In a dramatic escalation of a long-running dispute, a Woodlands resident found his photos pasted along a 1km stretch of his HDB estate after his family confronted their downstairs neighbour about incessant knocking noises. The ugly row, which has reportedly simmered for nearly five years, has left multiple families embroiled in a cycle of accusations, police reports, and public shaming.
The saga began when the family living on the 13th floor of Block 418, Woodlands Street 41, complained about daily knocking sounds believed to be coming from their 12th-floor neighbour. The tension reached a boiling point several months ago when the 13th floor resident’s son visited the 12th-floor unit to demand answers, only to have his face caught on the neighbour’s CCTV. In retaliation, his photos were printed and pasted on walls from the block’s ground floor all the way to a nearby MRT station, sparking alarm among residents, reported Shin Min Daily News.
Dispute Dates Back to March 2020
According to the 13th floor resident, the troubles started soon after moving in during March 2020. Their downstairs neighbour allegedly accused them of dragging furniture and causing leaks in her toilet. In an attempt to resolve matters, the 13th floor resident spent about S$3,000 installing cork flooring and carpets to reduce noise and sought professional advice on the alleged leakage. However, these efforts failed to placate their neighbour, who reportedly refused to engage in discussion or mediation.
Adding to the strain, the 13th floor resident claimed their neighbour retaliated by knocking on her own ceiling daily, creating noise levels comparable to a nearby construction site. Posters of the son’s face were allegedly replaced whenever removed, heightening the sense of harassment.
Neighbour on 11th Floor Also Caught in the Crossfire
Another resident, 63-year-old James, living directly below the 12th floor unit on the 11th floor, revealed that he, too, was subjected to constant knocking sounds, sometimes as early as 4am, and water allegedly poured from the 12th floor window, forcing him to dry laundry indoors. James claimed he made over 20 police reports and sought help from the Community Mediation Centre, which led to a temporary pause in the disturbances. However, the alleged harassment reportedly resumed three months later, culminating in his CCTV camera being damaged after an altercation.
12th Floor Resident Responds
Cailyn, daughter of the 12th floor resident, admitted to printing and pasting the photos in public spaces, stating it was a response to aggressive confrontations by neighbours who she claims tried to force open their door, damaging their lock in the process. She asserted the noise complaints were misplaced, insisting the sounds originated from the 13th floor, not her mother’s unit. Cailyn further alleged her mother had endured nearly five years of intimidation and harassment, expressing hope that neighbours would stop making false accusations.
Police Involvement and Call for Resolution
The Singapore Police Force confirmed that reports have been lodged and investigations are ongoing. Despite repeated attempts at mediation, the dispute appears unresolved, with each side accusing the other of harassment.
Community Safety and Mental Well-being Concerns
This case highlights growing concerns over neighbour disputes in high-density living environments like Singapore’s HDB estates. Such feuds not only disrupt community harmony but may escalate into acts of intimidation or potential violence if left unchecked. Residents experiencing ongoing disputes are urged to seek early intervention through community mediation services or the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals to prevent conflicts from spiralling.
Image Source: Right (Shin Min Daily News)