Bukit Merah flats repainted red, interior of flats awash with ghostly glow

Some Bukit Merah residents are seeing red — literally.

This was after several blocks of flats — Blocks 12, 13 and 14 at Jalan Bukit Merah — were painted varying shades of red a few months ago, Shin Min Daily News reported.

Haunting red glow

As a result, some flat occupants said the red surfaces of the building's exterior reflected a haunting red glow into their homes, especially in the afternoons.

A 59-year-old photographer and resident of the area, surnamed Wen, said of the new colour scheme: "To put it bluntly, it looks like a red-light district!"

He submitted a complaint to the town council in September.

In response to his feedback, the exterior wall outside his kitchen was painted white to curtail the effects of the red glow.

The other side of the wall was then repainted white in October as the red glow was still visible.

Other residents who complained about the red glow had their exterior walls repainted with a lighter colour, according to Wen.

The harsh red glow has since become a softer pinkish hue.

Block previously blue

He added that he preferred the previous blue colour and had voted for a neutral color scheme when residents were polled about what colours they wanted their blocks to be for the latest block repainting exercise.

"Unexpectedly, the final vote was for bright red," Wen said.

Others have also complained that the red reflected heat into homes.

Some residents love it

However, some residents said they thought that the red colour scheme was appropriate as Bukit Merah means "Red Hill" in Malay and it will help boost property prices.

In response to media queries, a Tanjong Pagar Town Council spokesperson said that the part of Bukit Merah, historically known as the Brickworks Estate, used to house Singapore's brick-making industry.

"Many long-time residents would remember that the residential blocks in this estate were traditionally painted in shades of red to reflect this heritage," it was added.

It was explained that "residents voted for the red-themed scheme to retain the rich culture and identity of the Brickworks Estate, and to bring greater vibrancy to the neighbourhood", the spokesperson said.

The repainting of blocks is part of the ongoing repairs & redecoration (R&R) works scheduled for completion at the end of next year, it was added.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News