Elderly man sleeps outdoors as Bedok flat overflows with junk

An elderly man living alone in a rental flat in Bedok Reservoir has been sleeping on a chair at the void deck every night - because his home is so packed with clutter there's no room for him inside.

The 78-year-old, known only as Mr Lin, is believed to have a hoarding habit. He reportedly also uses the nearby coffee shop to shower, as his own bathroom is inaccessible.

Non-profit organisation Helping Joy highlighted Mr Lin's situation in a recent Facebook post, describing his unit at Block 704 Bedok Reservoir Road, as being filled "floor to ceiling" with all kinds of miscellaneous items.

The kitchen passageway was completely obstructed, and the living room was the only space left with some standing room.

The group added that there were cockroaches in the home, raising concerns about hygiene and fire safety - not just for Mr Lin, but also for his neighbours.

When Shin Min Daily News visited the flat, the front door could barely open. Debris blocked the entrance, forcing people to step directly onto the clutter to get inside.

Speaking to the paper, Mr Lin said he began picking up discarded items during the Covid-19 pandemic after he lost his job.

"It started with a few things I thought I could sell. Over time it just piled up. Some items I couldn't bear to part with," he said.

He acknowledged that his neighbours had complained about the clutter, especially items left outside his door.

"Eventually, the authorities sent people to clear the area. They threw away four large bins of stuff - even the things I had hanging outside," he recalled.

Volunteers from Helping Joy were scheduled to help him clean up his unit on June 8, but Mr Lin admitted he had wanted to postpone the clean-up.

"I'm worried they'll throw everything away. I need time to sort through it. I'm afraid I'll be left with nothing. What if I throw something out and later realise I need it?"

Neighbour Mr Peng, 78, said that while Mr Lin lives alone, he does have family. He once saw Mr Lin's daughter-in-law and grandson visit briefly during Chinese New Year - they stood outside the flat to greet him before leaving.

Mr Pang and a coffee shop employee both confirmed seeing Mr Lin using the coffee shop toilet to shower and relieve himself.

"He's in there for over 10 minutes each time," said Mr Pang.

The coffee shop employee did not report the matter, as he sympathised with Mr Lin's situation.