Unusual Meat Drying In HDB Corridors: Community Shock and NEA Investigation
Imagine standing inside a second‑storey HDB corridor on Beach Road and seeing racks of raw, red meat dangling from the dusty air‑conditioner compressor vents. Over on the first floor of a nearby block, strips of meat propped up on overturned plastic stools are left out under the sun to dry.
It turns out these racks were not a creative display, but part of a homemade jerky operation. According to a 60‑year‑old resident, the meat is sun‑dried until it’s roughly 80% dry, then cooked and sold either directly or from a store in the Golden Mile Complex.
What the Residents Are Upset About
- Stench – The drying meat’s odor is so strong that residents refuse to pass through the corridor of Block 1.
- Insects & Birds – Flies and birds are attracted to the uncut meat, adding to the unclean environment.
- Unsanitary Conditions – Images sent to the Chinese evening daily show raw meat with crawling insects, which disgusted the community.
NEA’s Response
The National Environment Agency (NEA) is currently investigating the situation. A spokesman told The New Paper that NEA will take firm action if any violation of the Environmental Public Health Act is confirmed. He also warned the public not to purchase food prepared in these poor hygiene conditions.
What the Investigation Revealed
- When The New Paper visited Block 6’s sun‑drying area, no evidence of drying was found.
- At Block 1, racks had been removed, but shredded meat remnants were still scattered on the floor.
- The Golden Mile store had stopped selling jerky after NEA officers visited, citing unsanitary concerns.
Customers Say It’s “Home‑Brewed” and Tasty
Regular buyers, including a 27‑year‑old foreign worker, argued that the jerky tastes like home and that they’ve been eating it for years. They claim it’s made by a Thai woman in her forties, using traditional methods.
Future Outlook
The store is planning to discontinue jerky sales, and NEA remains vigilant. Residents’ concerns about sanitation and smell highlight the growing need for strict enforcement of food hygiene in residential areas.
