A Singaporean man, Tan Hock Keng, has been fined a record total of S$600,000 for three counts of using private residential properties as unauthorized dormitory accommodation under the Planning Act. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced on June 14 that the 72-year-old received the maximum fine of S$200,000 for each charge.

In addition to the three charges, eight other similar offenses at different residential properties were considered during sentencing. URA’s investigation, prompted by inspections from the Ministry of Manpower enforcement officers in December 2017 and March 2018, revealed that Tan had accommodated foreign workers in various properties: 15 workers at 1012B Upper Serangoon Road, 16 at 32H Lorong 22 Geylang, and 17 at 32J Lorong 22 Geylang over a two-year period.

Further inquiries indicated that Tan had converted eight additional private residences into dormitories between 2016 and 2018, housing more than six unrelated occupants in each, with numbers ranging from seven to 23.

Despite being aware of URA regulations that limit private residences to housing a maximum of six unrelated individuals, Tan continued to make unauthorized conversions. Following a court charge in November 2021 for the violations, sentencing occurred on May 30, 2024.

Martin Tan, director of URA’s development control group, emphasized the negative impact of unauthorized dormitory accommodations on neighborhoods and vulnerable residents who may be at risk of exploitation. He reiterated URA’s commitment to enforcing regulations against property owners, tenants, agents, and others who violate housing laws.