Sir, in the recent CDR (amd) bill debate, I have cited a long standing conflict between a group of flat owners and a bakery located in a 4 storey HDB block in my Kaki Bukit ward. The residents of three households are affected by the excessive noise and heat by a bakery located at the ground level.
Sir, the issue was first brought to my attention in 2014 when a resident, Mr A, attended my Meet-The-People session to seek assistance on the discomfort he faced caused by continuous release of unbearable heat, pungent smell and loud noises emanating from the bakery which he claimed happens daily from 5 am to 12midnight. Back then, I made a representation to NEA and HDB Bedok Branch Office.
Nine years later, in 2023, Mr A, together with two other residents, Mr B and Mr C came to see me with similar feedback and I have escalated the matter to MND.
October last year, 2024, Mr C returned to see me citing that situations remain although numerous communications with the relevant government agencies. He also told me that his other two neighbours have shifted out. This time around I wrote to SFA to seek assistance.
A recent update from SFA dated 27 February 2025 stated that “SFA in collaboration with relevant agencies, has conducted a thorough investigation into the reported disamenities at the mentioned premises. SFA has advised the operator to implement necessary measures to mitigate resultant noise and heat emissions from their food preparation activities.”
Sir, I would like to seek a couple of clarifications from the Ministries related to this issue and would also like to put forth a proposal.
My clarifications, how often does SFA receive similar feedback in a year? What are SFA’s requirements for bakeries to operate in a HDB residential block in managing the noise and heat level resulting from their daily operations?
And my proposal is SFA to consider bakeries to be regulated with adequate noise control measures as well as sufficient ventilation system, chimney-like feature, similar to those installed for eateries located at HDB blocks so as to be more effective in diffusing the heat and vapour.
