Ang Mo Kio residents bemoan 'noisy' Christmas as temple holds getai performances beside block for 7 nights

Some Housing and Development Board (HDB) residents in Ang Mo Kio did not have a celebratory Christmas due to the noise from getai performances held by a temple next to their block for multiple nights in a row.

Residents of Block 222 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 also complained about the smoke and ashes from religious burning held each year by the Ang Mo Kio Joint Temple during this period.

The Ang Mo Kio Town Council confirmed with Mothership that the temple had the permit necessary to hold religious celebrations from Dec. 21 to 29, 2024.

The town council added that the permit encompasses adherence to guidelines, such as noise control and ensuring the safety and comfort of residents.

1 week of getai performances over Christmas

Jeremy Chian, a fourth-floor resident, told Mothership that the nightly getai performances started on Dec. 22, 2024, and lasted for about seven nights.

Chian, 50, said these are held at a tentage erected by the temple located at the field next to his block, and are sometimes accompanied by religious paper burning.

Chian complained that the burning causes his laundry to be stained with ashes and that the air in his flat gets uncomfortable to breathe from the smoke, even if he closes his windows.

He said similar celebrations have been held every Christmas for more than 10 years.

"I've long given up trying to have a Christmas celebration in my flat during this period as the noise levels in the evening are overpowering and you have to shout to be heard, on top of the smokey air," Chian said.

In videos taken by Chian from his corridor, loud music and announcements could be heard coming from the tentage.

Chian said that occasionally, the celebrations would exceed the 10:30pm limit allowed in Singapore, so he would call the police.

Chian also expressed concern that some of the paper burning cages were placed in close proximity to the HDB block, and that the lower floors will bear "the brunt of it".

'I called the police when they started singing karaoke': Resident

A 11th-floor resident, surnamed Mah, told Mothership that he resorts to closing all his windows and balcony door during this period, or else smoke and ashes would be blown in.

"Every year it's like that," he said.

On the getai performances, Mah, a retiree, was concerned that residents with young children would be especially affected by the loud noise.

"Recently, there was a performance that finished at around 10 plus. But after it ended, people in the tentage started singing karaoke till 10:40pm, so I called the police," Mah said.

Chian said that since the Ang Mo Kio Joint Temple was rebuilt in 2011 to accommodate three different temples, tentages have frequently been set up at the empty plot between Block 222 and 223 to host various events.

Regular celebrations next to HDB block

Chian said he observed that celebrations could be held "almost every other month", and often on public holidays.

The Ang Mo Kio Joint Temple situated at Block 791 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, houses two Taoist temples, Gao Lin Gong and Leng San Giam, as well as a Buddhist temple, Kim Eang Tong.

Both Chian and Mah said that they have spoken to the town council, National Environment Agency (NEA) and other authorities multiple times regarding the temple's activities over the years, but nothing has changed.

"I am tolerant of other religions but the extent and frequency of this invasion of personal space is overbearing," said Chian.

Temple staff informed to address noise concern: Town Council

An Ang Mo Kio Town Council spokesperson told Mothership that they are aware of feedback shared by a resident about loud getai performances and paper burning activities by the Ang Mo Kio Joint Temple during the Christmas season.

"Upon receiving the feedback on noise concern from a resident on Dec. 27, 2024, we have promptly informed the temple staff to address the matter."

The spokesperson noted that the temple had obtained the necessary permit to hold religious celebrations from Dec. 21 to 29, 2024.

"The permit was issued by the relevant authorities and encompasses adherence to specific guidelines, including noise control and ensuring the safety and comfort of nearby residents,” the spokesperson added.

Taoist Federation of Singapore statement

The Taoist Federation of Singapore said in response to Mothership's queries that Kim Eang Tong, the temple involved, is not a registered member of their organisation:

"As such, we are unaware of whether their activities have received approval from the relevant authorities, and we are unable to provide guidance or oversight regarding their events."

The federation said that it has received similar complaints in the past, and that it encourages its members and followers to engage in the burning of joss papers in a responsible manner:

"During ancestral worship, it is important to ensure that flames are fully extinguished before leaving and that area is properly cleaned afterward. Getai performances should comply with the regulations set by NEA, including restrictions on time, location, and noise levels."

The spokesperson noted that temples located closer to residential areas should announce event schedules in advance and ensure that all activities comply with government regulations.

"We regret to learn of the discomfort caused to the resident at Ang Mo Kio during the Christmas period," the spokesperson added.

Mothership has reached out to Kim Eang Tong for comment.

Top image courtesy of Chian