Parliament
Sim Ann: Govt amends law to allow tribunals to order hoarder unit decluttering as last resort
During a parliamentary sitting on 27 February, SMS Sim Ann addressed concerns about excessive hoarding in HDB flats. She noted recent amendments to the Community Disputes Resolution Act, allowing the CRU director-general to seek a decluttering order as a last resort. Set to launch in Q2 2025, the CRU will enhance intervention efforts after regulatory measures are exhausted.
During a parliamentary sitting on 27 February, Senior Minister of State for National Development Sim Ann addressed concerns about excessive hoarding in HDB flats.
She highlighted recent amendments to the Community Disputes Resolution Act, allowing the director-general of the Community Relations Unit (CRU) to apply to the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) for a decluttering order as a last resort.
The CRU, set to begin operations in Q2 2025, will support intervention efforts when other regulatory measures have been exhausted.
Ang Mo Kio MP Ng Ling Ling asked about HDB’s protocol for verifying excessive hoarding in residents’ flats, the coordination between HDB and SCDF to mitigate fire risks, and whether the Ministry would review and enhance these protocols.
Responding to Ng, Sim stated that while the government generally does not interfere in how residents maintain their homes, intervention is necessary when there are health, safety, or other risks.
HDB officers require consent to inspect hoarding cases, often needing repeated engagements.
In cases of significant fire risk, HDB works with SCDF, which has the authority to order the removal of flammable materials.
Ng also raised concerns about the 9 January Hougang fire, which claimed three lives, including an 18-year-old girl.
She asked how grassroots leaders could assist agencies while awaiting the CRU’s rollout. She noted that hoarding may stem from mental health conditions and inquired about HDB officers’ training and referral processes.
Sim emphasised the role of grassroots volunteers in reporting hoarding cases and addressing social issues like isolation.
She assured that agencies such as AIC, IMH, and MSF support hoarders and confirmed that HDB officers receive basic training to identify and refer mental health cases.
She also highlighted the formation of the New Environment Action Team (NEAT) to provide sustainable support and early intervention.
Workers’ Party MP Dennis Tan asked how HDB assures residents concerned about safety due to persistent hoarders and whether the government could expedite the CRU’s nationwide implementation.
Sim responded that HDB works with SCDF to assess fire hazards and can issue fire hazard abatement notices without waiting for the CRU.
She added that once the CRU begins operations, the government aims to scale it up as quickly as possible.
