Structural integrity of 328 Katong Laksa shophouse deemed safe after part of facade falls off on New Year

The structural integrity of the pre-war shophouse that houses 328 Katong Laksa has not been affected by parts of its facade falling off, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said in response to media queries.

According to the BCA, it had been alerted to the incident on Jan. 1, 2o25, along 51 East Coast Road.

Spalling concrete that formed part of the a non-load bearing architectural facade had fallen off, said BCA, according to The Straits Times.

BCA added, "Our initial assessment shows that the damage is localised and does not affect the structural integrity of the building."

Katong Laksa still open for business

A photo by Shin Min Daily News showed that a portion of the facade was missing and that the exterior of the eatery had been cordoned off.

In addition, while the eatery is still open for business, customers are not allowed to eat outside.

The 61-year-old founder of Katong Laksa, Nancy Koh, was quoted by Shin Min Daily News as saying that the shophouse is a pre-war building that they have rented for 24 years and that cracks and leaks during showers had begun to appear a few months ago.

On the day of the incident, Koh said she saw some small pebbles falling onto the ground at about 9am and told her son to inform the building's owner.

BCA said it has advised the building's owner to appoint a professional engineer regarding the measures needed to resolve the hazard, carry out detailed investigations and recommend permanent rectification measures.

Top photo via Shin Min Daily News