MP Alvin Tan calls on residents to be considerate after 70 LED funeral wreaths create road hazard
Alvin Tan, a Member of Parliament (MP), has urged residents and families to show consideration for one another after a funeral wake displayed 70 LED wreaths - far exceeding the 10 allowed under National Environment Agency (NEA) guidelines.
"We fully understand and empathise with families when they have lost their loved ones, and we do all we can to support them in their time of grief," said Mr Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development and MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC (Moulmein-Cairnhill).
Mr Tan shared on Facebook on Nov 9 that residents in Pek Kio and Farrer Park had raised concerns about the display along Gloucester Road, opposite Pek Kio Community Centre, which posed a hazard for motorists and pedestrians.
"Unfortunately, despite the request and repeated gentle reminders, the parties involved were uncooperative and made things difficult for the Town Council workers. They had also switched on all 70 LED wreaths late into the night, against Town Council's advice," he added.
He added that he often visits families in the constituency during funeral wakes. "Most of the wakes are dignified affairs, and the families do not cause disamenities to their fellow residents. I hope we will continue to foster this community spirit and be considerate to one another."
In an update on Facebook on Nov 10, Mr Tan thanked residents for their comments and said the Town Council had physically removed the excess wreaths over the weekend.
He added that fines were also issued for non-compliance with Town Council by-laws.
Residents cite safety hazards from excessive LED wreaths
Some netizens shared accounts of near accidents caused by blocked visibility from the wreaths.
"On Sat, 8 Nov, at around 10.30am, I personally witnessed a near accident when two children, aged approximately 7 to 11 years old, were almost hit by a car at the zebra crossing due to blocked visibility caused by the LED wreaths," said one resident. "The driver had to brake suddenly and honked to avoid the incident, frightening the children."
Another said: "I drove past there on Friday, a row of the wreaths fell onto the road right in front of me. Fortunately, I was driving on the outer lane. Yes, definitely a safety hazard, especially as motorists' views are blocked."
Other commenters suggested that funeral service providers should also be held accountable for such breaches.
"The undertaker should be held responsible," said one. "This is a public nuisance. Shouldn't the funeral service provider in this case be charged for creating a public nuisance?"
But one netizen said he would leave the matter to divine retribution.
"Unreasonable people will get punishment from Heaven. Not too worried," said the Facebook user.
