Poster disallowing chess games in common areas put up after complaints: Marine Parade Town Council

SINGAPORE - A photograph of a poster put up by the Marine Parade Town Council disallowing games of chess at common areas drew the ire of netizens on Sunday (March 13), with many asking how a seemingly quiet game of chess could end up being an issue.

The photo of the poster, which read "No playing of chess at common areas", was posted on Wake Up, Singapore's Facebook page on Sunday afternoon with the caption: "Marine Parade Town Council, what is wrong with you? This is NOT Majulah". No other details were given, such as where or when the poster was found.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/wakeupSG/photos/a.220158094816490.1073741828.220046891494277/615880008577628[/embed]

Marine Parade Town Council clarified later in the day on its Facebook page that the poster was placed only at Block 11, Haig Road, and that it was not one of its "standard" posters.

The post said: "We had received feedback from residents at the said block that the chess players are causing a nuisance and were playing till late night. In addition, the chess players and onlookers sometimes will block and obstruct the pathway of a covered linkway, causing inconveniences to others.

"As such, this poster seeks to advise and remind these chess players not to play their games there and to be considerate to others," the town council added.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/marineparade.towncouncil/photos/a.430585420458271.1073741826.430585360458277/490264291157050[/embed]

Late last month, a report of railings set up to stop football games at the void deck of a Housing Board block in Queenstown also stirred an online debate. One The Straits Times reader urged the town council to leave void decks void, while another called the railings an eyesore. Editor of citizen journalism website Stomp Mr Azhar Kasman said in an opinion piece that he was saddened by the 'slow death' of void decks.

huizhen@sph.com.sg