Statute Details
- Title: Requisition of Resources (No. 5) Order 2017
- Act Code: RRA1985-S569-2017
- Legislation Type: Subsidiary legislation (SL)
- Authorising Act: Requisition of Resources Act (Chapter 273)
- Enacting Authority: Minister for Defence
- Key Power Used: Powers conferred by section 2 of the Requisition of Resources Act
- SL Citation: SL 569/2017
- Date Made: 2 October 2017
- Commencement / Operational Date: 7 October 2017 (Part III of the Act)
- Status: Current version as at 27 March 2026
What Is This Legislation About?
The Requisition of Resources (No. 5) Order 2017 is a short Singapore subsidiary instrument that activates a specific part of the Requisition of Resources Act (Cap. 273). In practical terms, it is a “switch-on” order: it brings Part III of the Act into operation for a defined period, starting on a particular date.
Although the extract provided contains only two operative provisions, the legal significance is substantial. The Requisition of Resources Act is designed to enable the State—particularly in defence-related contexts—to secure access to resources that may be needed during emergencies or other circumstances contemplated by the Act. By ordering that Part III comes into force, the Minister for Defence authorises the legal machinery in that Part to operate.
Accordingly, the Order should be read together with the underlying Act. The Order itself does not spell out the requisition powers; instead, it determines when those powers in Part III become legally effective. For practitioners, the key task is to identify what Part III provides (for example, the requisition process, powers, and safeguards) and then apply those provisions from the commencement date stated in the Order.
What Are the Key Provisions?
Section 1 (Citation) is a standard provision confirming the formal name of the instrument: the Requisition of Resources (No. 5) Order 2017. While it may appear purely administrative, citation provisions matter for legal referencing, especially when multiple “No. X” orders exist over time. In practice, lawyers often need to distinguish between different requisition orders to determine the relevant commencement dates and the scope of activation.
Section 2 (Date of requisition) is the operative core. It provides that “the provisions of Part III of the Act are to come into and remain in operation on 7 October 2017.” This wording indicates two things:
- Commencement: Part III becomes effective on 7 October 2017.
- Continuing operation: Part III is to “come into and remain in operation” from that date (subject to the Act’s own framework and any later orders or amendments).
From a legal interpretation standpoint, the phrase “come into and remain in operation” is important. It suggests that the activation is not merely for a single day or a short event, but that Part III is intended to be continuously available for use after the specified date. However, the exact duration and any termination mechanism would still depend on the Act itself and any subsequent orders. The Order extract does not include a sunset clause or termination date, so practitioners should check whether the Act provides for expiry, revocation, or replacement by later orders.
Enacting formula and authorisation also carry interpretive weight. The Order states that it is made “in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 of the Requisition of Resources Act.” This confirms that the Minister for Defence has a statutory discretion to activate Part III. For lawyers, this matters in any challenge or compliance dispute: it anchors the validity of the activation in an explicit enabling provision.
Finally, the “Made on 2 October 2017” date and the operational date of “7 October 2017” show a typical legislative timeline: the instrument is signed and issued shortly before it takes effect. This is relevant for determining when obligations under Part III begin, and for assessing whether actions taken between the “made” date and the “requisition” date are authorised.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
The Order is structured as a very brief subsidiary instrument with:
- Section 1: Citation.
- Section 2: Date of requisition (activation date for Part III of the Act).
There are no additional Parts or detailed procedural provisions in the extract because those are contained in the Requisition of Resources Act itself. In other words, the Order functions as a trigger for the operation of the Act’s substantive requisition regime.
For practitioners, the structure implies a two-step reading approach:
- Step 1: Identify the activation instrument (here, “No. 5” order) and its commencement date.
- Step 2: Read Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act to understand the actual requisition powers, processes, and legal consequences.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
Because the Order activates Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act, its practical application is to those persons and entities that fall within the scope of Part III’s requisition powers. While the extract does not specify categories (such as owners, operators, suppliers, or other resource holders), requisition legislation typically targets resource holders—for example, persons who control goods, services, or other resources that may be required for defence or other urgent public purposes.
In addition, the Order is directed at the Minister for Defence and the administrative machinery that will implement requisition under the Act. Therefore, it affects both:
- Private parties who may be subject to requisition demands once Part III is in force; and
- Public authorities who may exercise the powers conferred by Part III.
Practitioners should also consider that the Order’s effect is time-based. Even if a party is within the general class of persons who could be requisitioned, the legal authority to requisition under Part III would only be available from 7 October 2017 (and thereafter, unless superseded or otherwise limited by the Act or later instruments).
Why Is This Legislation Important?
Even though the Requisition of Resources (No. 5) Order 2017 is brief, it is legally significant because it determines when the State can invoke the coercive and administrative powers contained in Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act. In requisition contexts, timing can be decisive: the existence of statutory authority affects the legality of demands, the enforceability of directions, and the availability of remedies or defences.
From a compliance perspective, the Order signals that, as of 7 October 2017, the legal regime in Part III is operational. Businesses and resource holders should therefore ensure that they can respond to requisition processes that may be initiated under that Part. This may include maintaining relevant records, understanding notice requirements (if any), and preparing for potential disputes about valuation, compensation, or the scope of requisition.
From an enforcement and litigation perspective, the Order provides a clear documentary basis for the activation of Part III. If a requisition action is challenged, parties may examine whether the relevant Part was indeed in force at the time of the action. The Order’s explicit commencement date helps establish that factual and legal foundation.
Finally, the existence of multiple “No. X” orders (as suggested by the title “No. 5”) indicates that activation may occur more than once over time. This makes it especially important for lawyers to confirm which order applies to the relevant period and whether later orders changed the operational status of Part III.
Related Legislation
- Requisition of Resources Act (Chapter 273) — the enabling Act; Part III contains the substantive requisition provisions activated by this Order.
- Requisition of Resources Act: Timeline / subsidiary instruments — practitioners should consult the legislation timeline to identify the correct version and any subsequent “No. X” orders affecting the operation of Part III.
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Requisition of Resources (No. 5) Order 2017 for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.