Resident complains as neighbour turns shoe rack into Shopee collection point
These collections extend late into the night, causing repeated disturbances and raising safety concerns, said the resident.
Kelvin Chen, 45, who has lived at Block 522 along Bedok North Avenue 1 for seven years, told Shin Min Daily News that he began having issues with his neighbour last year.
"It used to be peaceful. But after one of their children moved out early last year, the situation began to change. They started placing more and more items outside their flat - even plants were placed on both sides of my doorway. I spoke to the lady of the house, and she eventually removed some of them," he said.
Collections late into the night
According to Mr Chen, the neighbour later repurposed a shoe cabinet outside their unit as a parcel collection station for Shopee deliveries, allowing members of the public to collect their packages.
Photos provided by Mr Chen show a four-tier shoe rack that appears to be holding more than 20 parcels. "She mentioned it to me when she first started. As a neighbor, I agreed - as long as it didn't block access to my home or create any obstruction."
However, the situation has escalated. Mr Chen said that people come by every day to pick up parcels, with collections extending late into the evening.
He eventually reported the issue to the STOMP community platform.
He said: "For Shopee parcels collections, it should be personally handed over, not by using a shoe rack as pigeonholes."
Netizens weigh in
On STOMP's website, some netizens agreed that the neighbour's actions were uncalled for: "My opinion is that this collection point owner is irresponsible to place the Shopee items outside the unit. Anyone can easily take these items and walk away."
However, others suggested that the resident's reactions were exaggerated: "Is it really true that collection of parcels creates noise disturbance? Singaporeans complain too much about mundane matters that fall out of line."
Others empathised with Mr Chen, acknowledging that the disturbance stems from the daily presence of strangers at his doorstep.
Shopee: Temporarily paused operations at collection point
In response to STOMP's queries, a Shopee spokesperson said on July 11: "We value the feedback and have temporarily paused operations at the collection point while we review the current set-up.
"We are actively engaging the operator to explore improvements aligned with Shopee's guidelines, ensuring that parcel collections are managed safely and with due consideration for neighbouring residents.
"Shopee remains committed to upholding responsible practices across all residential collection points."
Town council: Items blocking corridor have been removed
Addressing the issue of corridor obstructions, the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council confirmed that they have spoken to the resident involved.
"The items blocking the corridor have been cleared," said a spokesman, adding that the town council continues to educate residents and conducts regular inspections to maintain cleanliness in common areas and prevent the buildup of clutter.
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