A resident in his thirties in Kolam Ayer regularly throws items, including tissue papers and plastic bags filled with faeces and urine out of his flat. The littering affects neighbours and has persisted for years.
The littering only ceased when the man who suffers from mental health issues was admitted for treatment at the Institute for Mental Health on an intermittent basis.
Littering continues to be an issue at the block where the man stays, according to Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC Wan Rizal.
The parents were initially unreceptive but opened up a year ago after volunteers reached out repeatedly, he added. His team then installed invisible railings in the flat, but that did not help.
The town council is on “high alert” to clean the parapets of the block when such killer littering occurs, he noted.
Dealing with this issue has made Dr Wan realise the importance of collaboration and engagement to address the issue.
“It’s really about engaging everyone as a whole, and everyone working hand in hand. The police helped; the National Environment Agency pitched in. But beyond that, it’s communication. When we couldn’t get through (to the family initially), it was difficult. Now they are more receptive. We also engage the neighbours often, so they understand the situation better and do not feel so angry.”
In addition to addressing community issues, Dr Wan Razal must deal with problems facing an ageing population. Over 60 per cent of Kolam Ayer residents are aged 60 or older, he noted.
This demographic differs sharply from Tampines GRC where he served as a volunteer before the 2020 General Election, home mostly to young families.
Hence, Dr Wan Rizal took a different approach to engage residents and get to know them. Since mid-2023, he started doing house visits and going to the market alone, which worked better.
“Initially, residents were more reserved. When I visit homes or go to markets alone, elderly residents open up more. They welcome you into their homes,” he said, appreciating their warmth.
Community wellbeing, sustainability and residents’ health are key focuses for Dr Wan Rizal
Dr Wan Rizal has been focusing his efforts on improving the lives of his residents in three key areas: strengthening community support, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the physical and mental wellbeing of residents.
He strongly believes in “the community supporting the community”. Whether it is organising events through his branch or grassroots organisations, he encouraged residents to do their part for the community.
“For example, during the Chinese New Year, I asked residents to come forth and contribute Chinese New Year goodies. We then gave the goodies to those in need.”
There are three rental blocks in Kolam Ayer constituency.
As Chair of the PAP Action for Green Towns Taskforce, Wan Rizal actively promotes sustainability in his constituency. He involves elderly residents in upcycling, with the town council helping to collect material that residents then use to create items for the community.
“Upcycling plays a big role from community to community,” he said.
The physical and mental wellbeing of residents are also of high importance to Wan Rizal. Building upon HealthierSG efforts, his grassroots volunteers organise quarterly Wellness Days. His team conducts free health screenings open to rental block and Kolam Ayer residents during these days. There are also healthy cooking demonstrations.
“The elderly not only enjoy the health screening but also the interactions with the volunteer nurses,” he said.
As many of the constituency’s residents are elderly, Dr Wan Rizal recognised the importance of providing support through programmes and infrastructure that benefit seniors.
“Elderly require a lot of support, not just financial support. During house visits, when we see grab bars are needed, we remind residents to install them. We must do more to ensure they are well cared for.”
Dr Wan Rizal observed that many elderly residents like walking and exercising. As Chairman of Jalan Besar Town Council, his team fixes uneven pavements that could endanger seniors. The nearby ABC Waters @ Kallang River is also popular with seniors, he noted.
He said his team organises programmes to better engage elderly, especially the men, like kopi sessions to encourage interaction. His team also organises family events and intergenerational activities like carnivals for young and old to interact.
“Although the grandmother and grandfather cannot run along, they can join in the fun.”
Going forward, he will expand efforts in these key areas so that more residents can benefit.
“I hope Kolam Ayer will be a green and healthy community. It’s a simple wish. Sometimes through simple things, you can achieve a lot more,” he said.
Making education accessible for all: Wan Rizal
Dr Wan Rizal has been advocating for several issues in Parliament, for example, more support for vulnerable people. An important aspect is making education accessible for all. Hence, he pushed for mandatory childhood education when he first started as an MP.
He said: “As an educator all my life, education plays an important role. However, many believe that if you lack the best education, you’re gone for life. That’s not true. I only earned my degree at age 31. If you have the right attitude and work towards your passion, anything is achievable in Singapore. We talk about multiple pathways to success here. My role is to ensure people understand this.”
He is also concerned with health issues. He is currently leading efforts by M³, a collaborative effort between Muis, MENDAKI and MESRA, under the fifth focus area – community health, to encourage the Malay/Muslim community to better take care of their health.
“Our community faces issues. We must get health right because without good health, how are you going to do other things?” he said.
Speaking in Parliament, resolving his residents’ problems, doing house visits, he said he enjoys interacting with residents, and helping to resolve their problems.
“No matter how tired I am, when I see my residents, the tiredness just disappears. Helping with MPS cases, just being able to help residents makes my day. I enjoy interacting and helping. It boosts me every time.”
