A taxi uncle has come under fire after being caught on camera scattering bread to feed pigeons near Lorong Lew Lian, drawing large flocks of birds and causing what residents say has become a serious bird nuisance problem.
The issue is happening around Blocks 1 and 2 at Lorong Lew Lian, reported Shin Min Daily News.
Madam Teng (53, housewife), a concerned resident, said she first noticed the man more than a year ago. “Almost every other day in the early morning, he will drive to the traffic circle below the block and scatter a lot of bread on the road divider,” she said.
She added that the situation has been going on for over a year, and the pigeons have already developed a habit of gathering there every morning to wait for food.
“Apart from him, some people will also throw food down from the upper floors, which only attracts more birds. I’ve seen dozens of birds appearing at the same time, causing a serious nuisance. Because of all the bird droppings, I have to be extra careful when hanging my laundry. If it gets stained, I have to rewash everything. It’s very troublesome.”
A video provided by Madam Teng shows the taxi uncle slowing down when passing the traffic circle, scattering the bread, and then closing his car door before driving off. Another photo shows about 50 pigeons gathered on the road divider, eating the bread.
When reporters from Shin Min Daily News visited the site, they found a sign on the grass below the blocks stating “No Feeding of Pigeons.” Many pigeons were also spotted nearby.
Several residents said they had seen the taxi uncle feeding pigeons, but were not sure if he lived in the area. They described his actions as selfish.
Mr Yang, a 75-year-old resident who has lived in the area for over 40 years, said,
“There were pigeons in the past, but the problem wasn’t as bad as in recent years. Now, if you don’t close your doors and windows tightly, pigeons can fly in to look for food. There’s also a lot of bird droppings downstairs.”
He shared that there was once an auntie who often brought food downstairs and that he had tried to advise her to stop.
“But she ignored me. When people feed them, more birds fly in from far away. It affects our daily lives a lot.”
Town Council and NParks respond
The Marine Parade–Braddell Heights Town Council said it is aware of the pigeon feeding problem in the area and has already put up posters and signs to discourage the public from feeding pigeons. It is also working with pest control companies to carry out monthly pigeon management work, such as a recent trapping operation on the 8th of this month.
A spokesperson added that the Town Council is working closely with relevant agencies to further ease the problem and will continue to monitor the situation to ensure a clean and hygienic living environment for residents.
Mr How Choon Beng, group director of wildlife management at NParks, said the agency is aware of the issue and is working with the Town Council to manage pigeon numbers.
He added that residents have been advised not to feed the birds and were informed of the impact of feeding on public health and hygiene. NParks will continue to monitor the situation closely and take enforcement action against offenders.
