Complaints of Second-hand Smoke from Neighbours at HDB Flats
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns feedback on second-hand smoke from residents smoking at windows or common corridors and the National Environment Agency’s plans to address the issue. Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli B M M reported that feedback regarding smoking in common corridors and residential premises decreased between 2013 and 2015, noting that corridor smoking can attract fines of up to $1,000. He clarified that smoking within one's own residence is a private matter beyond government jurisdiction, though smokers are urged to be socially responsible and considerate of neighbours. Residents affected by wafting smoke are advised to resolve disputes amicably or seek assistance from the Community Mediation Centre. The Ministry maintains a long-term goal of prohibiting smoking in all public areas to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Transcript
91 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) for the past five years, how many cases of feedback have been received each year from residents against other residents smoking at their own flat's window or common corridor being affected by the second-hand smoke; and (b) whether NEA has plans to address this issue.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: My Ministry's long-term goal is to prohibit smoking in all public areas to protect non-smokers from the harmful health effects of second-hand smoke. Since 2013, smoking has been prohibited in common areas within any residential developments, including common corridors, staircases and staircase landings, of HDB and private residential developments. Those who smoke in the common corridors of residential buildings are liable to a maximum Court fine of $1,000.
In 2013, my Ministry received about 470 cases of feedback regarding smoking in residential premises. This decreased to about 420 cases in 2014 and 320 cases in 2015. In addition, there were about 2,500 cases of feedback on smoking in common corridors in 2013. This decreased to about 2,100 cases in 2014 and 2,000 cases in 2015.
Smoking within one's own residence, which is considered private, is not prohibited and beyond the Government's jurisdiction. Nonetheless, we recognise that second-hand smoke from residential premises can waft into neighbours' residences. Smokers are thus encouraged to be socially responsible and considerate when smoking so as not to cause disamenities to their surroundings and neighbours.
Where necessary, residents who are affected by smoke from their neighbours' residences or common corridors can discuss and resolve the issue with their neighbours amicably or seek assistance from the Community Mediation Centre to facilitate constructive resolution of issues.