Yishun murder: Mediation between neighbours ‘did not take place’ as accused did not respond to invitation, say MinLaw, MND

The woman was taken unconscious to hospital where she died.

COMMUNITY DISPUTES

The government’s approach to community disputes is to facilitate dialogue and communication between neighbours as far as possible, said MinLaw and MND, adding that the average monthly volume of neighbour noise feedback in the first half of 2025 has held steady at 2,500.

They encouraged disputing neighbours to discuss their issues amicably. If necessary, seek help from their grassroots leaders through their nearest Community Club or apply for mediation at the community mediation centre, they said.

About 80 per cent of voluntary mediation cases mediated by the community mediation centre are successfully settled, they noted. 

“Many neighbours who attempted mediation with the assistance of trained mediators, were able to find a mutual compromise beneficial to all parties.”

From January to August 2025, the community mediation centre registered 1,106 voluntary neighbour dispute cases, averaging 138 cases monthly, said the authorities.

“Of this, 166 neighbour dispute cases were mediated and 129 cases (78 per cent) resulted in a settlement,” they added.

“Despite its effectiveness, many parties in dispute are unwilling to attempt mediation,” said MinLaw and MND.

They noted that fewer than 30 per cent of the total cases registered at the community mediation centre proceeded to mediation because one party did not wish to participate.