High-rise Littering Hot Spots

Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) if he will provide an update on NEA's plans to install surveillance cameras to monitor high-rise littering hot spots in HDB estates; (b) whether NEA has performed any studies on the extent of high-rise littering in the estates; (c) whether surveillance cameras will be a sufficient deterrent against high-rise littering; (d) how can NEA assure the public that their privacies are protected; and (e) how are the recordings handled to ensure that there is no leak or unauthorised viewing.

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High-rise littering is a threat to public safety, damages the environment and a nuisance to neighbours who have to cope with stains on clothes, windows and floors. Common items thrown include cigarette butts, food waste and tissue paper. NEA has received an increasing number of feedback cases over high-rise littering – from 2,499 in 2008, to 5,700 feedback cases as at end-September 2012.

To counter this trend, NEA has in the last month installed surveillance cameras in HDB blocks where residents have been faced with persistent high-rise littering incidents. To date, NEA has installed surveillance cameras at 70 locations in 17 HDB estates, such as Pasir Ris, Punggol, Bukit Merah and Boon Lay. These cameras have enabled NEA to identify and initiate action against two offenders so far. If convicted, high-rise litterers can be fined a maximum of $1,000 and/or be issued a Corrective Work Order (CWO) not exceeding 12 hours. NEA's observation is that the high-rise littering situation has improved in areas where the cameras have been deployed.

Surveillance cameras are deployed only as a last resort if education and community outreach efforts fail to address the problem. We are mindful of residents' privacy and have put in place the following measures:

(a) The surveillance cameras are focused only on the external facade of the suspects' housing units;

(b) A general notice is issued beforehand to the residents of the affected block to inform them about the deployment of the cameras; and

(c) Only authorised personnel have access to the recordings. There are strict protocols in place to govern the viewing and copying of the footage, and to ensure that the recordings are used only for enforcement against high-rise litterers.

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Even as we take a tough stance against irresponsible high-rise litterers, we must continue to work with partners like the Town Councils and the Singapore Kindness Movement to promote good neighbourliness, responsible behaviour and social graciousness in our schools and our community. We should not let up on efforts to cultivate the right social values that will help us make this a clean and endearing home.

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