Daily singing gatherings at Chinatown MRT spark business complaints over noise and declining footfall
Shops near Pagoda Street say a group that sings nightly with speakers is disrupting business, with echoes amplified by the sheltered walkway and affecting customers.
- Businesses report that evening singing sessions near Pagoda Street have increased from several days a week to daily.
- Shopowners say noise is amplified by the covered walkway and continues despite repeated complaints.
- Staff members report incidents of verbal abuse when trying to advise the group.
SINGAPORE: Businesses near the Pagoda Street entrance of Chinatown MRT Station say a longstanding disturbance has escalated, with daily singing sessions continuing to draw evening crowds.
Local reports earlier highlighted that shopowners had raised concerns about the gatherings, which have begun affecting customer comfort and footfall.
According to merchants interviewed during a recent follow-up visit, the group of middle-aged singers had originally gathered about three times a week.
They now appear every day.
A restaurant staff member said the walkway is bordered by shophouses and covered by a roof, causing sound to echo and intensify.
Complaints yield limited results
The staff member said multiple complaints had been made to authorities, including calls to the police.
However, the group reportedly quietens temporarily when officers arrive, only to resume soon after.
Noise reportedly spills directly into eateries, making conversations difficult for diners.
Evening routines with equipment
Observation at the location showed the group assembling from about 6:00pm.
One participant brings a speaker and projector, while roughly ten others wait their turn to sing. Sessions sometimes continue until around 10:00pm.
A 40-year-old gift shop operator, Zhang, said the daily gatherings began last month.
He recounted an incident in which a restaurant staff member attempted to advise the group, but one singer allegedly responded with coarse language.
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