“Merah” means red in Malay, but this might be taking it too literally.<\/p>\n
A Jalan Bukit Merah resident complained that after several blocks were painted red, it felt like living in a furnace on sunny days.<\/p>\n
The buildings appeared to be on fire in more ways than one, according to Stomper SamY.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n “Blocks 12, 13 and 14 at Jalan Bukit Merah look like they are burning,” said the resident.<\/p>\n “Residents are complaining. During hot sunny days, the rooms feel like a furnace. Even after heavy rain, the whole flat still feels hot and humid.”<\/p>\n The Stomper highlighted recent news about a Housing Board initiative to coat blocks with heat-reflective paint<\/a><\/span> that will be rolled out to all HDB estates by 2030.<\/p>\n He wondered: “Are they really using real reflective paint or is the town council is not considerate enough towards the residents by painting the buildings red?”<\/p>\n In response to a Stomp query, a Tanjong Pagar Town Council spokesperson pointed out that the part of Bukit Merah historically known as the Brickworks Estate was once a key centre of Singapore’s brick-making industry.<\/p>\n The name “Bukit Merah”, which means “red hill” in Malay, is also associated with the distinctive red soil in the area, which made it ideal for brick production.<\/p>\n “Many long-time residents would remember that the residential blocks in this estate were traditionally painted in shades of red to reflect this heritage,” said the spokesperson.<\/p>\n She explained that as part of the ongoing Repairs & Redecoration (R&R) works, which are scheduled for completion at the end of next year, the blocks are receiving a fresh coat of paint.<\/p>\n “During the colour selection process, residents voted for the red-themed scheme to retain the rich culture and identity of the Brickworks Estate, and to bring greater vibrancy to the neighbourhood,” revealed the spokesperson.<\/p>\n “Over the past months, we have received some feedback regarding the intensity of the red colour and how it reflected light into some units.<\/p>\n “In response, we worked closely with the R&R contractor to adjust the colour scheme by incorporating more white surfaces to tone down the overall redness.<\/p>\n “These mitigation measures have been implemented, and so far, no further related feedback has been received. Residents appear to be adapting well to the refreshed look as the R&R works continue.”<\/p>\n She added: “We thank residents for their patience and for sharing their concerns, and we remain committed to maintaining a comfortable living environment while preserving the unique heritage of the estate.”<\/p>\n In 2023, Tampines North residents also complained about red-themed blocks not because of the heat, but because the colour made the buildings look “like a horror movie<\/a><\/span>“.<\/p>\n![\"Jalan](\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/stomp\/4d45aeae2cec4f492c3e5ad93b38a9ceced37e7b0583a2aba2ea0f2510149d5b\/1762850085-3.jpg?w=360&f=webp)
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