Burning issue or 'trivial matter'? Stomper calls out complaint about uncivil 7th Month behaviour

It's that time of year again.

The Straits Times published on Aug 7 a complaint from a reader about irresponsible worshippers who flout the law during the Chinese Seventh Month or Hungry Ghost Festival.

The reader, Adam Reutens-Tan, wrote: "While there is a need to respect others’ religions, the practice of these religions should not be at the expense of flouting national laws like those against littering.

"The Alliance for Action on Norms for Joss Paper Burning also advises worshippers to not toss or scatter joss paper, and ensure that they clear up their offerings after prayers.

"Yet many times, the aftermath of a joss paper-burning session can be seen in unburnt and semi-burnt joss papers strewn across grass verges and pavements, clogging drains and canals. Pieces of ash fly into homes. Food offerings are left out overnight, attracting rats and other pests."

Stomper Elvin wants to call out the ST reader.

"In my opinion, this burning of incense paper and stuff have been around for decades," said the Stomper.

"And in the recent years, I have witnessed the Singapore Government trying their best to educate the public to practice mindfulness when making offerings during any festive seasons.

"This article is really uncalled for. If he is an observant person or someone with a good memory, he should also have read similar complaints about such incidents before. So why bother to complain about this trivial matter?

"Get a life, dude!"

Elvin is right about one thing. There are indeed similar complaints about such incidents before, some even published in Stomp.

Sharing a photo of people burning offerings at the foot of a Housing Board block on Aug 5, Stomper Rose said: "The Singapore heatwave is already very hot. This kind of burning just adds to the heat with the smoke rising up. Inconsiderate people think only about themselves and their convenience."

And it's not just during the Hungry Ghost Festival, which is from Aug 4 to Sept 3 this year.

Stomper W shared photos of a shirtless neighbour burning joss paper in the fifth-storey corridor of Block 470 Segar Road on July 21 morning.

"I also have beliefs, but I use candles with more prayers and chanting instead of the heavy burning of incense papers that pollutes the entire block," said W.

"The debris would fly into other neighbours' homes."

Stomper EA, who lives at Block 668D Jurong West Street 64, also shared photos of a neighbour burning joss paper in the corridor on July 25.

"This has been causing significant inconvenience and distress to my household and the surrounding residents due to the smoke emitted from the burning," lamented EA.

"Despite reaching out to the residents' committee and town council, their efforts to address the matter have been ineffective with them attempting to speak to the owner and notices given and even pasted on the lift.

"The situation continues to persist with the neighbour continuing her inconsiderate behaviour, even going so far as to claim that the police cannot do anything about her actions."

EA added: "The frequent smell of burning incense paper in the common areas is not only unpleasant but also poses potential health and safety concerns as my parents are aged and my children are frequently at their home. It has become a significant source of stress and disruption to my parents’ lives, affecting their ability to enjoy the comfort and cleanliness of their own home."

In response to a Stomp query, the West Coast Town Council said it has visited the resident with other organisations to advise against burning offerings at common property.

It added: "To mitigate fire hazards, we have served notices to remind residents to conduct proper burning practices and to use the incense burners provided in open spaces."

The town council shared the notice below:

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