Will a Reddit post published on 1 October 2024, titled “Shorter waiting time, but apply 7 times never get home?” be POFMAed as it raises concerns over Singapore’s Build-To-Order (BTO) process?

The post with unverified claims has gained significant attention as it highlights the challenges faced by first-time applicants trying to secure a BTO flat.

It sparked a flurry of responses from other frustrated users, many sharing their own unverified personal experiences of repeatedly failing in the BTO application process. The original poster (OP) expressed frustration after applying for seven projects without success, stirring further discussion on the system’s perceived flaws.

One Reddit user, who shared similar challenges, stated, “Second time applying for the choiciest location, 4-room only, because of my WFH [work from home] and wife’s needs. Probably won’t get it, but it’s OK.”

The user highlighted the importance of accessibility and space, particularly in more desirable locations near essential amenities and transport links. However, like many of the claims made in the thread, this account remains unverifiable and reflects personal anecdotes rather than confirmed data.

Another user shared their own frustrations, saying, “Applied 10 times total, 2 at Tengah without getting a queue number. The rest at odds 3-5, and still didn’t get it. Emailed to appeal, also no use—just ask us to try again.”

This echoes a common sentiment in the thread: that the current BTO balloting system may be flawed, particularly for applicants targeting flats in mature estates.

The discussion also took a more critical turn, with one Reddit user questioning the original poster’s application strategy.

“Every time someone complains about failing to get a BTO more than five times, I ask them to list every single project they’ve applied for. It’s usually followed by radio silence,” the user remarked.

The original poster responded with a list of areas such as Dakota Breeze, Bedok Beacon, and Tampines Green Foliage—popular locations that typically have high application rates.

In response, the user who initially questioned the OP’s strategy pointed out that applicants who repeatedly fail tend to ballot for the most sought-after locations. They added that, based on the list, the OP may have been “unlucky” due to applying for high-demand areas like Bedok and Tampines, while noting that Bedok Beacon was a project from 2016.

The discussion then shifted to why the OP had only applied five times over the past eight years, to which the OP clarified that they had also participated in the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) and open booking exercises, suggesting they had been actively seeking housing through different avenues.

Although these claims of systemic shortcomings are based on individual experiences and lack official verification, such concerns are common.

Members of Parliament regularly raise questions in Parliament, prompting the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Housing & Development Board (HDB) to address public housing issues, including unsuccessful applications.

In January 2023, People’s Action Party (PAP) MP Cheryl Chan raised concerns in Parliament about first-time BTO applicants who had failed more than four times between 2017 and 2022.

In response, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee revealed that approximately 2,200 first-time families had been unsuccessful after four or more attempts, with 99% of those applying in mature estates.

Mr Lee advised applicants to consider non-mature estates (NMEs), where competition is lower, and applicants have a better chance of success due to additional ballot chances.

In September 2023, Workers’ Party MP Sylvia Lim questioned whether the HDB flat balloting system could be adjusted to give more weight to applicants with multiple unsuccessful attempts.

In response, Mr Lee reiterated the government’s commitment to helping first-time families, with at least 95% of four-room and larger flats in BTO and SBF exercises set aside for them. First-timer families already receive two ballot chances compared to one for second-timers.

To further improve the chances for first-timers, Minister Lee announced the introduction of the First-Timer (Parents and Married Couples) category.

He noted that in the upcoming BTO launches, this group will receive three ballot chances, providing additional support for families with children under 18 or married couples below 40. These families also benefit from extra priority under the Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme, aimed at addressing their urgent housing needs.

Mr Lee noted that since 2008, first-timers applying in non-mature estates (NMEs) who have had two or more unsuccessful attempts are given an additional ballot chance. He affirmed the government’s ongoing review of the flat allocation system, focusing on keeping public housing affordable and accessible while ensuring that families with the greatest housing needs secure homes in a timely manner.

Will the Reddit post be POFMAed?

The use of POFMA to address public housing claims may be driving Singaporeans to anonymous platforms like Reddit to express their frustrations.

Reddit’s anonymity offers users a safer space to voice concerns, such as dissatisfaction with the BTO system, without the fear of personal consequences that are more likely on identifiable platforms like Facebook.

Mr Desmond Lee has previously issued POFMA directives on HDB-related matters, highlighting the government’s sensitivity to misleading information.

While POFMA is intended to correct falsehoods, its enforcement may push discussions onto less transparent platforms like Reddit, where users feel more secure. As housing remains a sensitive issue, people may turn to anonymous spaces to engage in candid discussions that could invite scrutiny on public forums.

The case of Shaik Amar, a property agent who was issued with a POFMA correction in August 2024, illustrates how enforcement can lead citizens to anonymous platforms.

After his video criticising Singapore’s Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) led to a correction, Shaik revealed the emotional toll it took on him, his family, and his career. He described the experience as “traumatic,” and shared that it led to confusion and distress within his family, affecting his mental health.

Shaik’s case underscores the deterrent effect POFMA may have on public discourse. His experience suggests that the risk of being publicly named or shamed could drive ordinary citizens to more anonymous spaces like Reddit to voice critiques, particularly on sensitive topics like housing policies.

In these forums, users may feel freer to speak out without facing the social and professional consequences that Shaik endured.

Dr Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), slammed Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s spouse, Ho Ching, for her assertion that Singapore could accommodate 8 to 10 million people with proper city planning and land reclamation.

In a video message published on 1 October, Dr Chee expressed strong scepticism regarding the narrative of increasing the population, highlighting that the current surge past the 6 million mark had been largely driven by the influx of foreigners, which led to several adverse consequences.

He further highlighted that smaller populations were not inherently negative, drawing examples from some Scandinavian countries that had flourished on the international stage despite their smaller populations and had even produced Nobel Prize laureates.

Ho Ching expressed confidence that with proper city planning, Singapore could accommodate up to 8-10 million people

Last Friday (27 September), in a Facebook post, Madam Ho, who was also the former CEO of Temasek Holdings, highlighted the growing demand for caregivers as the population aged and the need for workers to sustain sectors like construction and engineering, particularly as the workforce shrank due to lower birth rates.

“As we have less children, we need more people from elsewhere to join us to keep this city functioning, from repairing train tracks through the night to serving patients in hospitals through the night. ”

Dr Chee Highlights Risks of Population Growth

In response, Dr Chee recalled his experience of being reprimanded by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan during the last General Election for raising concerns about the implications of a rapidly growing population.

He questioned why Madam Ho, who shared similar views, had not faced the same scrutiny.

In his video, Dr Chee articulated several concerns regarding the proposed increase in population, highlighting the potential negative impacts, including increased demand for food, housing, and transportation, which would result in a significant rise in living costs.

With a larger population, Dr Chee pointed out that more flats, roads, hospitals, and public transportation would need to be constructed, which would ultimately require higher taxes and fees to maintain the necessary infrastructure.

The SDP leader emphasized that an influx of residents would intensify competition for jobs, exerting downward pressure on wages and potentially leading to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment.

Dr Chee further expressed concern over the environmental degradation that would accompany population growth, citing the recent clearing of forests for housing and industrial developments, including Tengah and Kranji Forests.

Dr Chee questioned the ability of existing infrastructure to cope with a growing population, referencing the persistent issues with the MRT system, including breakdowns and safety hazards.

He highlighted the toll that congestion and overpopulation take on the mental health of Singaporeans, noting a rise in reported mental health challenges.

“All this while the ministers live in secluded and luxurious bunglows and villas, far from the madding crowd which we are subjected to every single day.”

“So, when Ho Ching says that we can accommodate up to 10 million people, I’d like to ask her, where and what type of house she lives in?”

Dr Chee Argues for Innovative Economic Solutions Over Traditional Urban Expansion

Regarding the ruling government’s persistent push to increase Singapore’s population to what he considered “unhealthy levels,” Dr Chee suggested that the PAP lacked viable alternatives for fostering economic growth.

He implied that the government resorted to traditional methods of expansion, such as construction and urban development.

He highlighted that the government is fixated on physically expanding the city—“digging, pouring concrete, and erecting structures”—to sustain GDP growth.

This approach, he argued, creates an illusion that Singapore remains a productive economic hub, despite potential downsides.

Dr Chee Advocates for the Value of Smaller Populations: Cites Political Freedom as Key to Innovation and Success

Dr Chee further contended that a smaller population did not necessarily hinder a nation’s success.

He cited several Scandinavian countries and Taiwan, emphasising their global brands and innovations despite their relatively small populations.

Dr Chee connected the success of these nations to their political freedoms, arguing that the ability to think and express oneself freely fostered innovation and societal progress.

He contrasted this with Singapore, where he claimed that the government controlled media and stifled freedom of expression.

He criticised the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) for its centralised control and for limiting the potential of Singaporeans. Dr Chee used the metaphor of a “grotesque monkey” clinging to the nation, suggesting that the PAP hindered progress and growth.

Dr Chee emphasised that the quality of a population—its talent, energy, and potential—was far more important than its size.

He suggested that Singapore possessed the necessary attributes to succeed on a global scale but was held back by the current political landscape.

He urged Singaporeans to engage in critical thinking rather than passively accepting government narratives.

Dr Chee advocated for a more mature and sophisticated approach to governance and civic engagement, encouraging citizens to take an active role in shaping their society.