Neighbour disputes: What more can we do for parties to come to the table?

Singapore has given laws sharper teeth. But the harder test is whether we still know how to live together without them.

- Nicholas Thomas

Ultimately, neighbourliness cannot be legislated into being, says the writer. Laws and mediation provide structure, but everyday goodwill is built through daily acts of give and take. A "we-first" society asks each of us to give a little time to our community and extend a little grace to those living beside us.

(ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG)

I recall moderating a dialogue on community action for municipal issues back in 2023. During the session, one resident described how difficult it was for his family to live beside a neighbour who displayed antisocial behaviours. I remember the weariness in his voice.

Neighbour disputes are an unwelcome hum that many of us endure, and have grown to manage. For some, it could lead to better relations. But there are times when these quarrels unfortunately end in violence or tragedy. When that happens, it becomes a stark reminder of the importance of neighbourliness.

The recent fatal knife attack in a Yishun HDB corridor after a reported noise dispute was shocking for many.

A 66-year-old neighbour has been charged with murder, and the case is before the courts. The Government clarified that the deceased applied for Community Mediation Centre (CMC) mediation on June 12, 2025, but the session did not happen as the neighbour did not respond to the invitation. As the case is under investigation, it’s important that we do not speculate on the motive.

But as we reflect on this tragedy, there are some harder questions that linger.

Are we doing enough public education so people know what to do to resolve conflicts before tempers flare? Should mediation attendance be encouraged more forcefully? What forms of proportionate enforcement can signal that antisocial behaviour won't be tolerated, without escalating matters unnecessarily?