Corridor Thief - Caught in Video

Anyone know who is this corridor thief or find him familiar ? He was moving up and down the corridor, before finally deciding his pick ....

In just "one scoop", a pair of shoes went missing.  Residents are advised to keep their shoes which they cannot afford to lose indoors, or it may end up on another person's feet in no time ....

An Unusual Call ...

On 29 Nov, the RC hotline received a very unusual call from a resident. This resident, has owed loansharks money and as he no longer has the means to pay. He got a call from the creditor who threatened to "take action" if no payment is received.

This resident, knowing that he has no means to pay, was prepared but he sought advice whether to inform his immediate neighbors.  His intention was to let them be aware that he is responsible if loansharks chose to smear their homes.

So should he inform neighbors ? Well, in my personal opinion, if the purpose of informing can be turned to a vehicle to increased security of the estate / block, I would encourage it.

Corridor Thefts ....

Recently, for the past one month, we received no less than 5 feedback about residents having items placed outside their homes being stolen.  Our RC decided to place this notice to alert all residents residing at Block 762 - 771.  Do inform your neighbors.

Cleanest Block for 2012

Do you know that recently in Chua Chu Kang estate, there was a "Cleanest Block" competition within the 19 blocks managed by the RC ? If you did not know, Zone 9 RC has 19 blocks, from Block 762 to 792.  Above is the plate, proudly being etched onto the wall of Block 768 for residents to know that they have played a part in the estate cleaniness.

Lets all of us play our part and keep it up, not just for Block 768 but for all blocks, as we love to stay in a clean estate we call our own.

Rubbish from above ... Block 790

On 22 Sep 2012, a resident saw a frail hand with a white bag, extended out of the window and in horror, watch the packet of waste landed on the surface road.  Thankfully, it did not hit people or any vehicles, parked at the loading / unloading bay.

Our RC members got the call at 8.30am in the morning when the act happened.  We quickly arranged a team to visit the unit and discovered as follows :

1) Most likely it was a very elderly lady, with mobility difficulty
2) Family is aware but cannot do much as even with precautions taken, it still happens
3) Elderly lady was left home alone for extended period of time, as family has to work or has to go school

We will find time to meet with the resident and see how best we can assist.  Most important, in knowing that this elderly lady is home alone during working hours, our concern is more to find a team of people to visit them regularly.

If your home has elderly who is always alone at home as the rest of the family has to work or go to school, please do let the RC know.  Allow us to look into it to start a group who are keen for this way of serving.

Molest Case at Block 790

On 18 Sep, there was a molest case at Block 790.  From what we heard from residents feedback, the molester followed the victim from the MRT Station, all the way to the block.  The case is still under investigation by the police.

We would like to caution that crime can also happen, in the day time.  It can happen anytime.  Especially if anyone of the ladies, going into the lifts alone with a stranger, the best option is always to allow the stranger to go in, while you wait for the next one.

Please do remember to inform your loved ones about lurking dangers and the precautions they can take to keep themselves safe and sane.

Cluttered Stairways

During our recent "Citizens On Patrol" rounds in August, a lot of households are still cluttering the stairways or even corridors.  Our RC had taken pictures and submitted to Town Council for their actions, since our constant advice have gone into deaf ears.

We have advised Town Council to give warnings and ample time for residents to clear the items.  Our next coming "Citizens On Patrol", we will revisit the same units that has the cluttering problems.  If it persists, we will have to exercise a little more authority and advise Town Council to issue a summon.

For the benefit of all our residents safety, we do hope the affected parties will understand.

Block 787B Coffeeshop

I was at the Coffeeshop that is located in the boundary of Chu Chu Kang Zone 9 and it has been there faithfully serving the residents since Oct 1995. As I look back at the stalls selling various types of hawker fare, allow me to share my thoughts on the stalls one by one, for the benefit of those who did not know good food do exist in hidden places ... For those driving, the location is just behind the Esso Petrol Kiosk. For those taking MRT, it is 5 mins walk towards the direction of the Petrol Kiosk, via the void deck of Block 787.  

Chicken Rice Stall This stall is the lonest surviving stall, dating back from the days of inception in Oct 1995. Simple fare but with the fragrant rice, no wonder it lasts till today  

Western Food Run by a family with 2 growing children, dishes served have improved since the day they started their business and with servings that are sufficient to keep the tummy grumbling at bay. What I admire most is that despite price increase in raw materials, they have kept their prices stable. My favourite is having a simple burger with egg, where I can take home and enjoy as my late night snack.  

Vegetarian Food Stall A new addition less than a year, where business is good during the 1st and 15th day of the month. A stall that offers variety and operates long hours for the benefit of residents living in our area.  

Noodles - Fish Ball / Minced Meat / Laksa This stall is being operated by an iron lady, whom I see her from dawn till 10pm almost everyday. I enjoy the big and generous servings she gives, when literally after a meal, you can skip another .... That is how filling it can get ! My kids been eating her minced pork / fish ball noodles for the longest time, not getting bored of it. Maybe the meal served lacked vegetables, which is to their joy !!  

Carrot Cake, Fried Kway Teow, Hokkien Mee & Oyster Omelette This is a stall where during breakfast hours, the clanging of the pan while whipping up delicious Carrot Cake makes you just want to try, and there I did. After eating, it became my regular morning palatte with my family as a shared item, eaten to the last drop ...  

Lor Mee / Yong Tau Hoo The"Lor Mee" is a winner for breakfast item at this Coffeeshop where queues is a norm, especially on weekends. At times, even late lunchers do not get an opportunity savour it as the gravy is out of stock ! My favourite is the Lor Mee with Spinich Toufu ... simply marvellous !! Must try !!  

Bak Kut Teh / Pig Organ Soup A dish for lovers of high cholesterol food .. That's what my wife told me ! Due to my health and budget constraints, I am restricted to eating it at most twice a month, but the pig organ soup and trotters keeps you craving for more !  

Muslim Food Stall The latest edition where it seems to be here for a long time. The "Shenton Way Mee Goreng" is simply so delicious that you can see many people ordering in different combinations ... Mee with Bee Hoon, Kway Teow with Mee .... Secondly, i enjoy the mutton soup, where it is so rich and tasty, that it has been my regular meal with bread, if I want to eat something simple. Last but not least, the Prata is crispy and large especially the curries, simply good to have at any time of the day.  

Economic Rice / Seafood Zhi Char Last but not least, a must at every Coffeeshop. This stall have been with us for a period of time and sells affordable "chai fun" during lunch and dinner, and very well improved "Zhi Char" combinations. Previously I shun this stall at night cos felt the food was not tasty and presentation was poor, but with a new boss for almost 3 years, the impression I once had is no longer valid ...

The reviews are my honest opinions as a resident here for the past 17 years, eating almost three quarters of on packed food. I wish all of you could enjoy with the family. As the saying goes, " A family that eats together, stays together"

Suicidal Cats ?

On 3 July, I received a call of foul smell emitting from the grass patch behind Block 785.  It happened to be my day off, so after breakfast, went to investigate the foul smell.

The smell was indeed very bad, and as I was combing the grass patch, still cannot find the source.  However, at the corner of my eye, there was sightings of houseflies flying out from the drains.  Suspecting that there could be rotten food, instead I saw a dead cat lying in the drain.

We picked it up and there was no signs of injuries, except lots of bleeding coming out of the mouth.  Injuries could be internal.  Anyway, it was placed in a black bag and arranged for it to be disposed.

Our suspicion could be the cat have fallen from a height at night, and found itself landed inside the drain instead of the grass patch.  Suicide ?? Only the cat knows ....

Staircase Toilet ?

On 9 June 2012 at 1.00am, we went for our regular “Citizens On Patrol”.  It was pouring heavily and during our patrols,  we saw at Block 789 staircase landing, mezzanine level between level 1 & 2, had a circular item on the floor that looked like beef patty.  

On closer examination, we were shocked to discover that it was human faeces ! Gosh, we are thankful that the heavy rain washed away the smell of urine that came with it.

Did You See This Sign ??

If you are not a regular user of Stagmont Park, a prominent sign have been placed in front of Block 771 to ask for witnesses of a recent loanshark case in our neighbourhood, on 18 April, at approximately 9.17pm.

Citizens On Patrol will be formed soon by CCK Zone 9 RC.  It is our hope to be a deterrent and also a presence to increase the safety and security of the neighborhood we call "Home"

Ramp at Block 786 and 771

We are pleased to inform that a new ramp have been built in front of Block 786 and 771, which will be a great help for families with children on strollers and residents with market trolley baskets, crossing Choa Chu Kang Street 54.

Our RC would like to thank resident for his feedback and posture in allowing time for the ramp to be completed, as it requires clearance from few agencies.

Barking Dogs - Block 771

We received a call from our hotline on 20 March, about 12.15pm from a resident of Block 771, giving feedback of barking dogs in the home, which barked non-stop from afternoons to evenings.  He sought help from RC to speak to the owner of the dogs.

Upon clarification, the person who called us, did not have any details for us, just informing us to address the issue and not sure which unit it comes from.  The feedback from non-stop from afternoons to evenings, became occasionally.  Even if the frequency is not as often, we would like to help but with no details as to which unit it came from, it is very hard for us.  The person would like to feedback to HDB, and we advised that it is the same - details are needed.

Barking dogs do not bite, but they do create an irritation if it is prolonged barking with no reason.

Fire at Staircase - Block 767

We were just commenting recently on cluttered stairways and through a resident, who gave us links on SCDF website on the guidelines, another case of mischief occurred again, this time on the 12th storey.

From what was observed, mischief was intentionally done as fire was started with combustible material brought in externally and it affected clothes on a laundry rack, probably left on the staircase landing to dry.  The fire caused a corridor lamp to explode, thus causing the whole block corridor to be tripped and in darkness.  It was very harrowing for those near the fire as they could neither see the surrounding nor able to help extinguish the fire  ! Many people were alerted when fire engines and firemen were seen climbing up the block to locate the source.

Possible source where the fire started

Our RC would like to encourage all residents to really not clutter the corridors as we are not sure the vandals will ever strike again.  Please keep a lookout on suspicious and irrelevant people along your corridors, playing with fire - which is more likely will lead to more damages if their mischief is not kept in check.

The burnt items on the laundry rack and combustible materials on the floor
that was brought away from the burning source

Let's be considerate keep Zone 9 estate a safe haven for all our residents !

Use of Common Corridors - Fire Safety

A great suggestion from a resident to us, to highlight to fellow HDB dwellers on some fire safety measures.


Guidelines on Usage of Common Corridor
While SCDF does not permit the storage of combustible materials along common corridors, we can allow for the placement of shoe racks, provided;-

a. It is for the sole purpose of keeping shoes, whereby, it would not constitute a substantial fire load,

b. A minimum clear escape passage of 1.2 m clearance is to be maintained from the parapet wall where the shoe rack is to be allowed.

c. No objects are to be placed along common corridors less than 1.2 m wide.

d. No placement of items such as clothing racks unless they can be easily folded or removed in times of emergency so that they do not obstruct the escape route.

Guidelines on Staircases and Its Landing

Strictly no placement/storage of objects at staircases and its immediate landing is allowed.

If you need an avenue to report to SCDF for any serious breech, below is a link to help you in reporting

http://www.scdf.gov.sg/content/scdf_internet/en/header-link/feedback/report_a_fire_hazard.html

Just an advice from the RC, please do exercise tolerance before alerting the authorities for enforcement actions !

Meow Meow ... Block 785 - Part 2

This was the original posting on 10 Feb 2012

http://cckzone9.blogspot.com/2012/02/meow-meow-block-785.html

Resident wrote back to us on 27 Feb 2012

Greetings to Mr Chia and Others !

Sorry for the late reply-feedback.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to you and your committee for your prompt and humanistic action - issue was resolved within the same week without causing any harm to the cats. I am positive that with your efficient team of leaders looking after our residents, we will have a brighter and greener community with a little care and effort from everyone of us (residents).

Thank you and your committee once again! Have a great week ahead~

Regards

Chong

Thank you for filling up our service tank, which makes our service to residents a joyous and satisfactory one.

Urinating Vandal - 786

At about 12.45pm, we received a call from resident of dripping water from Block 786 hand rail gap, which causes the ground floor staircase landing to have puddles of water.  Upon closer look, the water is actually urine and droplets can be seen dripping down from the rails

Our RC have immediately instructed cleaners to clean the area and based on additional sources, this person is a serial peeing-king, our lifts have been frequently been used as his toilet.  Our RC will work with Town Council and residents to monitor the situation.

CCK Zone 9 Logo Competition

We are re-establishing a new identity as Chua Chu Kang Zone 9.  You can be a part of it by designing our very own CCK Zone 9 logo.  Get your creative juices flowing now!

Closing date is on 23 Mar 2012.  More details available at the links below.


Links

• Rules and Regulations
• Entry Form
• Download RC Logo

Meow Meow ... Block 785

Dear Sir/Mdm,
I am a resident of blk 785, 11th storey. I would like to bring to your attention regarding this cat which is found loitering on 10th and 11th storey of our block. A picture of the cat is attached below, it is believed that there might be more than one cat around and someone has been feeding it/them.

This has been an issue for the past week or so. On top of its non-stop disturbing "meows" especially at night, it has also came to my attention regarding the presence of the stench smell from its fecal material.
I believe that if this is a stray cat, it should not be here mainly because of our hygiene and safety concerns.
I hope you will look into this matter and that appropriate actions will be carried out as soon as possible.
I look forward to your reply.


We received the above email on 8 Feb 2011.

On 9 Feb, we visited the venue with Town Council and in the presence of the writer of email, 2 cats were seen and will be referring the situation to Cats Welfare Society to handle.  In the meantime, any stench or fecal material from the cats, Town Council will help to do the cleaning.

What is the purpose of this article on the blog ? This is to show that though RC members can be invisible, we respond to residents needs, as long as we are contacted via our Hotline and Email.  We will continue to be of service to the best of our ability.

To end, 'A happy and satisfied resident makes the toil as a Grassroots Leader worthwhile"

Burnt Clothings - Block 767

On 31 Jan, at Block 767 around 10pm, a resident who has some laundry placed outside their home, was vandalized when it was set aflame.  Resident was upset, complained that police took too long to respond and asked for CCTV, more police patrols and many other suggestions, short of putting a security guard outside the home ...

Suggestion was to put the laundry back into his home, but the response was it was there for more than 10 years, den why should it be kept ... RC position is that putting it there over time does not mean the space is owned.

Residents are advised to keep a lookout for suspicious people loitering the along the corridors and call the police should you spot any of them.

Anyway, to be fair to the police. For the record, they responded in 12 mins.

Staircase landings - Block 787

We receive a feedback from resident, residing at Block 787, that there are students, strangers loitering and making out at the staircase landings.  Sometimes, at blind corners, there are people hiding round the corner.  Recently, 2 sets of bicycles were stolen as it was being secured at the lift lobby area.

Our RC went for a site visit and have worked with Town Council and resident as follows :

1. Brighten up the blind spot
2. Mirrors at blind spot
3. Periodic patrol by RC members during pre & post school hours

An email from resident after our visit ...

Thank you very much for your prompt attention to the issue that I have bought up through Chua Chu Kang Zone 9 RC. We both neighbour is happy with the light that you have change for us and we shall wait for the mirror for time being. At the same time we shall monitor closely to see whether this loving couple and students still sitting at our staircase.

Once again we shall said a BIG THANK YOU to Vincent and Mr Foo for the help.

We hope that the efforts put in will eradicate the problem.  Should you see anyone making out or causing noise and creating a mess at staircase landings, do not hesitate to call police and give description of the group.

Lift Breakdown at Block 767

On 17 Jan 2012, at about evening, one of the lifts at Block 767 broke down, leaving with only one operational lift.  It was subsequently reported to EMSU (the number can be found at lift lobbies of every level) for their perusal.

On 18 Jan 2012, at about 7.15am, we received a call from an angry resident that both lifts are down and was questioned why the RC was doing nothing about it.  We need to clarify that the RC does not have any means to get the lifts up and about, we will also call EMSU like every resident - and it does not mean, the RC calls, they will respond faster !!

To clarify our role, for this particular incident, we will do a post evaluation with the Town Council about the frequency of lift breakdown, based on the testimony of 2 RC members residing at the same block.  Our RC will based on evidence given by Town Council, offer a suggestion but it is still up to the Town Council discretion to take up the suggestion

Hope it clarifies our role, and please do not scold us ...

Overnight Car Parking at Loading Bay

There was a email sent to us, highlighting that a car was seen parking overnight at loading bay for almost 1 week in a row, and despite being issued a ticket, it did not stop them.  The resident wondered whether are they related to any high ranking official in HDB or even the MP, that the resident is able to park so blatantly.

Our RC have done a check based on the photos given by the resident, and fines were duly paid or appealed being made for some cases.  However, we would like to share that if a resident so chooses to be fined for abusing the lot, our RC cannot do anything much.

We are pleased to inform that after a discussion with HDB to ply the road more frequently, the car is no longer seen there.