Elderly folks gather to sing loudly in S'pore Chinatown, businesses nearby affected

A group of more than 10 middle-aged and senior men and women would gather at Pagoda Street in Chinatown every evening.

Their presence near the Chinatown MRT station exit is accompanied by speakers, projectors, and musical instruments.

They are gathered there to sing and dance and make merry.

However, this nightly activity has reportedly disrupted the business of nearby restaurants, given that customers make a beeline for the exit due to the noise.

Nearby businesses affected by noise

Employees from several eateries told Shin Min Daily News on Aug. 21 that the noise has affected their business.

Some diners have even left halfway through their meals due to the music, it was claimed.

One employee who works at a Sichuan restaurant, said the group had previously gathered only on weekends and Mondays, but in the past three months, they have shown up almost every night.

"They usually start arriving at around 6pm. Besides bringing their own speakers, they also bring various musical instruments, and even set up projectors and large screens. More than 10 people sing at the top of their lungs, and the performance lasts until after 10pm," he said.

He said that because the restaurant is nearby and had no soundproofing, some customers leave early.

He added that it has led to a 10 to 15 per cent drop in business.

Another staff member at Oriental Chinese Restaurant shared similar concerns, saying that even if she raised her voice, customers still could not hear her clearly.

She said that when the group was singing and dancing, the walkway would be crowded with people, and pointed out that it could become dangerous if pushing and shoving occurred.

"Different business owners have called the police. The police also came last weekend, so they have become more restrained. Currently, they only appear on Saturdays and Mondays," she added.

Group claimed they didn't make noise

When interviewed by Shin Min, the group of singers and instrumentalists claimed that they were not noisy and had not affected others.

When a Shin Min reporter visited on Aug. 21, several of them were singing into microphones, with others accompanying them with musical instruments and dancing.

However, the sound was not loud as the group could be heard only when standing near them.

One lady, who did not want to reveal her name, said she showed up to sing and dance as she was interested, but she did not use any large speakers, so she did not disturb others.

Moved location after fight

It was previously reported that a group of people had gathered on the Garden Bridge, which is located on the overhead bridge close to where this group of merry-makers are.

However, the group on the Garden Bridge moved locations after an incident in July 2024.

A group of line dancers and a group of seniors who sung songs together got into an altercation, and one person was injured and sent to the hospital.

It was reported that they were not allowed to sing and dance there afterwards, so the activities have since moved to Pagoda Street.

A souvenir vendor shared that he witnessed an incident in 2024 where a man asked a man and woman to stop singing.

In response, more than 10 people surrounded the man and shouted at him.

Fortunately, the situation did not escalate.

"Actually, if they sang softly, I believe no one will be dissatisfied. After all, they are old and everyone can understand," he said.

Top photos from Shin Min Daily News