A 68-year-old retiree in Tampines has become a familiar figure in his neighbourhood after dedicating much of his free time to documenting littering and illegal parking offences from the comfort of his HDB flat.
Armed with a high-powered zoom camera, the retiree has spent years photographing suspected offenders and submitting the evidence to the relevant authorities. His efforts have reportedly resulted in multiple fines being issued, drawing both praise and criticism from residents in the area.
Acording to Shin Min Daily News, The retiree, identified only as Tan, said he started monitoring the neighbourhood after repeatedly noticing littering and vehicles parked in unauthorised locations. According to him, keeping the estate clean and orderly is a responsibility shared by everyone.
Uses Zoom Camera To Capture Offences
Tan said he often spends long periods observing activity below his block. Whenever he witnesses what he believes to be an offence, he takes photographs or videos and keeps detailed records before forwarding the information to the authorities.
He reportedly submits his collected evidence regularly and claims that the number of littering incidents has gradually decreased over the years.
Initially, he estimated that he was reporting between 40 and 50 cases every month. However, as enforcement actions increased and residents became more aware, he believes the number has dropped to around 20 to 30 cases monthly.
To improve the quality of his evidence, Tan upgraded his equipment several years ago, spending more than S$1,000 on a Nikon camera equipped with a powerful zoom lens capable of capturing clear images from a considerable distance.
The retiree’s wife said she fully supports his efforts, noting that he previously worked as a cleaner and feels strongly about maintaining cleanliness within the community.
Some Residents Upset Over Reports
Not everyone in the neighbourhood shares Tan’s enthusiasm.
Several residents who spoke about the situation said they felt uncomfortable knowing they could be photographed while carrying out daily activities near their homes.
One private-hire driver claimed he had received several fines over the years after being reported. He said some residents were unhappy with Tan’s actions, believing the retiree was too quick to report minor infractions.
The driver added that one of his fines related to parking outside a designated lot, although he later succeeded in appealing the penalty.
Another resident said he received a notice after washing a vehicle while visiting family members in the estate. He remarked that the images submitted as evidence were extremely clear and questioned whether residents would be comfortable knowing cameras were constantly pointed in their direction.
Others alleged that several motorists had also been fined after being photographed committing offences such as improper disposal of cigarette butts.
Confrontation Allegedly Escalated
The situation reportedly led to tensions between Tan and some residents.
One resident claimed he encountered Tan in a lift several weeks ago and an argument broke out. According to the resident, both men exchanged insults before the confrontation escalated.
However, the two parties have provided differing accounts of what happened during the incident.
Tan maintained that he was the victim and later filed a police report regarding the matter. The resident, meanwhile, disputed his version of events.
Retiree Says He Will Continue Reporting
Despite the criticism and occasional confrontations, Tan said he has no intention of stopping.
He revealed that he has installed CCTV cameras outside his flat as a precaution and said he would contact the police if anyone attempted to harass him.
When asked whether anyone had thanked him for his efforts over the years, he replied that nobody had.
Nevertheless, the retiree remains committed to what he sees as a civic duty.
“As long as I see it, I will report it,” he said, adding that protecting the environment and maintaining public cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility.
Image: Shin Min Daily News