An 88-year-old man, Choo Hoe Chiang, has recently been fined S$3,000 for a bizarre series of incidents involving his neighbour’s air-conditioning unit. The fine was imposed by a Singaporean court after Choo pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour under the Protection of Harassment Act. His antics—including hoisting bags of garbage onto his neighbour’s ledge—were deemed not just rude but also a public nuisance.
Details of the Dispute
The quarrel between Choo and his neighbour, a 60-year-old man residing just above him in a Housing Development Board (HDB) flat at Margaret Drive, lasted several months. From November 2024 to August 2025, Choo engaged in this strange activity on multiple occasions, with reports citing 24 separate incidents of rubbish being thrown. According to court records, Choo employed a pole to toss his trash upwards, seemingly to harass his neighbour.
Lawsuit and Sentencing
Choo’s actions were deeply unsettling for the victim, who lived in fear each time he had to remove the rubbish from the ledge. The harassment even led to the police being called when the victim caught Choo in the act through closed-circuit television. On 20 November 2024, District Judge Carol Ling ultimately handed down the S$3,000 fine, warning Choo that failure to pay would result in a 10-day jail sentence.
- Total incidents: 24
- Fine amount: S$3,000
- Potential maximum fine: S$10,000
- Jail time if fine unpaid: 10 days
Choo’s Response
After the judgement, Choo expressed remorse and appealed for a reduced fine, citing financial struggles. He claimed, “We are very poor. No income. Please reduce it a bit, please.” The judge, however, maintained that the sentence reflected the severity of his behaviour. Notably, during court proceedings, Choo’s hard-of-hearing condition became apparent, adding a layer of poignancy to the situation.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of community respect and civil behaviour, especially in densely populated areas like Singapore, where many share close living quarters.