HDB buildings in Boon Keng, Singapore. Photo: Google Maps
HDB buildings in Boon Keng, Singapore. Photo: Google Maps

A number of Singapore residents from the Boon Keng area have complained about crowds of foreign domestic and migrant workers gathering on Sundays and blocking covered walkways, particularly on rainy days.

A 39-year-old woman from the area recently wrote to the Shin Min Daily News, complaining that on Sundays or holidays more than 100 maids gathered around Kallang MRT Station.

“During rainy days they have occupied the covered walkways, making other passers-by hard to get through,” she said, adding that maids and migrant workers were often seen snuggling up together in public, which she considered “embarrassing”.

She said she hoped the government would put up signs to stop people gathering along the pavements.

Meanwhile, a 70-year-old housewife told a reporter that maids and migrant workers often had picnics or played games on the lawn, which did not affect the neighborhood in her opinion.

“If it was raining, they would wait at the covered walkways or the ground floor of HDB buildings. It was understandably more noisy, but they did not cause much trouble as they usually leave in the evening,” she added.

A 65-year-old retiree also commented, saying there was no problem as everyone should be entitled to use public space. The retiree added that the workers should be able to enjoy their free time once a week.

An 80-year-old man also noted that the maids were very responsible and tidied up the place before they left.

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