Burning of joss paper in Hougang triggers resident's asthma attack -- and police call
The burning of joss paper in a carpark at Block 541 Hougang Avenue 8 left one family wheezing and coughing.
Stomper Anonymous was bothered by the smoke from joss paper being burned at 9.45am on May 31.
"It's a fire hazard to vehicles parking nearby. Two owners shifted their cars," he said.
"If the car doesn't catch fire, the ashes still get into cars and homes on the second floor.
"The smoke was so overwhelming that it entered the house. We had to close the windows."
He claimed that the smoke was a health hazard to his family.
"My family has sinusitis and asthma," he explained.
"I got an asthma attack and could not breathe. I had to set up my nebulizer to stabilise me. Two of my kids have bad sinus problems and coughed."
The Stomper said he had no issues with the burning, as long as it was far away.
"I have been living here for 20 years, and everyone does their burning in a designated bin which is about 25 metres away in the open field. That's okay as it is far from anyone's home."
He also explained why he called the police: "It's a selfish act. The cleaner has to do extra work to clean the area because of the mess caused.
"We live in a multicultural country where we should be more considerate to others."
Following a Stomp query, Ang Mo Kio Town Council confirmed they were aware of the feedback.
A spokesperson said: "Upon receiving the feedback, our property team activated our cleaner to clean up the area. The cleaning was completed on the same day.
"To prevent potential fire hazards caused by the burning of joss papers, we will be displaying advisory notices in the lift car noticeboards to remind residents to carry out joss paper burning only at the designated burning bins. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents."
