Loiterers at Geylang and Jalan Suka

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs what are the Ministry's further plans to address the disamenities caused by droves of men loitering and standing along Lorong 24 of Geylang and Jalan Suka nightly.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: The Lorong 24 Geylang and Jalan Suka area is lined with terrace houses. Along this stretch, there are 6 approved boarding houses, which have been approved from as early as the 1970s. Due partly to the presence of these boarding houses, foreign workers tend to congregate along these narrow roads.

Police recognise that the gathering of men in this area may affect the sense of safety and security of neighbouring residents. Thus Police have been closely monitoring the situation and have acted swiftly when needed. While crime along this stretch remains low, Police carry out daily patrols and frequent plainclothes operations in the area. Separately, in response to complaints about illegal public gaming, Police installed 2 CCTV cameras along Jalan Suka in September 2010. This has successfully eliminated illegal public gaming at this junction.

To address the disamentities caused by the crowds, Police officers also accompany other authorities, such as NEA, URA, LTA and Customs enforcement officers, during their inspections of statutory violations. This includes enforcement action against illegal lodging houses.

Police will continue to work closely with the grassroots, other Government agencies and various stakeholders to explore possible means to address the disamenities. The goal will be to keep disamenities to a minimum, and ensure that lawless characters do not use the crowd as a cover for criminal activity.

Page: 621