Forget the chickens, it is the pigeons that are hazardous

In recent weeks, there appears to have been a palpable increase in the pigeon population at Sembawang MRT station.

In the past, it had always been the usual practice to install wire meshes and spikes atop the beams of the roof to tackle this problem.

Notwithstanding this, the issue of pigeons nestling below the ceiling still remains unresolved.

I foresee that very soon, pigeon droppings will fall from height onto commuters.

This brings to mind the ubiquitous pigeon droppings found at the common space below Jurong East MRT station.

The flooring there is always littered with the excreta of pigeons, giving the station a very dirty appearance.

The droppings of pigeons are a convenient medium for the transmission of contagious diseases.

In view of the current situation, the authorities should quickly take remedial action to control the pigeon population in and around both Sembawang and Jurong East MRT stations.

Catherine Tai Siew Leng (Ms)

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 17, 2017, with the headline Forget the chickens, it is the pigeons that are hazardous. Subscribe