SINGAPORE: Netizens are questioning the timing of newly announced upgrades in Ang Mo Kio, suggesting that changes like a new bus service and more sheltered linkways are appearing only because an election is approaching.
The reactions followed Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s unveiling of several town enhancements during the Ang Mo Kio Town Council Masterplan launch exhibition on 15 March, where he shared both past achievements and future plans to improve the estate.
Among the key updates is the launch of bus service 138M, which began operations that same morning.
The new loop service is designed to improve accessibility for residents, particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues, by offering a direct route between Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange and Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic.
According to an SBS Transit poster, the service will stop at the bus stop nearest to the polyclinic, allowing commuters to alight without needing to cross the road. It will run every 30 minutes from the interchange.
“Our residents have been waiting for this for a long time, we’ve pushed hard for it, finally we’ve got it and I’m glad it’s here,” said Lee.
“Ang Mo Kio should be a good place, a happy place, a healthy place to live.”
Other improvements include additional sheltered linkways to ease daily commutes, as well as the introduction of more senior-friendly facilities.
Notably, the Silver Upgrading Programme is set to begin soon in four precincts within Chong Boon.
Lee was joined by fellow Ang Mo Kio GRC Members of Parliament (MPs) Darryl David, Gan Thiam Poh and Nadia Samdin, as well as Henry Kwek, MP for Kebun Baru SMC, and Yip Hon Weng, MP for Yio Chu Kang SMC.
In a media release, the Ang Mo Kio Town Council (AMKTC) said, “Over the past five years, AMKTC has worked closely with government agencies and community partners to implement significant improvements across the town’s seven divisions.”
“Moving forward, AMKTC will continue its focus on these key areas: Caring for the young and seniors, fostering inclusivity and enhancing sustainability.”
Lee highlighted the progress made in recent years, noting that residents now enjoy better amenities such as upgraded markets and food centres, improved homes, and more communal spaces for families.
“Your MPs, my team and I, we are committed to making Ang Mo Kio an even more vibrant, inclusive and connected home for all of us,” he said.
Reflecting on his long-standing ties to the area, Lee recalled, “When I first became an MP here in Teck Ghee 40 years ago, Ang Mo Kio was still quite a young new town.”
“Many families had only recently moved into newly-built HDB flats, young couples with little kids. There were not so many amenities.”
“But year by year, we built up Ang Mo Kio into the bustling town it is today,” Lee said.
Lee, who was first elected as MP for Teck Ghee SMC in 1984, has continued to represent the area since it became part of Ang Mo Kio GRC in 1991.
Upgrades Just Before Elections? Netizens Sceptical of AMK Enhancements
Following the announcement, netizens took to CNA’s Facebook post to express scepticism over the timing and motivation behind the upgrades.
One user asked pointedly why there had been no news of new bus services in the past four years, stating, “Why past 4 years never hear new bus service until now?”
Another echoed the same sentiment, commenting, “After 5 years then only have extra bus service and more shelters.”
One user remarked that improvements only start coming after five years when an election is approaching.
They cautioned that such upgrades might be followed by costlier policies, citing ERP 2.0’s distance-based charging as a looming example.
The user feared it would raise both transport fares and prices of everyday goods due to higher delivery costs.
Some felt that the announcements were merely an election ploy.
One user described it as “another bait to lure gullible citizens,” arguing that such improvements should have been made earlier rather than being timed for the election period.
One comment put it bluntly, stating that the government only introduces positive changes when elections are near.
The user added that after the election, these benefits would be clawed back through more taxes on the people.
Focus Should Be on Daily Costs, Say Netizens
Beyond the timing, many users voiced that the government should be focusing on pressing economic concerns instead of estate upgrades.
Several felt that improvements to infrastructure were less urgent compared to the financial burdens faced by ordinary citizens.
One user pointed out, “What people need is lower cost — transport, meals, etc. Everything is so expensive these days and there’s already strain on people’s necks.”
Another urged the government to address deeper socioeconomic issues, such as job insecurity, stagnant wages, unemployment among locals, and challenges faced by low-income families.
A comment noted that although Ang Mo Kio may be vibrant and inclusive, many residents now cross the causeway to buy groceries, as local prices have become unaffordable.
“What’s the point?” the user asked.
There was also visible disappointment with what some described as a disconnect between political leaders and citizens.
One user expressed frustration that, despite years of feedback, the government still fails to understand what people truly need.
They stressed that most Singaporeans are less interested in sheltered walkways and new bus services, and more concerned about addressing inflation and job competition due to foreign labour.
“Is it so difficult for them to see the real issue and problem?” the user asked.
Others echoed that sentiment, calling for lower daily expenses, especially for transport and food.
One user highlighted that younger Singaporeans struggle to afford HDB flats, while many fear they won’t have enough savings for retirement as their CPF funds are locked in housing loans.
Another user questioned whether politicians genuinely believe that upgrading estates is the main concern of residents.
They warned that ignoring the wider issue of rising costs may eventually backfire, and that continually expecting citizens to “suck it up” could push the public to a breaking point.
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