Offering table set up in front of Jalan Besar MPs' National Day billboard at Chinatown raises eyebrows

Three days into the start of the seventh lunar month, an offering table was found set up at an unusual spot: in front of a Jalan Besar GRC National Day billboard.

Photos of the set up circulating on the internet showed a set of makeshift tables, complete with red cloths, joss papers, joss sticks and food offerings like fruits and even a roast pig.

Behind the table stood a billboard depicting Jalan Besar GRC members of parliament Josephine Teo, Shawn Loh, Denise Phua and Wan Rizal.

The offering table was set up at 5 Banda Street, near Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, on Aug. 15.

Awkward placement

The sight drew comments on social media, with many saying the location of set up was inappropriate.

A manager at a nearby coffee shop told Shin Min Daily News that the set up was not done by the coffee shop.

The organisers probably chose the area as it was an open space.

No one really found anything amiss until pictures were later circulated, she said.

It is unclear if a permit was applied for the set up, but the town council had reached out to the coffee shop.

People were seen kneeling down before the offering table, facing the billboard, Shin Min reported.

A ritual was also conducted at around 5pm on Aug. 15.

The set up was removed later the same day.

Mothership has contacted the Jalan Besar Town Council for comment.