Living in Ang Mo Kio has its charms. It’s a mature estate, familiar, comfortable. We know our neighbours (mostly), the rhythm of the coffeeshop downstairs, the route the ice cream uncle takes. But lately, there’s been a persistent, unpleasant issue plaguing our block, Blk 565, specifically stemming from a unit on the second floor.
It’s high-rise littering, but perhaps “low-rise” is more accurate in this case. We have an elderly couple, an uncle and aunty living on level 2, who have unfortunately developed a habit of throwing litter directly out of their window.
I wish I could say it was an isolated incident, a one-off mistake. But sadly, it’s become a regular occurrence. Walking past that section of the block often means navigating a small, unpleasant obstacle course. We’re talking about used tissues, food scraps, plastic bags, sometimes even liquids staining the pavement below.
It’s disheartening for several reasons.
Firstly, the mess. It’s unsightly. The common area below their window is frequently strewn with rubbish. It creates an immediate negative impression and makes the environment feel dirty and uncared for, despite the hard work of our estate cleaners who have to constantly deal with this extra burden.
Secondly, the hygiene. Food waste attracts pests – ants, cockroaches, and sometimes even rats. It’s unsanitary and poses a potential health hazard, especially with the humid Singapore weather speeding up decomposition and creating foul odours.
Thirdly, the principle. We live in a shared space, a community. Keeping our surroundings clean is a basic civic duty. Deliberately throwing rubbish out the window, regardless of the floor, shows a lack of consideration for fellow residents and the environment.
Now, the fact that it’s an elderly couple involved adds a layer of complexity. One can’t help but wonder why. Is it forgetfulness? Are there mobility issues that make disposing of rubbish the proper way difficult? Is it a lack of awareness about the impact of their actions? It makes direct confrontation feel awkward, even difficult, for many neighbours. Nobody wants to be disrespectful to their elders.
However, understanding potential reasons doesn’t excuse the behaviour or negate its impact. I had reported the issue to the Town Council and even NEA, hoping for intervention. Sometimes it seems to stop for a short while, but the habit inevitably returns.
It’s a frustrating situation. We want a clean, pleasant environment to live in. We also feel a degree of concern for the elderly couple, wondering if they need some form of support. But fundamentally, the littering needs to stop. It affects the quality of life for everyone else in the block and directly below them.
Perhaps more sustained intervention from the authorities is needed, maybe even involving social services if there are underlying issues contributing to this behaviour. For now, those of us living here can only hope for a resolution, keep reporting it, and carefully watch our step when walking past that particular section of Blk 565.
Ang Mo Kio is our home. Let’s work together – residents and authorities – to ensure it remains a clean and gracious one for everyone.
– A Concerned Resident, Blk 565 Ang Mo Kio