SINGAPORE: It is touted as Singapore's first capsule
hotel, offering capsule-style dormitory beds for the cost-conscious
traveller.
Barely one month into its operation, the hotel at
Ann Siang Road found itself on the wrong side of the law. That is
because Matchbox The Concept Hostel failed to obtain a fire safety
certificate before opening its doors on August 1.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force has served a
notice to the hostel on the offence after conducting an enforcement
check.
The hostel offers 30 single-beds and two double-beds for
travellers, at between S$45 and S$88 per day.
It said it is working closely with the SCDF to obtain the required
certification as soon as possible. For now, the hostel is taking
its own safety measures.
Magdalene Wan, the owner of the hostel, said: "We actually have a
big fire hose right at our main entrance. Apart from that, little
pockets have fire extinguishers...we (also) have two exits and we
have very clear exit signs placed all over the place so people will
know the direction they are supposed to run."
-CNA/ac