Mum says neighbour screamed racial slurs at her 3-year-old for talking in corridor, files police report

SINGAPORE: A resident of Paya Lebar condominium made a police report after a suspected verbal abuse from her neighbour. 

The resident, who is also a mother, shared a “deeply distressing” incident of racial harassment after her neighbour, who shares the same lift corridor, continuously yelled racial insults at her and her child, especially when her three-year-old spoke while walking along the corridor.

The mother also shared that their neighbour becomes verbally abusive whenever children visit their home. She managed to share a video on Stomp when she caught on camera the neighbour shouting: “[F******] selfish, your child can scream, people’s child cannot scream.” 

“We have been extremely careful not to cause disturbance – keeping our voices low, avoiding the corridor, and even taking the fire exit to prevent confrontation. Despite this, the verbal abuse has continued,” the mother stated

She added that although there is no direct video evidence, several mothers and children have personally witnessed the unfortunate incidents on several occasions. There was also an incident when children cried due to the shouting. 

As a result, the mother filed a police report. “The MCST has also been informed, and I have requested mediation, but the neighbour has refused to participate.” 

The situation has been causing emotional distress, and the mother does not feel safe in her own home. She also had to teach her child not to speak outside their home out of fear. 

“I hope by sharing this, more awareness can be brought to families who silently endure such harassment and the importance of stronger protection for residents facing racial abuse in private estates,” the mother remarked. 

In Singapore, a person can be charged under the Penal Code for saying or doing something intended to wound another person’s religious or racial feelings. An individual is found guilty if they communicate such ideas through speech, sounds, gestures, or the use of objects, and if it is proven that their purpose was to hurt another’s religious or racial sentiments.

If convicted, the penalty can be up to three years’ imprisonment and/or a fine.