Reddit post reignites concern over unattended parcels left at HDB void decks in Singapore

SINGAPORE: On 12 October 2025, a Reddit post showing a mound of parcels left unattended at an HDB void deck reignited public concern over parcel delivery practices in Singapore.

The photo depicted boxes stacked haphazardly, including electronic goods such as a screen monitor and a microwave, with several packages scattered nearby.

The poster remarked, “Good luck to the person who ordered the monitor and the microwave,” adding frustration over the sight of parcels “thrown around without any care.”

The Redditor also mentioned waiting for his delivery since last Friday, reflecting wider frustration with delivery delays and poor parcel handling.

Online reactions and allegations

Comments on the post quickly pointed to possible lapses by third-party logistics providers.

Some users blamed companies for inadequate training or setting unrealistic delivery targets that led workers to cut corners.

One user suggested that the issue stemmed from “illegal foreign workers” handling parcel deliveries at night to avoid detection, adding that platforms such as Shopee had shifted to hiring homemakers and part-timers before increasingly relying on foreign labour.

Another commenter from the western region shared similar observations, claiming that late-night deliveries were often done by foreign workers, with few locals still involved.

Concerns over workload and working conditions

Other commenters focused on the difficult conditions facing couriers.

Some described the workload as “insane,” sharing experiences of receiving parcels at 1am or even 4–5am.

A Redditor who said they previously worked for Shopee’s logistics arm explained that parcel volumes spike during major sales such as 9.9 and 10.10, pushing companies to expand night deliveries. According to this user, Shopee allows deliveries to be dropped off at customers’ doorsteps in the early morning hours.

They added that couriers often face seven-day work weeks, stagnant pay, and strict deadlines. These pressures, the Redditor said, have driven many locals to quit, prompting subcontractors to turn to foreign workers, sometimes without proper authorisation.

Another user claimed that a relative delivering Shopee parcels worked until dawn, slept in his van, and faced penalties when parcels were lost or damaged — sometimes amounting to several thousand dollars monthly.

By comparison, some noted that TikTok Shop deliveries through J&T Express appeared “easier to manage,” citing fewer penalties and clearer procedures.

Ongoing misuse of public spaces

Several users questioned why delivery companies allowed public areas to become makeshift sorting spaces.

One commenter asked, “Why aren’t the logistics facilities providing the sorting space? Or are they outsourcing to third or fourth-party vans with nowhere else to sort parcels?”

Another Redditor claimed to have repeatedly reported a Shopee delivery team to the Town Council for using void decks as sorting zones. After two warnings, the group allegedly stopped the practice.

Past incidents and recurring complaints

This is not the first time unattended parcels have been found in public areas.

In August 2025, residents in Tampines and Tengah reported similar cases to local media Stomp, with items left unsupervised overnight.

At Block 256 Tampines Street 21, one resident filmed piles of parcels under a void deck, while in Tengah, packages labelled with SPX Express were seen at Block 220B Tengah Garden Walk around 5.30pm on 9 August.

Shopee, which works with several third-party logistics partners including SPX Express, told  Stomp it “takes such concerns seriously” and is “reviewing practices with partners.”

The company added that it “regrets any inconvenience caused” and remains committed to “safe and responsible delivery practices.”

Earlier cases across neighbourhoods

In earlier footage from Yishun, Woodlands, and Hougang, parcels were also seen left unattended.

A separate video, shared on Complaint Singapore, showed two individuals sorting parcels in an HDB carpark, appearing to throw some packages during the process.

On 1 August 2025, a Woodlands resident photographed parcels scattered at Block 329 Woodlands Street 32, while similar incidents were previously reported in January 2024.

In December 2024, 8World News reported that Ang Mo Kio Town Council responded to complaints about parcels left near a lift at Block 451 Hougang Avenue 10.

Although the parcels were cleared before inspection, the council said it continues to monitor shared spaces and urged residents to report obstructions or suspected illegal dumping.