Step by Step instructions

Good Neighbour Award", "HDB Guidebook" launched to promote harmonious HDB living
27 April 2009

SINGAPORE: With Singapore becoming more populated, there is an increasing need to make living in HDB flats more enjoyable.

For most HDB residents, loud music is a nuisance. But sometimes telling your neighbour off can be difficult.

In fact, some MPs - who are also advisers to the Workgroup on "Promoting Better Social Behaviour" - have noticed reduced communication between residents.

To deal with those who deliberately disrupt the peace, a new penalty framework will be implemented in the third quarter of 2009. Details such as demerit points and fines are being worked out.

Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State for Education and National Development, said: "We need to have something that probably would make people think twice before they continue with the behaviour. So that is the reason why we suggested some sort of a moderate penalty system."

And to encourage neighbourly relations, HDB has come out with the "Good Neighbour Award" and "HDB Guidebook".

Nominations for the "Good Neighbour Award" will open from May 1 to August 31 in all 81 constituencies.

Come end-May, some 800,000 households living in HDB flats islandwide can find a copy of the "HDB Guidebook" in their mailboxes.

Another 100,000 copies will be given out to potential flat buyers when they apply for a flat at the HDB Hub.

Channel NewsAsia understands that a majority of the 680 cases handled last year by the Community Mediation Centre were on neighbourly disputes. The Centre handles an average of 600 cases annually. - CNA/ir



I don’t know about you, but I think its kinda sad that we have to resolve to a HDB’s Guidebook to tell you how to be a good neighbour.

Maybe we has already been brainwashed by the gahment for so many years or maybe our brains had been fried by our education that we can only follow step by step guides to become a good neighbour.

This is yet another prove that social graciousness is long gone in Singapore society.

PS: Wonder how much does it cost to print all these Guildbooks.