After Japanese Occupation (after 12 September 1945)

Did life return to normal after the end of the Japanese Occupation? No.

 

The British set up a provisional government called the British Military Administration (BMA) which look charge of governing Singapore until 1 April 1946. It faced the difficult task of rebuilding the country and maintaining law and order. We faced many problems in post-war Singapore such as overcrowded living conditions, poor situations, lack of health services and unemployment. However, the more serious problems were the shortage of food and lack of housing.

 

There are also shortage of water and electricity and disruption of telephone services. Streets were filthy, unlit and unsafe particularly at restore electricity, gas and other essential services, and repair the water mains.

 

 To solve the food shortage, the British had to clear the harbour first so that ships transporting foods stuffs could enter the port. They removed the shipwrecks and mines that had been laid in the sea by the Japanese. The docks were repaired and new warehouse were constructed to store commodities that were brought into port.

 

Next, the British decided to ration the amount of food given to each person. People’s Restaurants were opened to sell food to reasonable prices. Food supplies slowly increased when trade links between Singapore and other countries were re-established.

 

The war has destroyed many houses, leaving thousands homeless Rents were very high as a result of the shortage of houses. People who could not afford the high rents had to live in small, overcrowded cubicles and squatters. A law on rent control was introduced to stop landlords from raising the house rents and forcing tenants out. The government also constructed some flats to help alleviate the problem of housing shortage. However, these proved unsuccessful solving the problem.


Citation:
Books:
1. Curriculum Planning & Development Division MOE, Singapore. (2012). Singapore From Settlement To Nation Pre-1819 To 1971 (2nd Edition). Singapore. Marshall Cavendish Education.