A Toa Payoh man caused a police call-out after he scattered joss paper outside his daughter’s boyfriend’s flat in an attempt to compel her to come home. The 54-year-old father grew frustrated when his 21-year-old daughter declined to leave her boyfriend’s residence despite repeated requests.
Tensions Rise as Father Searches for Daughter
The incident took place on Tuesday (22 July) at Block 51, Toa Payoh Lorong 6. According to the father, Mr Yang, his daughter had stayed with him for two days and was expected to return home on Monday night but did not show up. Concerned, he visited the boyfriend’s flat early Tuesday morning, where a physical altercation reportedly broke out between him and the boyfriend, reported Shin Min Daily News.
Later that day, Mr Yang and his wife attempted to retrieve their daughter from the flat, but she refused to leave with them and called the police.
Joss Paper Scattered as Sign of Anger
When reporters arrived, police officers were present outside the flat. Joss paper, some inside red ang pow envelopes, was seen scattered in the corridor next to empty beer cans. The red envelopes bore a handwritten message symbolising a “cutting of ties” with the cans.
Mr Yang admitted that he scattered the joss paper in anger, hoping to pressure the occupants to open the door.
Daughter Seeks ‘Breathing Space’ Amid Family Conflict
The daughter, Miss Chen, later explained that she had returned home the previous night after the police intervened. She revealed the strained relationship with her parents, citing disapproval of her boyfriend—who reportedly has no stable job and suffers from a skin condition—as the main source of conflict.
Feeling repressed and under pressure at home, she said she needed “breathing space” and preferred to stay at her boyfriend’s place during school holidays. She expressed hope that her parents would understand her perspective better, though she promised to visit them frequently.
Police Mediate to Ease Tensions
Officers at the scene reminded the father and mother that their daughter is an adult and encouraged the family to reconcile. After discussions, the daughter agreed to return home, and the parents left satisfied.
Images Source: Shin Min Daily News