Residents of a Hougang Housing Board (HDB) block have raised concerns over a disturbing hygiene issue after urine and suspected faeces were allegedly thrown around its lift areas and corridors.
The incidents are said to have continued for almost a year at Block 552, Hougang Avenue 7, with residents complaining about persistent foul smells and dirty communal areas. In one reported incident, a worker passing through the block allegedly had urine thrown at them while using the staircase, prompting an immediate police report.
Police officers subsequently attended the block to investigate the complaint. Residents told reporters that the unpleasant smell has become a recurring problem, particularly around the lower floors.
According to Shin Min Daily News, One resident, who declined to be identified, claimed that the smell of urine could be detected on as many as five days in a typical week. The odour had reportedly become so unpleasant that some residents kept their doors and windows shut to prevent it from entering their homes.
Residents Say Problem Has Continued For Almost A Year
Another resident said she had previously encountered brown stains resembling faeces on the floor and walls after exiting the lift. She also noticed a small plastic bag nearby, leading her to speculate that someone could have been carrying waste in the bag before throwing it around the communal area.
Residents have reportedly made several complaints to the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the town council. However, some residents felt that the problem had persisted despite their repeated feedback.
The Ang Mo Kio Town Council said it was aware of the complaints. Educational posters have since been placed inside the affected lift areas reminding residents not to engage in unhygienic and inconsiderate behaviour.
The authorities have also taken steps to identify the person allegedly responsible. According to the report, the NEA installed surveillance cameras on the fifth floor between 28 May and 2 June. A joint inspection involving the town council and NEA was also carried out last month.
Surveillance Cameras Installed As Authorities Investigate
During the inspection, authorities reportedly spoke to a household believed to be potentially connected to the incidents. The town council has also instructed cleaning staff assigned to the area to increase cleaning efforts and deal with any contamination as quickly as possible.
The family of a resident from the unit believed to be linked to the incidents has denied that there is evidence connecting their family member to the alleged behaviour.
An 82-year-old retired resident, identified as Mr Chen, said several people had recently visited the household to ask about the matter. He said police officers had also visited the home a few days ago, which left him feeling that his family was being singled out.
Mr Chen said officers described their visit as a routine inquiry and that he shared what he knew with them.
He added that he had asked his son about the allegations, but his son became angry and firmly denied having anything to do with the incidents. Mr Chen said he did not want to press the matter further without concrete evidence.
Town Council Steps Up Cleaning And Monitoring
The authorities’ investigation remains ongoing, while surveillance footage could potentially help determine who is responsible for the alleged acts.
For residents living in the block, however, the issue goes beyond an unpleasant smell. The alleged dumping of bodily waste in shared spaces raises concerns about public hygiene, sanitation and the cleanliness of communal areas in an HDB estate.
The case also highlights the importance of surveillance and prompt reporting when repeated incidents affect residents’ quality of life. Authorities have urged residents to maintain proper standards of cleanliness and consideration when using shared facilities.
Residents will now have to wait for the investigation to determine whether anyone can be conclusively linked to the alleged incidents.
For the time being, additional cleaning and CCTV monitoring are being used to address the problem and deter further incidents.