Questions to ask your PAP MP

[True Believer]

How does it feel staying in a GCB away from the HDB heartlands?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Take urgent steps before there are too many home intrusions by wildlife​

May 22, 2024

My family and I woke up a few days ago to the horrifying sight of all our koi and goldfish killed by otters. It wasn’t the first such incident in our estate as our friend who lives by the river has suffered attacks on fish three times before.
As otters are extremely protective of their young, should we take action only when a curious toddler is attacked when approaching a baby otter?
That same afternoon, we also spotted a monkey on our wall. We have lived in the east for 33 years and this was our first time seeing one at our house.
For years, monkeys in the Bukit Timah and Clementi areas have been harassing our friends who live there. Bacterial infection, rabies and herpes B virus can be potentially spread through monkey bites.
Another worrying sight is the number of chickens wandering around the island and even on the grounds of hospitals. Having to cull them in the event of an avian flu outbreak will be a nightmare.
I hope the authorities will realise the price of giving people in Singapore the “kampung” feel. We cannot expect wild animals to live in an urban city state without consequences.
Urgent steps need to be taken before there are too many intrusions into homes or diseases that are difficult to contain are spread. With the Covid-19 pandemic fresh in our minds, I hope something will be done swiftly to address these issues.

Loh Chwee Im

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Guard against overcrowding in new housing precincts​

May 23, 2024

Singapore’s urban planning is evolving, using data science for efficient land use and incorporating public consultation.
Recent announcements of new housing precincts, including those at the former Keppel Club site (within the Greater Southern Waterfront), Bayshore and Kampong Bugis, have also generated positive interest. Slated to be car-lite, community-centric and sustainable, with liberal green spaces, they aim to redefine how we live, work and play in the near future.
Planned densities for these sites are ambitious, with preliminary reports suggesting up to 10,000 new dwelling units to be built on 60ha, as in Bayshore.
Based on the 2023 Department of Statistics’ data, Singapore’s households averaged 3.11 residents. If this number holds, the Bayshore site, for instance, could house 31,000 residents, translating to densities of around 51,000 residents per sq km.
While Singapore’s land scarcity necessitates bold optimisation plans, are these projections overly optimistic? These densities significantly exceed those of existing townships, including mature estates with established infrastructure and other ancillary services. For example, Choa Chu Kang, the densest estate here, houses an average of 31,000 residents per sq km. The Marine Parade subzone, more similar in size and housing mix to the proposed precincts, has only 23,000 residents per sq km.
More importantly, how will such high densities impact the quality of life? Will future residents experience congestion and strained resources observed in densely populated places like Manhattan, Tokyo and Hong Kong, even though they are reasonably car-lite with efficient public transportation systems?
To ensure Singapore remains an inclusive and desirable place to live, work and play, thoughtful housing planning is critical.

Infrastructure, geographical limitations and demographics must be fully considered to prevent future overcrowding. The Urban Redevelopment Authority could perhaps provide further insights on this crucial aspect.

Ang Tun Loon

 

[True Believer]

The Forum writer, Loh Chwee Im should shift to a HDB flat on a high floor if she is so afraid of otters, monkeys and chickens. Why live in a house near a nature reserve? She should be more afraid that her hubby looks for chickens after office hours.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Spate of bus accidents is concerning​

Jun 12, 2024

I am concerned about the recent spate of bus accidents involving public transport services (Bus driver taken to hospital after 2 Tower Transit buses collide in Sembawang, June 9; 93-year-old among 5 taken to hospital after bus and trailer truck collide at Ophir Road junction, June 6; and Drivers taken to hospital after 2 buses, lorry collide in Pasir Ris, May 30).
The frequency of these accidents suggests there may be underlying issues that need urgent attention.
As frequent users of public transportation, we place our trust in bus companies to ensure our safety, but we must also recognise the crucial role that the well-being of bus captains plays in this equation.
Driving a bus requires constant vigilance, quick decision-making and impeccable coordination. Fatigue significantly impairs these abilities, increasing the risk of accidents. Without adequate rest, their ability to perform their duties safely diminishes, putting everyone on the road at risk.
To mitigate such risks, bus companies must implement comprehensive strategies that prioritise the health and well-being of their employees. They should also foster a work environment where bus captains feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of retribution. Open communication can help identify issues early and allow for timely interventions.
The safety of our daily commute depends on the well-being of those at the wheel.

Gabriel Chia Sit Loke

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Difficulties in getting medication for my child​

Jun 13, 2024

I would like to share an unpleasant healthcare experience involving my 3½-year-old child.
We visited a general practitioner (GP) who, after diagnosing my child with thrush, prescribed medication. But the clinic did not have it in stock.
We then discovered that the medication had been out of stock nearly everywhere for almost a year, according to various pharmacies.
Desperate, we went to a private hospital in the vicinity but were denied medication from the hospital pharmacy because the GP was not registered under the same hospital group.
We were instructed to give the GP a physical form to fill out to have the prescription filled at the hospital pharmacy, which we could not do as the clinic had closed for lunch.
We were offered the option of consulting the paediatrician at the hospital after lunch, and then getting the medication.
However, by the time my child woke up from her nap at 3pm, the paediatrician’s clinic said it was not accepting walk-ins any more, although its opening hours were till 4pm. I had to beg the clinic staff to make an exception while we rushed down to the hospital.

Finally, we consulted the paediatrician and obtained the medication. Including the consultation and prescription fee paid to the GP in the morning, it cost us more than $200.
There was a significant waste of time, resources and money, and the episode caused undue stress and discomfort to my child who needed timely medical treatment.
It is unacceptable that a valid clinical prescription is not immediately accepted at a hospital pharmacy merely because the doctor is not part of the same medical group. Such policies are detrimental to patient care and need urgent review.
I am also curious how the supply of medication is managed in Singapore.
Not having easy and timely access to medication in a First World country like Singapore adds an unnecessary burden to parenting and affects the well-being of our children.

Claudia Wong Siying

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Spare a thought for those affected by noise​

Jul 10, 2024


I refer to the Opinion piece “What price some quiet time at home?” (July 7).
People usually talk about air and water pollution, but noise pollution is no less important.
I have been harping on the issue of noise caused by motorcycles and other vehicles.
When these motorbikes or cars are driven inside HDB estates or inside carparks, the sound is amplified many times, and can even be heard by those on the 10th floor. Some riders of two-wheelers enjoy revving their machines loudly and startling the people around.
In our estate, a biker makes loud noises every morning, waking up everyone at 4.30am. He just doesn’t care about the noise he makes and the disturbance it causes.
There is no good reason why the public has to tolerate such annoying noise made by inconsiderate people.
I think it is time the authorities revisited the policies on noise so that people like us can enjoy some peace.

Ramamurthy Mahesh Kumar

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Have residents’ handbook outlining clear guidelines on HDB living​

Jul 19, 2024

Living in close quarters like in HDB flats can be challenging. While all residents have the right to enjoy their home, certain behaviours can infringe on others’ right to a peaceful, safe living environment. A recent example involved a resident who placed a sauna, which was later removed, potted plants and other bulky items in the public corridor (Fire safety violations found along Serangoon HDB corridor with ‘sauna’ cabin; SCDF to take action, July 16). This case exemplifies the self-entitled behaviour that disrupts HDB living.
Residents from different backgrounds and with different habits can clash, especially when some view the common corridor as their own space.
Other examples include noise pollution from loud music or noisy pets, inconsiderate bird feeding, overgrowing of plants, and chain-smoking or non-stop burning of incense that affects neighbouring units. Issues like high-rise littering, dripping laundry and public urination are also common.
The lack of clear guidelines from the Housing Board exacerbates these problems. Currently, there are no limitations on the duration or frequency of activities like smoking, incense burning, or even mahjong playing. Victims of inconsiderate neighbours often face lengthy and expensive battles with various government agencies, only to find themselves back at square one.
As HDB spaces become smaller, conflicts are bound to increase. To address this, the HDB needs to take a proactive approach. A crucial first step is a residents’ handbook outlining clear guidelines for expected behaviour and respect for neighbours’ rights. Additionally, implementing reasonable limits and timeframes for activities that cause inconvenience would promote better co-existence.
Furthermore, enforcement is essential. The HDB should consider hefty fines for repeat offenders, with flat repossession as the ultimate consequence for persistent disregard. Installing sensors to detect excessive noise or smoke can provide a more objective and efficient way to monitor compliance.
An alternative solution is redesigning HDB flats to include private or designated areas for shoe racks or other bulky items. This would free up the common corridors, giving better access to residents, especially the elderly.

Ultimately, fostering a harmonious living environment requires clear expectations and mutual respect. By educating residents on their rights and responsibilities, implementing clear guidelines, and establishing enforcement mechanisms, the HDB can create a peaceful, clutter-free environment where everyone thrives. This will benefit residents and also free up valuable resources currently spent on resolving neighbour disputes.

Chong Ling Eng

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Don’t allow 99-year HDB lease issue to remain unresolved​

Jul 22, 2024

I agree with sociologist Chua Beng Huat that the Government has an increasingly intricate and difficult task of balancing the perception of HDB flats as both public good and financial asset (Future of HDB flats: A delicate balancing act, says sociologist Chua Beng Huat, July 13).
This is especially when many Singaporeans’ savings have gone into their home purchase.
A third of home owners have capitalised on profiting through a buy-sell-repurchase cycle. I believe the two-thirds who have not acted on this strategy intend to bequeath their home to their family members.
Political leaders and Singaporeans must recognise and accept the fundamental principle of the 99-year lease for most HDB flats. The HDB will not be able to conduct the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme for every maturing flat in Singapore. It is both financially inconceivable and irresponsible.
National Development Minister Desmond Lee has reiterated in Parliament that HDB flats of 99-year leasehold strike a good balance between providing a home for life, asset appreciation, rejuvenating our city and building homes for the new generation.
Though the government of the day has reaped political returns, legitimacy and gratitude from past Singaporeans who have gained much from owning an HDB flat, we should not allow the 99-year lease issue to remain unresolved.

Foo Sing Kheng