Statute Details
- Title: Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2021
- Act Code: RRA1985-S164-2021
- Legislation Type: Subsidiary Legislation (SL)
- Authorising Act: Requisition of Resources Act (Chapter 273)
- Authorising Power: Powers conferred by section 2 of the Requisition of Resources Act
- Enacting Formula: Minister for Defence makes the Order
- SL Citation: SL 164/2021
- Date of Making: 23 February 2021
- Date of Requisition / Operational Date: 23 March 2021
- Current Version Status: Current version as at 27 Mar 2026 (per the legislation portal)
- Key Operative Provision: Order brings Part III of the Act into operation and keeps it in operation from 23 March 2021
What Is This Legislation About?
The Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2021 is a short but legally significant instrument. In substance, it activates a specific part of the Requisition of Resources Act—namely Part III—for a defined period starting on a particular date. The Order does not itself create a new regulatory scheme; rather, it triggers the operation of an existing statutory framework that empowers the State to requisition resources when required.
In plain language, the Order tells the legal system: “From 23 March 2021, the provisions in Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act will apply and will continue to apply.” This is the mechanism by which the Government can rapidly put in place legal powers without needing to pass a new Act each time circumstances warrant activation.
Because the Order is made under section 2 of the Requisition of Resources Act, it is best understood as part of a broader legislative design. The Act provides the substantive powers and procedures, while the Orders (including “No. 2”) are the administrative/legal “switches” that determine when particular parts of the Act come into force.
What Are the Key Provisions?
Section 1 (Citation) identifies the instrument as the “Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2021.” This is a standard provision used for referencing and legal citation. While it may appear procedural, it is important for practitioners because it clarifies exactly which subsidiary legislation is being relied upon in correspondence, legal submissions, and enforcement actions.
Section 2 (Date of requisition) is the operative core of the Order. It provides that: “The provisions of Part III of the Act are to come into and remain in operation on 23 March 2021.” This wording does two things at once:
- Commencement: Part III comes into operation on 23 March 2021.
- Continuing effect: Part III is not merely temporary for a short window; it is stated to “remain in operation” (i.e., it continues to apply after that date), subject to the Act’s own framework and any later amendments or further orders.
Practically, this means that from 23 March 2021 onward, the legal powers, duties, and procedural requirements contained in Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act become enforceable. Any requisition notices, directions, or related actions that depend on Part III would need to be anchored to the fact that Part III has been brought into force by this Order.
Making date and signatory: The Order states it was “Made on 23 February 2021” and is signed by Joseph Leong Weng Keong, Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), Ministry of Defence. For lawyers, the making date is relevant for understanding the administrative timeline (e.g., when the decision was taken), while the “date of requisition” is relevant for determining when the legal powers actually take effect.
Enacting power and constitutional/administrative significance: The enacting formula indicates that the Minister for Defence makes the Order in exercise of powers conferred by section 2 of the Requisition of Resources Act. This matters because it confirms the legal basis for the activation. In disputes, counsel often scrutinises whether the correct authority made the order and whether the order stayed within the scope of the enabling provision.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
This subsidiary legislation is extremely concise and is structured as follows:
- Section 1 (Citation): Provides the short title for identification.
- Section 2 (Date of requisition): The operative provision that brings Part III of the parent Act into operation on a specified date and keeps it in operation thereafter.
There are no additional parts, schedules, or detailed procedural steps in the Order itself. The detailed legal mechanics—such as who may requisition, what resources may be requisitioned, how requisition notices are issued, and what protections or compensation mechanisms exist—are located in Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act. The Order functions as the activation instrument for those provisions.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Order applies to the extent that Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act applies once brought into force. While the Order text itself does not list categories of persons, the parent Act’s Part III typically governs the relationship between the State and persons who control or provide “resources” that may be requisitioned in the relevant circumstances.
Accordingly, the practical “audience” includes resource holders (for example, persons or entities that possess, supply, or manage relevant resources) and any persons subject to requisition directions under Part III. It also affects government agencies and officials who must follow the statutory procedures once Part III is operational.
From a practitioner’s perspective, the key is to read the Order together with Part III of the Act. The Order determines when Part III applies; the Act determines what Part III requires and authorises.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
Although the Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2021 is brief, it is important because it activates a legal regime that can have immediate operational consequences for businesses and individuals. Requisition powers are inherently high-impact: they can compel the provision or control of resources for national or public purposes. Therefore, the timing of activation is critical.
The Order’s “remain in operation” language means that once Part III is activated on 23 March 2021, the legal framework is not merely theoretical. It can be relied upon for enforcement actions, requisition notices, and compliance obligations that arise after that date. In litigation or administrative proceedings, parties may need to establish whether the relevant requisition action occurred while Part III was in force.
For legal practitioners, this Order is also a reminder of how Singapore’s legislative architecture can be “modular.” The parent Act provides the substantive powers, while subsidiary Orders can bring specific parts into operation. This structure supports responsiveness while maintaining legal certainty: the public and affected parties can consult the subsidiary legislation to determine whether the heightened powers are active.
Finally, the Order’s status as “current version as at 27 Mar 2026” indicates that the instrument remains part of the legal record and may still be relevant for historical periods, interpretation of timelines, and assessment of whether actions taken at or after 23 March 2021 were authorised under the Act.
Related Legislation
- Requisition of Resources Act (Chapter 273) — in particular, Part III, which is activated by this Order
- Requisition of Resources Act (section 2) — the enabling provision authorising the Minister for Defence to make orders bringing parts of the Act into operation
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2021 for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.