The loss of two innocent lives during a shop house fire at Hougang Avenue 8 last year is a stark reminder that we must always be vigilant against potential fire hazards. After the incident, strict measures on the use of outdoor display areas have been implemented to ensure the common passage at the shop front remains accessible in case of fire or other emergency.

I read with relief that checks on errant shopkeepers are taking place when it was reported last month that since Oct 17, 16 joint inspections involving 1,180 shops have been conducted, one by each town council.

Checks have been made. Warnings have been given. However, the checks and warnings are apparently not enough. I still see various guidelines on shop-front display blatantly disregarded.

A prime example is the shops at Ang Mo Kio Central Block 702. Many shop owners still sublet their shop-front space to other unrelated businesses. There is no minimum 1m-wide open path maintained between goods. These are just two of the many guidelines that are flouted openly and the errant shops are just a few out of the many.

We should not wait for an accident to happen. One life lost is one too many. I sincerely hope the town council concerned and other town councils will conduct more, regular and stringent checks not only during this festive period but at other times of the year to ensure a safe environment for shoppers and shopkeepers.

Alex Ang Chung Chung