Removing Advertisements on Online Platforms for Illegal Subletting of HDB Shops' Outdoor Display Areas

Mr Lee Hong Chuang asked the Minister for National Development (a) how will the Ministry assist Town Councils in monitoring and removing online advertisements for illegal subletting of Housing and Development Board shops' outdoor display areas on online platforms like Carousell and Facebook; and (b) whether revoking such outdoor display area permits effectively deters illegal subletting.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Town Councils are empowered under the Town Councils Act to enact and enforce by-laws to regulate the use of common property, including enforcement against the non-permitted use of Outdoor Display Areas (ODAs). Town Councils can exercise discretion to revoke or withhold permits for use of ODAs should they suspect any illegal subletting.

For online advertisements on platforms, such as Carousell and Facebook, Town Councils may report such listings to the respective platform operators for review and removal, where they contravene the platforms' terms of service or facilitate activities that are not permitted.