Consider new ways to deal with conduct which is social nuisance, says K Shanmugam

Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has spoken of the need to consider new ways of dealing with conduct which may be considered social nuisances. 

He said in his Facebook that's because there is lesser tolerance of such conduct now. 

Mr Shanmugam said a common recurrent issue was raised by 2 residents during his block visits and meet-the-people sessions this week. 

And that is - what's occurs in a HDB flat such as cooking and noise affects one's neighbours. 

Mr Shanmugam said these sorts of issues have been around for a long time. 

He said compared with some years ago, people are less willing to put up with such conduct now. 

At present, there is no satisfactory legal solution to deal with these problems. 

Mr Shanmugam said residents who call the police end up feeling frustrated - because the police can only take action if it is considered to be criminal conduct. 

The second approach he said is for the residents to go to the civil courts which he feels is not a feasible solution either. 

So he said there's a need to consider new ways of dealing with such conduct such as a legal framework. 

This would set out what Singaporeans should avoid doing when living close to each other.