Addressing Bed Bug Infestations and Excessive Hoarding Problems at HDB Rental Blocks
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng’s inquiry regarding more effective solutions for bed bug infestations and excessive hoarding within HDB rental flats. Minister Desmond Lee explained that HDB provides goodwill pest control treatment and facilitates tenant transfers or flat cleanups for serious infestations. Regarding hoarding, the Hoarding Management Framework guides coordinated agency support, including decluttering with SCDF and NEA to address fire and health risks. Minister Desmond Lee also noted that HDB collaborates with Social Service Agencies and AIC to provide counseling for underlying resident issues. These measures aim to resolve complex cleanliness problems while ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
Transcript
22 Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will provide a more effective solution for HDB rental flats that are affected by bed bug infestations and excessive hoarding.
Mr Desmond Lee: When HDB receives feedback on the cleanliness of a rental flat, HDB officers will carry out an inspection. Should there be a bed bug infestation, HDB will provide pest control treatment on a goodwill basis. For cases where the infestation is serious, HDB will also assist to transfer the tenant to another rental flat, and clean up the affected flat.
Hoarding cases tend to be more complex, involving multiple issues and affecting multiple parties, such as the resident, their family, as well as their neighbours and community. The Municipal Services Office has worked with relevant agencies to develop a Hoarding Management Framework, to guide officers across agencies in providing coordinated support to resolve the hoarding issue.
The resident will first be advised to remove excess items and keep their flat tidy. For severe cases which pose a risk or dis-amenities to neighbours, HDB will also work with regulatory agencies, such as SCDF for fire hazards and NEA for public health, to declutter the flat for the safety of the resident and the community.
As cases of excessive hoarding and serious bedbug infestation could be an indication of other underlying issues, HDB works with relevant Social Service Agencies and AIC to provide counselling and appropriate support to the resident.