Community Members Call for Action as Public Disturbances and Hygiene Issues Persist Near HDB Blocks

Residents living near the Little India MRT station have voiced increasing frustration over the weekend gatherings of foreign workers in the area, citing numerous problems such as noise, public safety concerns, and littering. Local residents, particularly those near HDB blocks, claim the gatherings are disruptive, causing public disturbances and a noticeable deterioration in public hygiene.

According to Mr. Deng (a pseudonym), a resident in the area, these gatherings, which often involve groups of up to twenty workers, are a regular occurrence. “They sit on the ground, bring food and drinks, and play loud music with speakers. It’s not just talking—sometimes they sing and dance too,” he explained. The situation has led to congestion on the sidewalks as workers take over public spaces, making it difficult for pedestrians to pass through.

One of the most troubling issues reported by residents is the problem of public urination. Despite the availability of public restrooms within the MRT station, Mr. Deng shared that he has witnessed numerous instances of foreign workers urinating in public spaces, further compounding concerns about sanitation.

The situation is further exacerbated by littering. Food waste, empty containers, and disposable tableware are frequently left behind after the gatherings. While the National Environment Agency (NEA) has employed cleaning crews to manage the cleanliness of the area, Mr. Deng noted that the frequency of cleaning—once or twice a day—is insufficient to keep up with the volume of trash generated, especially in the evenings. “After 6 or 7 pm, the garbage stays until the next day,” he lamented.

The gatherings typically start around lunchtime and often continue well into the night, sometimes lasting until 10 pm. These events are not limited to eating and socializing but sometimes involve alcohol consumption, which has led to noisy arguments and even physical confrontations, according to local accounts.

Residents are particularly concerned that, while the issue temporarily decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to restrictions, the problem has returned in full force as life has returned to normal. Efforts to address the situation have included petitions and requests for additional cleaning services, but so far, the measures have been inadequate.

Despite the complaints, residents emphasize that they respect the rights of foreign workers to gather but call for more consideration of the surrounding community’s needs. Mr. Deng suggested the creation of designated alcohol-free zones and urged authorities to implement stricter regulations on public drinking. Furthermore, he requested that the police increase patrols to manage issues related to drunken behavior and public disturbances.

While some steps have been taken, including the installation of signboards and additional cleaning staff, residents continue to seek more effective solutions to address the ongoing disruptions in their community.