The Rural Board was in existence from the 1940s to the 1950s. The enforcement of public health measures in the city area was undertaken by the Government Health Department of the City Council. In rural areas, it was undertaken by the Government Health Department in collaboration with the Rural Board.
The Board's jurisdiction extended over the whole of the Singapore Colony including the surrounding islands, outside the Municipal Area. The Board administered directly over such matters as water supply, markets, parks and a building inspectorate. It was presided over by an official chairman, the Commissioner of Lands, and consisted of four officials. Contact between the Board and the rural public was assisted by seven Rural District Committees.
