PAP MP Lee Hong Chuang criticised after long-neglected ramp removed instead of repaired
Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC MP Lee Hong Chuang is under public scrutiny after a longstanding ramp issue in Bukit Batok was addressed by removing the structure altogether, triggering backlash from netizens along with residents who relied on it for daily access.
SINGAPORE: On 16 May, Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC MP Lee Hong Chuang posted a Facebook update thanking Chua Chu Kang Town Council (CCK TC) for promptly addressing residents’ feedback and contributing to neighbourhood improvements.
As part of the post, Lee included a before-and-after visual showing a worn concrete ramp behind Block 467 at Bukit Batok West Avenue 9, near a lorry loading and unloading bay.
The “before” image shows a well-used but deteriorating ramp. The “after” photo shows the ramp completely removed.
Lee’s post aimed to highlight his active engagement, stating: “While we may not be able to resolve everything at once… I hope we can tackle each issue, one by one.”
In the accompanying screenshot of a message from the resident, shared by Lee himself, the resident clearly outlines their concern:
“Behind block 467 carpark near the lorry loading/unloading area there’s this ramp.
For 5 years that I’ve stayed here it wasn’t fixed.
I reported multiple time to one service but all I got was ‘we will look into it’ kind of message.”
At no point in the complaint does the resident call for the ramp’s removal or claim it is an obstruction. The message reflects frustration over prolonged inaction—not a request to demolish the structure.
According to Google Maps’ Street View, it is clear that the ramp has been heavily used. Its condition has visibly deteriorated over time, with a missing bollard and concrete visibly chipping off—indicating poor maintenance since its introduction.
This context fuelled strong online reactions, as many interpreted the removal as a fundamental misunderstanding—or misrepresentation—of residents’ needs.
Netizens quickly flooded the comments sections, criticising both the action taken and the broader responsiveness of the authorities.
Some of the responses included:
“Oh gosh. It’s a ramp, at loading bay, so that trolleys can pass. Ppl ask to fix, u remove it totally. Does it solve the issue? No.”
“Interesting way to solve a problem—remove it rather than fixing it.”
“It took them 5 long years to pick 1 starfish and then so proud of themselves 🤦♀️”
“You expect people to lift their stroller, trolley up the curb?”
“Don’t you think that it was a ramp for a reason? You honestly thought that you fixed it?”
“Tell you got starfish stranded on the shore, you decided to kill the starfish.”
Others pointed out that the ramp’s wear and tear, visible in the “before” photo, demonstrated how frequently it was used. Residents said it provided the most direct route between the block and nearby amenities, including the Sheng Siong supermarket and the car park.
Some users attempted to rationalise the removal by citing potential safety concerns at the loading bay. However, others countered that these could have been addressed by redesigning the ramp with proper markings, humps, or safety barriers.
One resident proposed:
“The best solution is to still create a path/fix the ramp and do extra markings on the ground + hump combination to make this a safe path for residents to get across.”
The incident has also reignited public criticism of Lee’s political track record. He previously contested Hougang SMC in both the 2015 and 2020 General Elections under the People’s Action Party (PAP), losing both times to the Workers’ Party.
He stepped down from PAP’s Hougang division in 2023 before contesting in the newly formed Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC in GE2025, where he was elected.
Several commenters drew connections between this incident and Lee’s previous defeats: “No wonder he lost twice at Hougang.”
Others mocked the oversimplified resolution, suggesting it reflected poor ground engagement:
“The only starfish I see is the one who decided the ramp needs to be removed instead of replaced.”
“Another MP that is disconnected with the ground. Oh well, ‘the ground’ chose this, so I don't want to hear Sinkies complaining again.”
While Lee’s post was intended to showcase his prompt action, it has instead triggered public frustration about how municipal feedback is interpreted and acted upon.
Residents are now asking if the town council will install a new ramp that meets safety and accessibility standards.
One of the closing comments in the discussion thread summed up the broader sentiment:
“Please build a new ramp instead of removing it. The ramp is very useful for many.”
