities, or other assets that may be needed for defence or national security purposes.
It also applies to government authorities and decision-makers who would exercise the requisition powers under Part III. Those authorities must ensure that requisition actions are taken only when the relevant statutory provisions are in operation. The Order therefore has a direct compliance function: it provides the legal basis for exercising power during the activated period.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
Although the Order is brief, it is legally important because it determines the operational status of a major statutory regime. Requisition powers are inherently intrusive: they can compel action or transfer control of resources. As a result, the State’s ability to exercise such powers depends on strict adherence to the statutory activation mechanism.
For practitioners advising affected businesses or individuals, the Order is relevant in at least three ways. First, it helps establish whether requisition powers were legally available at the time of any decision or demand. Second, it can be used to challenge the legality of requisition actions if the statutory Part was not properly in operation (or if the activation date was not met). Third, it informs risk assessment and compliance planning: entities that hold potentially requisitionable resources may need to understand when the legal regime is active and what obligations may follow.
For government counsel and agencies, the Order is equally important. It provides the formal legal trigger for implementing Part III. Agencies must ensure that their internal processes, notices, and documentation align with the requirements of Part III and any related procedural provisions in the Act. In addition, because subsidiary legislation can be scrutinised for validity, the enabling power (section 2 of the Act) and the Minister’s compliance with the statutory framework are central to defensibility.
Related Legislation
- Requisition of Resources Act (Chapter 273) — the parent Act; this Order activates Part III of the Act.
- Requisition of Resources Act — section 2 (enabling provision referenced in the Order) — provides the Minister for Defence with power to bring Part III into operation.
- Legislation timeline / amendments records (as referenced in the provided extract) — useful for confirming the current version and any subsequent changes affecting the operative status of Part III.
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2019 for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.