A Punggol resident is concerned that a “massive” altar is posing a safety hazard at her block.
Stomper SY, who lives at Block 437B Northshore Drive, said the situation has persisted despite her raising the issue to Punggol Town Council.
“For over a year, a neighbour has set up a bulky, heavy wooden altar in the common corridor, effectively turning a shared fire escape route into a private worship space,” she told Stomp on April 12.
“The neighbour consistently burns joss sticks directly on a wooden altar structure. Placing a continuous ignition source on flammable wooden furniture is a major fire risk. A single stray ember could ignite the structure, leading to a catastrophic fire in the corridor, especially with the plants nearby.”
SY shared photos showing a red cabinet with a pull-out shelf where offerings, including trays of apples, oranges and kueh, were displayed.
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“The 24/7 presence of food offerings attracts pests and vermin. If this ‘permanent encroachment’ is tolerated, it will trigger a ‘broken window’ effect, leading to a total breakdown of community management standards where others follow suit,” claimed the Stomper, who also pointed out the danger to children.
“The altar is constantly stacked with offerings that are unstable. These items could easily fall and cause serious head injuries to toddlers passing by — a massive safety risk that is being ignored.”
