Statute Details
- Title: Requisition of Resources (No. 7) Order 2019
- Act Code: RRA1985-S752-2019
- Type: Subsidiary Legislation (SL)
- Authorising Act: Requisition of Resources Act (Chapter 273)
- Enacting Authority: Minister for Defence
- Enacting Formula (Power Source): Powers under section 2 of the Requisition of Resources Act
- SL Number: SL 752/2019
- Date Made: 14 October 2019
- Citation: Requisition of Resources (No. 7) Order 2019
- Status: Current version as at 27 Mar 2026
- Commencement / Operational Date (Key Provision): Part III of the Act to come into and remain in operation on 16 November 2019
What Is This Legislation About?
The Requisition of Resources (No. 7) Order 2019 is a Singapore subsidiary legislation instrument made under the Requisition of Resources Act (Cap. 273). In practical terms, it is an “activation order” that brings a specific part of the parent Act into force for a defined period. The extract shows that the Minister for Defence exercised statutory powers to ensure that Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act would come into operation on 16 November 2019 and remain in operation thereafter (as indicated by the wording “come into and remain in operation on 16 November 2019”).
Although the Order itself is short, it is legally significant because it triggers the operation of the parent Act’s requisition regime. Under the Requisition of Resources Act, the Government is empowered—typically in situations involving national security, emergencies, or other circumstances contemplated by the Act—to requisition resources (such as property, services, or other relevant assets) from persons and organisations. The “No. 7” designation indicates that this is one of multiple orders used to activate the relevant provisions at different times.
For practitioners, the key point is that this Order does not create a new requisition framework from scratch. Instead, it turns on the existing framework in the parent Act (specifically Part III). Therefore, legal analysis and advice must be read together with the provisions of the Requisition of Resources Act—particularly Part III—to understand what powers are engaged, what procedural steps apply, and what rights and obligations follow.
What Are the Key Provisions?
Section 1 (Citation) provides the formal name of the instrument: “Requisition of Resources (No. 7) Order 2019.” While this appears administrative, citation provisions are important for legal certainty, especially when orders are referenced in notices, enforcement actions, or litigation documents.
Section 2 (Date of requisition / commencement of Part III) is the operative provision. It states that “the provisions of Part III of the Act are to come into and remain in operation on 16 November 2019.” This language has two legal effects:
- Commencement: Part III becomes legally effective from the specified date (16 November 2019).
- Continuing operation: the provisions are not merely temporary for a short window; they are intended to “remain in operation” after that date, subject to how the parent Act and any subsequent orders govern duration, termination, or variation.
Because the extract does not reproduce the text of Part III itself, a lawyer must consult the Requisition of Resources Act (Cap. 273) to determine the exact requisition powers that are activated. Typically, Part III would address the mechanisms by which requisition orders are made, the scope of resources that may be requisitioned, the process for notifying affected parties, and the legal consequences of non-compliance. The Order’s function is to activate those mechanisms.
Enacting formula and authorising power: The Order is made “in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 of the Requisition of Resources Act.” This matters for validity and statutory interpretation. It indicates that the Minister for Defence has been granted a specific legislative power to determine when Part III should come into operation. In any challenge to the Order or to actions taken under Part III, the government’s reliance on section 2 of the parent Act would be central—particularly whether the Minister acted within the scope of the enabling power and whether the activation date and conditions comply with the parent Act.
Made on 14 October 2019; operational date 16 November 2019: The Order was made on 14 October 2019 but specifies that Part III comes into operation on 16 November 2019. This gap is consistent with practical implementation: affected agencies and any requisition machinery can prepare, and affected stakeholders can be informed. For counsel advising clients, the date distinction is critical when assessing whether particular acts occurred before or after Part III became effective.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
This instrument is structured as a short subsidiary legislation order with a conventional layout:
- Enacting formula: identifies the enabling power and the Minister’s authority.
- Section 1 (Citation): provides the short title.
- Section 2 (Date of requisition): contains the substantive operative command—commencement and continuing operation of Part III of the Act.
There are no additional parts, schedules, or detailed procedural provisions in the extract. The “substance” of requisition powers is therefore located in the parent Act, not in the Order. In practice, the Order should be treated as a triggering instrument that activates the relevant statutory machinery in the Requisition of Resources Act.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Order itself is directed at the legal effect of Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act. Accordingly, its practical application extends to persons and entities whose resources fall within the scope of Part III once it is in operation. This may include owners, operators, or providers of relevant resources (for example, property or services that may be requisitioned under the Act), as well as any persons who are required to comply with requisition notices or related directions.
Because the extract does not specify the categories of resources or the procedural steps, the precise scope must be determined by reading Part III of the parent Act. However, the legal effect of the Order is clear: once Part III is in operation, the requisition regime becomes available to the competent authorities under that Part, and affected parties become subject to the obligations and potential liabilities created by the parent Act.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
Even though the Requisition of Resources (No. 7) Order 2019 is brief, it is important because it activates a coercive legal framework. Requisition powers are inherently intrusive: they can compel the use of property or services for public purposes. Therefore, the timing of activation—here, 16 November 2019—is legally consequential for compliance, risk assessment, and any dispute about whether requisition-related actions were taken lawfully.
For practitioners, the Order is also a reminder that subsidiary legislation can be the “switch” that turns on major statutory powers. When advising clients—whether government agencies, regulated industries, or private parties—counsel should not focus solely on the text of the Order. Instead, they should:
- Confirm the exact date Part III became effective.
- Review Part III of the Requisition of Resources Act to identify the operative requisition procedures and standards.
- Check whether any subsequent orders amended, extended, or terminated the operation of Part III.
- Assess whether any requisition notices or directions were issued in compliance with the activated statutory requirements.
From an enforcement and litigation perspective, the enabling power and commencement date are likely to be focal points. If a requisition action is challenged, parties may argue about whether the relevant Part was properly in operation at the time of the action, and whether the Minister’s activation complied with the parent Act’s section 2 framework. The Order’s clear statement of commencement (“come into and remain in operation on 16 November 2019”) provides a concrete anchor for such arguments.
Related Legislation
- Requisition of Resources Act (Chapter 273) — the parent Act, including Part III and the enabling provision in section 2 referenced by the Order.
- Legislation Timeline / Revisions — relevant for confirming the correct version of the Order and whether any amendments or subsequent “No.” orders affect the operation of Part III.
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Requisition of Resources (No. 7) Order 2019 for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.