High rise littering at Buangkok Link, residents warned to walk with caution

A member of the public warned others of the high-rise littering problem at Buangkok Link, urging residents to walk in the area with caution.

According to the concerned individual, the National Environment Agency “had tried its best” to address the issue by posting a notice in the lift lobby and sending out flyers to the estate.

Facebook page Complaint Singapore member Evan Tan posted details of their living conditions on August 9.

“Residents of Blk 984C Buangkok Link, beware of high-rise littering. Many people walk(ing) under must (be) extra careful. Since NEA had tried their BEST!” said the Facebook group member.

“Today almost strike by his/her act. Can’t tell from which level of unit#45. Mostly are those waste or excess food. Pls all walk past that area must be extra careful (sic),” added Mr Tan in a comment.

Mr Tan noted that he had reported the issue to NEA a few times since 2020. “NEA said they will be monitoring it.”

“But so far, they just issue a notice at the lift lobby and flyers to whole unit, that’s all.”

Mr Tan attached photos of a nearby tree with hanging trash bags that’s been discarded from above.

“I can’t just depend on them as they did not take 2nd level action. I also hope thru this complaint platform to inform whomever friends or family members who will use that area pass by be more cautious.”

It appears that littering is also a problem in other areas. “High-rise littering is happening in Commonwealth Drive blk 50, 51, 52 and 53. The Blk that I would highlight is Blk 51; things that are thrown down are all kinds of things, especially fish bone, chin,” said Facebook user Jayne Lee.

Facebook user Michael Chua said that his case involves food thrown out from the second or third floors becoming pigeon feed. “Reported to NEA, reply came back asking me for photo evidence for them to proceed. Citizens’ feedback now also wants us to work on-site to photo culprit. Too much.”

Under the Environmental Public Health Act, stiff penalties can be meted out for high-rise littering offences.

The maximum fine for each littering act is S$2,000 for the first court conviction, S$4,000 for the second conviction and S$10,000 for the third or subsequent conviction. The court may also issue a Corrective Work Order in addition to any court fines meted out.

Overall, more than 36,000 tickets were issued for littering and smoking offences in 2020, said NEA in a news release in February 2021. About 49 per cent of the total tickets were issued for littering and high-rise littering offences.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to NEA for a statement and will update the article accordingly. /TISG

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