Bukit Panjang resident says he’s living in ‘gas chamber’ because of neighbour who ‘smokes 24/7’
A Bukit Panjang resident claims his home has become “unfit for human stay” due to secondhand smoke from a neighbour who allegedly smokes around the clock.
Stomper FedUpResident said the issue has been ongoing since 2021 and has affected his entire household, including an elderly parent with a heart condition.
“I’m not living in an HDB flat but in a gas chamber,” the Stomper complained.
“My neighbor is a ‘chimney’ — smoking 24/7, and my whole family is ‘grilled’ by their secondhand smoke every single day,” alleged the Stomper.
To better assess the severity of the indoor air pollution, FedUpResident said he purchased air quality monitors – the results of which were “damn scary”.
According to readings shared with Stomp, the air quality index (AQI) reached 115 – considered unhealthy for sensitive groups – while carbon dioxide levels rose to 1671 ppm. Other readings showed elevated levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
“My family and I have been forced to become ‘passive smokers’,” the Stomper lamented.
FedUpResident further alleged that the smoke has also caused long-term damage to his home.
“Even when the neighbor isn’t currently smoking, my house has a constant, stale and ‘mushy’ cigarette stench. It’s embedded in the structure,” he said.
“Our towels hanging inside the toilet and laundry dry in the balcony act like sponges. They absorb the heavy smoke.”
Court order sought in 2022
FedUpResident told Stomp he had applied for a court order in 2022, but described it as “ineffective” in stopping his neighbour from smoking incessantly.
According to him, pursuing further legal action has been difficult.
“Returning to court is extremely burdensome because I have to repeatedly prove that the neighbour has breached the Court Order or Specific Direction,” FedUpResident explained, adding that the fees are also expensive.
Despite approaching multiple agencies such as his town council, the Resident’s Committee and the National Environment Agency, the Stomper said little has changed for him and his family.
FedUpResident, who claimed to have stopped approaching the town council since 2023, hopes to highlight how serious secondhand smoke is by sharing his experience with Stomp.
Town council has engaged resident
In response to Stomp’s queries, the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council said it is aware of the case and has “attended” to the resident.
“Our officers have engaged the resident to better understand the concerns raised and to offer assistance where possible,” a spokesperson said.
The town council added that it has stepped up public education efforts in the area, including placing advisories in common areas and engaging residents to promote considerate behaviour and a smoke-free living environment.
It also said it will continue working with relevant parties to explore appropriate avenues to address the issue.
“We understand the distress that such situations may cause and remain committed to supporting residents,” the spokesperson added.
See something interesting? Contribute your story to us.
Explore more on these topics
