Residents in the Pek Kio and Farrer Park area have raised concerns after a family placed 70 LED wreaths along Gloucester Road for a wake, far exceeding the limit allowed under National Environment Agency (NEA) guidelines.
The guidelines only allow up to 10 wreaths, but the family had lined 70 along the road opposite Pek Kio Community Club. Some wreaths blocked the view of motorists and pedestrians, while others even fell onto the road, causing obstruction and safety risks.
Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development Alvin Tan, who is also a Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, said in a Facebook post on Sunday (Nov 9) that the situation had caused concern among residents in Pek Kio and Farrer Park.
“The way the wreaths were placed also obstructed lines of sight for motorists and pedestrians. Parents and students of neighbouring primary and pre-schools had near misses because of the obstruction,” he said.
Mr Tan added that several wreaths fell onto the road in front of a zebra crossing, blocking traffic and creating road hazards. The Tanjong Pagar Town Council had reached out to the family and asked them to remove the excess wreaths.
“Unfortunately, despite repeated reminders, the parties involved were uncooperative and made things difficult for the town council workers. They had also switched on all 70 LED wreaths late into the night, against advice,” he said.
Mr Tan stressed that the authorities understood the grief families face when they lose loved ones. “We fully understand and empathise with families when they have lost their loved ones. And we do all we can to support them in their time of grief,” he said.
He added that most wakes held in the constituency are “dignified affairs” and do not cause inconvenience to residents. “I hope we will continue to foster this community spirit and be considerate to one another,” he said.
