High-rise littering concerns grow in MacPherson after beer bottle incident prompts renewed safety warnings

SINGAPORE: A beer bottle thrown from a high floor in the MacPherson HDB estate has renewed concerns over dangerous high-rise littering.

The incident was confirmed by MP Tin Pei Ling in a Facebook post on 30 November, prompting immediate agency action and investigations.

According to the Tin’s account, the bottle shattered upon impact, leaving glass debris scattered across the ground. She warned that such objects constitute ‘killer litter’, carrying the potential to cause severe injury.

"Even more so if it’s a killer litter!" Tin wrote. "This is dangerous and could cause very serious injuries."

Tin stressed the recklessness of the act, noting that a childcare centre is located nearby. She condemned the behaviour as “callous and antisocial”, stating that it was unacceptable within a residential community.

Immediate Agency Action and Community Outreach

Agencies were notified promptly and a Police report was filed. Tin said that investigations are under way.

Following the incident, MP Tin and her grassroots leaders visited the stack of flats where the beer bottle was thrown down. The visit was intended "to express our deep concern and also remind everyone to be careful because safety first."

Tin highlighted that high-rise littering has been a longstanding challenge in the area. She noted that the issue is not unique to MacPherson but remains deeply frustrating for residents and local leaders.

"High rise littering has been a longstanding challenge for us. It is not unique to MacPherson but it has been very frustrating," she stated.

Despite various efforts over the years across MacPherson to educate the public and enforce against such acts, the MP admitted: "It’s not easy and we don’t always see results in the first instance."

Nevertheless, she affirmed the commitment to sustained action: "But we shall continue in our ground engagement efforts and seek stronger enforcement from agencies." MP Tin concluded her message by urging the community: "Let’s work together to ensure a safe living environment for all."

Expanding Concern: High-Rise Littering Plague Extends Across Singapore Estates

Similar concerns have emerged in other parts of Singapore.

On 28 November, MP Jeffrey Siow reported multiple incidents at Blk 802A Keat Hong Close, where glass and ceramic items were thrown from height.

"We take this incident of high rise littering very seriously. It is not the first time that it has happened," Siow wrote

According to Siow’s Facebook post, the acts were not isolated. Agencies including the Singapore Police Force, the National Environment Agency and the Town Council were activated to respond.

To identify the perpetrator, the NEA deployed surveillance cameras at the block.

Siow appealed for residents to provide any relevant information to allow swift action to protect the community.

Problem in Circuit Road: Residents Face Knives and Faeces

Further accounts of dangerous littering were documented in Circuit Road.

A September 2024 report by Shin Min Daily News described residents experiencing repeated incidents that required them to install awnings outside their units.

These structures were installed specifically to shield their belongings from damage caused by objects thrown from above.

Residents recounted being subjected to a disturbing range of items being hurled down from the flats, including mundane refuse like cigarette butts, and far more dangerous and unhygienic objects such as a knife and faeces wrapped in tissue.

High-rise littering is classified as a criminal offense under Singaporean law

Under Singaporean law, high-rise littering is a criminal offence. A first conviction carries a fine of up to S$2,000.

The penalty increases to S$4,000 for a second conviction and up to S$10,000 for a third or subsequent conviction.

Courts may also impose a Corrective Work Order. Offenders can be required to clean public spaces for up to 12 hours as a deterrent and a form of community redress.