Campers complain of overcrowding, littering after
lifting of camping permits
SINGAPORE : Singaporeans are flocking to the beach after the
lifting of camping restrictions this month.
While many are enjoying the new found freedom, some beach goers are
saying the overcrowding, littering and noise are making beaches
look increasingly like slums.
Sand, sea and sun...an idyllic weekend retreat for Singaporeans. Or
is it?
Since camping permits were done away with and more sites opened
early this month, happy campers have been coming in droves.
Before the lifting of restrictions, the National Parks Board
received over 10,000 applications for camping permits in the first
10 months of this year.
"It is good because honestly I do not apply for permit when I come
camping."
"This is okay for children, it is a place to come and make noise
and get around."
The 500-metre stretch along East Coast alone has a staggering 40 to
50 tents.
And the sheer number of families, school mates and teenage couples
have quite frankly gotten some Singaporeans a little worried.
"It is beginning to look like a shanty town, it is very
crowded...my concerns is that maybe there might be an increase in
petty theft."
"Noise pollution."
"Very dirty environment especially during the weekends."
"Without permit, youngsters might anyhow come and tent the thing up
then just stay overnight two days or three days or even a
week."
"My only concern is that teenagers who are here for the wrong
reasons but we are not here to control every bit of society
right?"
"Sometimes at night some tents I heard couples doing something
inside the tent...they should not do at public place, they should
do somewhere private."
NParks said this was a six-month trial programme and will not rule
out increasing the number of cleaners and park rangers should
overcrowding and littering persist.
But it is also appealing to campers to act responsibly and be
considerate to other beach goers.
Camping without permits are now allowed at parks at Changi Beach,
East Coast, Pasir Ris, Sembawang and West Coast. - CNA
