Ang Mo Kio residents complain of ‘noisy’ Christmas as temple hosts getai performances near block for 7 nights – Mothership.SG

Some Housing and Development Board (HDB) residents in Ang Mo Kio did not celebrate Christmas because of noise from getai performances held in a temple next to their block for several nights in a row.

Residents of Unit 222 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 also complained of smoke and ash from the religious sleeps held annually at the Ang Mo Kio Community Temple during this period.

Ang Mo Kio Town Council confirmed Mothership that the temple had the necessary permission to hold religious holidays from December 21 to 29, 2024.

The city council added that the permit requires compliance with guidelines such as noise control and ensuring the safety and comfort of residents.

1 week of Getai performances for Christmas

Jeremy Chian, a resident of the fourth floor, said Mothership that night getai performances began on December 22, 2024 and ran for about seven nights.

Chian, 50, said they are held in a tent erected near a temple located in a field next to his home, and are sometimes accompanied by the burning of religious paper.

Chian complained that the burning soiled his clothes with ash and that the air in his apartment became unbreathable due to the smoke, even if he closed the windows.

According to him, similar holidays have been held every Christmas for more than 10 years.

“I’ve long since given up celebrating Christmas in my apartment during this period because the noise level in the evening is unbearable and you have to shout to be heard,” Chian said.

In videos Chian shot from his hallway, loud music and announcements could be heard coming from the tent.

Chian said that at times the celebrations exceeded the 10.30pm limit allowed in Singapore, so he called the police.

Chian also expressed concern that some of the paper burning cells were placed in close proximity to the HDB unit and that the lower floors would bear the “main burden”.

‘I called the police when they started singing karaoke’: resident

A resident of the 11th floor named Mak said Mothership that he resorts to closing all his windows and balcony doors during this period, otherwise the smoke and ashes will blow away.

“Every year it is,” he said.

Pensioner Mah was concerned that residents with young children were particularly affected by the loud noise during the getai performance.

“Recently there was a performance that ended around 10 plus. But after it ended, people in the tent started singing karaoke until 10:40 p.m., so I called the police,” Mah said.

Chian said that since Ang Mo Kio Community Temple was rebuilt in 2011 to accommodate three different temples, the empty lot between Blocks 222 and 223 has often seen tents set up for various events.

Regular celebrations near the KhDB block

Chian said he noticed that celebrations could be held “almost every month” and often on holidays.

Ang Mo Kio United Temple, located at Block 791 Ang Mo Kio, Avenue 1, houses two Taoist temples, Gao Lin Gung and Leng San Giam, as well as Kim Eang Tong Buddhist Temple.

Both Chiang and Ma said they had spoken to the city council, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and other authorities about the temple’s operations over the years, but nothing had changed.

“I’m tolerant of other religions, but the extent and frequency of this invasion of personal space is excessive,” Chian said.

Temple employees reported on the solution to the noise problem: the city council

This was reported by the spokesperson of the city council, Ang Mo Kio Mothership what they know about the resident’s feedback on the vowel getai performances and paper burning at the Ang Mo Kio Community Temple during the Christmas season.

“After receiving feedback regarding a noise concern from a resident on December 27, 2024, we immediately notified temple staff to address the issue.”

The spokesman noted that the temple received the necessary permission to hold religious holidays from December 21 to 29, 2024.

“The permit has been issued by the relevant authorities and is subject to certain guidelines, including noise control and ensuring the safety and comfort of nearby residents,” the spokesman added.

Statement by the Taoist Federation of Singapore

The Taoist Federation of Singapore responded Mothershiprequests that Kim Eang Tong, the temple involved, is not a registered member of their organization:

“As such, we do not know whether their activities have been approved by the appropriate authorities, and we cannot provide guidance or oversight of their events.”

The federation said it has received similar complaints in the past and that it encourages its members and followers to participate responsibly in burning the sheets:

“When worshiping ancestors, it is important to ensure that the flame is completely extinguished before leaving and that the area is properly cleansed afterwards. Getai’s performances must comply with the rules set by the NEA, including restrictions on time, place and noise level.”

The press secretary noted that temples located closer to residential areas should inform in advance about the schedule of events and ensure that all events comply with state regulations.

“We regret to learn of the inconvenience caused to a resident of Ang Mo Kio during the Christmas period,” the spokesperson added.

Mothership has reached out to Kim Eng Tong for comment.

Top image courtesy of Chian