New government unit dealing with severe noise, hoarding cases begins 1-year pilot in Tampines
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Tampines was chosen for the pilot because it has an average case load, compared with those of other towns in Singapore.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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SINGAPORE – The new Community Relations Unit (CRU), comprising officers with investigatory and enforcement powers to intervene in severe noise and hoarding cases, has begun its one-year pilot in Tampines.
The unit will complement other efforts aimed at maintaining harmonious living, said Senior Minister of State for National Development Sim Ann in a Facebook post on April 7.
The initial team has 15 full-time officers.
CRU officers will step in when alerted if a noise dispute remains unresolved despite efforts at mediation by Housing Board or other front-line officers.
Amendments to the Community Disputes Resolution Act in November 2024 gave CRU officers a range of powers, including issuing directions to compel parties to go for mediation at the Community Mediation Centre.
The CRU team will also carry out further investigations, deploy noise sensors and, in serious cases, issue warnings and abatement orders.
Failing to comply with an abatement order is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine, or imprisonment, or both.
Tampines was chosen for the pilot because it has an average caseload, compared with those of other towns in Singapore, Ms Sim told Parliament last November.
In cases of severe hoarding, CRU officers have powers to enter homes and forcibly declutter them, after efforts from front-line agencies have been exhausted and the hoarder still fails to comply.
But Ms Sim said the bulk of the cases the CRU will deal with will be noise-related since the volume of severe hoarding cases is not high.
The Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) will also get enhanced powers to resolve cases more quickly and effectively, such as mandatory treatment orders for those believed to be causing disturbances due to a mental health condition.
Referring cases to the CDRT is the last resort if cases are not effectively addressed through mediation or the CRU.
HDB residents in Tampines who need assistance with noise from neighbours can call the hotline on 3300-3300 between 9am and 9pm on weekdays. They can also use the OneService App and OneService Chatbot.
Isabelle Liew is a journalist at The Straits Times. She covers housing issues in Singapore, with a focus on public housing.
