'Unfortunate' that contractor placed Deepavali and anti-littering banners together: Mountbatten MP

Mountbatten MP Lim Biow Chuan said it was unfortunate that a contractor who placed the MP's Deepavali greeting banner on top of an anti-litter banner from the National Environment Agency (NEA) and National Parks Board (NParks) did not "think about the messaging".

The first banner read: "Mr Lim Biow Chuan, advisor to Mountbatten Grassroots Organisation, wishes all Mountbatten residents happy Deepavali."

The one below read: "Wishing our residents happy Deepavali. Let's keep our celebrations litter-free."

On Wednesday (Nov 8), Facebook user Susiilaa Shanmugam posted a photo of the banners and wrote: "Thank you for the reminder, sir. Just curious if you have ever used this message during Chinese New Year or Hungry Ghost Festival?

"Though the message appears to have a positive intent, it is being used at a very wrong time given festivals are a time when those who have endured a tumultuous time come together as one to unite with their family and friends.

"I hope to see the same message for the coming Chinese New Year."

Her post has since gone viral, such that Mr Lim commented on Facebook: "The banners are separate ones. My banner on top is just a festive greeting and does not contain any litter free messages."

He pointed out that the bottom banner was from NEA and NParks as NEA had received feedback that the area was badly littered after previous Deepavali celebrations.

"It is unfortunate that the contractor who placed the two banners did not think about the messaging," said Mr Lim.

"The contractor did not inform me as to when or where to place the banners. But I had asked that my festive greeting banner be removed so that there is no misunderstanding of my intent – which is simply to wish all Hindus a Happy Deepavali."

In response to another netizen, Mr Lim said: "I have informed NEA and they have agreed that they will remove the banners on anti-littering. The banner was simply a reminder not to litter. I am sure that you agree that we should not litter."

Susiilaa, whose post went viral, posted an update on Thursday morning: "I have been informed that the relevant authorities are looking into the matter. I am heartened that action has been taken and the banner will be removed and hopeful that more thought will be put into the phrasing of messages that can potentially be deemed insensitive."

Stomp has contacted NEA for more info.