Statute Details
- Title: Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2025
- Act Code: RRA1985-S179-2025
- Type: Subsidiary Legislation (SL)
- Authorising Act: Requisition of Resources Act 1985
- Enacting authority: Minister for Defence
- Key enabling provision: Powers conferred by section 2 of the Requisition of Resources Act 1985
- SL Citation: SL 179/2025
- Date of requisition (operational date): 21 March 2025
- Commencement/operation window (as stated): Part 3 of the Act “to come into and remain in operation on 21 March 2025”
- Made on: 8 January 2025
- Status: Current version as at 27 Mar 2026
- Document reference (as shown): [U96J/16-2-1-18/CMS; AG/LEGIS/SL/273/2025/1]
What Is This Legislation About?
The Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2025 is a Singapore subsidiary legislation instrument made under the Requisition of Resources Act 1985 (“the Act”). In practical terms, it is an “activation” order: it brings specific provisions of the Act into force for a defined operational period. The Order does not, by itself, set out the detailed requisition mechanics; instead, it determines when the relevant parts of the Act take effect.
From the extract provided, the Order states that “the provisions of Part 3 of the Act are to come into and remain in operation on 21 March 2025.” This indicates that Part 3 contains the substantive legal framework governing requisition—such as the authority to require resources, the scope of what may be requisitioned, and the procedural and legal consequences that follow. The Order therefore functions as a legal trigger enabling the Defence Ministry to apply Part 3 during the relevant circumstances contemplated by the Act.
Because the Order is made by the Minister for Defence and is expressly grounded in section 2 of the Act, it sits within a broader statutory scheme designed to ensure Singapore can mobilise resources quickly when national security or defence needs require it. For practitioners, the key legal task is to connect the Order’s activation date to the operative provisions in Part 3 of the Act, and then assess how those provisions affect affected parties (for example, owners, suppliers, or operators of relevant resources).
What Are the Key Provisions?
Section 1 (Citation). Section 1 provides the short title: “This Order is the Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2025.” While this is standard drafting, it is important for legal referencing in correspondence, enforcement actions, and any subsequent legal proceedings.
Section 2 (Date of requisition / activation of Part 3). Section 2 is the substantive provision in the extract. It provides that “the provisions of Part 3 of the Act are to come into and remain in operation on 21 March 2025.” This language is legally significant in two respects. First, it specifies the date on which Part 3 becomes operative. Second, it states that Part 3 is to “remain in operation,” implying continuity rather than a one-off activation. The duration is not fully detailed in the extract; however, the phrase indicates that Part 3 is intended to be in force from 21 March 2025 until it is otherwise ended or superseded by a later legal instrument or by the Act’s own termination mechanism (if any).
Enacting formula and enabling power. The Order is made “in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 of the Requisition of Resources Act 1985.” This matters for legal validity. In administrative and constitutional terms, subsidiary legislation must remain within the scope of its enabling Act. Practitioners should therefore locate section 2 of the Act to confirm: (i) what discretion the Minister for Defence has (e.g., whether the Minister can choose the date and whether activation is tied to particular conditions); and (ii) whether there are procedural requirements (such as publication, consultation, or notification) that must be satisfied for the Order to be effective.
“Made on” date versus “requisition” date. The Order is “Made on 8 January 2025,” but Part 3 is stated to come into operation on 21 March 2025. This gap is typical for instruments that require lead time for operational readiness. Legally, it means that until 21 March 2025, Part 3 is not yet operative (assuming no other commencement provisions apply). After 21 March 2025, the legal consequences of Part 3 become available to the authorities. Practitioners should be careful when assessing liability, compliance duties, or the legality of any requisition steps taken before the operative date.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
Based on the extract, the Order is structured as a short instrument with a minimal number of provisions. It contains:
(a) An enacting formula identifying the Minister for Defence and the enabling power under section 2 of the Act.
(b) Section 1 setting out the citation (short title).
(c) Section 2 specifying the date of requisition and, crucially, the activation of Part 3 of the Act.
Notably, the Order does not reproduce the substantive requisition rules. Instead, it relies on the Act’s internal structure—particularly Part 3—to supply the operational legal framework once activated. For lawyers, this means the “real” legal content is located in the Act itself, and the Order’s role is to determine when that content is engaged.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Order is directed at the operation of Part 3 of the Requisition of Resources Act 1985. While the extract does not specify categories of persons, Part 3 of the Act would typically apply to persons who possess, control, supply, or are otherwise involved with “resources” that may be requisitioned for defence purposes. In practical terms, this can include owners and operators of goods, services, facilities, transport assets, or other relevant capabilities—depending on how “resources” is defined in the Act.
From a compliance and litigation perspective, the Order’s effect is felt by affected stakeholders once Part 3 is in operation. These stakeholders may include private companies, public bodies, contractors, and individuals who may be required to provide resources or comply with requisition-related directions. The operative date (21 March 2025) is therefore central to determining whether any requisition actions, notices, or demands were made lawfully and within the period when Part 3 had legal effect.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
This Order is important because it activates a legal regime that can impose significant obligations on private and public actors. Requisition powers—by their nature—interfere with normal commercial and property arrangements. They may require resources to be made available for defence needs, potentially affecting supply chains, operational continuity, and contractual performance. Even where compensation or procedural safeguards exist in the Act, the immediate operational impact can be substantial.
For practitioners, the key significance lies in the interaction between the Order and Part 3 of the Act. The Order provides the “when,” while the Act provides the “what” and “how.” A lawyer advising a client who may be subject to requisition must therefore: (i) confirm that Part 3 was indeed in operation at the relevant time; (ii) identify the specific requisition powers and procedures in Part 3; (iii) assess whether any requisition notice or direction complied with statutory requirements; and (iv) consider remedies, compensation, and dispute resolution pathways under the Act.
Additionally, the Order’s status as “current version as at 27 Mar 2026” suggests that the instrument remains in force in its published form (subject to any amendments not shown in the extract). Practitioners should still check the legislation timeline and versions to ensure they are relying on the correct instrument and to identify whether any later orders have modified, extended, or terminated the operation of Part 3.
Related Legislation
- Requisition of Resources Act 1985 (including, in particular, Part 3 and section 2—the enabling provision for this Order)
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Requisition of Resources (No. 2) Order 2025 for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.