HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS (Repossessions resulting from abuse)

Mr Rohan bin Kamis asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many cases there were in 1982 of abuses of public housing by tenants which resulted in their flats being repossessed; and (b) what steps are being taken to ensure that all the abuses are checked.

Mr Lee Yock Suan (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1982, the Housing and Development Board dealt with a total of 93 cases of abuse of public housing, involving 32 rental flats and 61 sold flats. The tenancies of nine rental flats were terminated and 29 sold flats were repossessed. Legal action is still in progress against the tenants of 23 rental flats and the lessees of 32 sold flats.

It is impossible for the HDB to conduct daily inspections on each of the 400,000 dwelling units under its management in order to detect or prevent abuses. However, the HDB carries out spot checks on flats at periodic intervals. The Board also works closely with the Police and the Central Narcotics Bureau to identify premises used for drugs and for immoral or illegal purposes. All complaints received from the public on the misuse of flats are also investigated.