21-2-2024 (SINGAPORE) Netizens in Singapore were left shocked and appalled after a listing for a minuscule room with a monthly rental rate of SGD 600 (approximately RM 2136) surfaced on a popular room rental group on Facebook. The room’s incredibly small size prompted comparisons to a morgue and ignited a heated online conversation about the state of affordable living spaces in urban areas.
The listing, which appeared on a Facebook group dedicated to rental properties without intermediary fees, was posted by the presumed landlord or sub-landlord. The rental agreement stated that the price included utilities such as internet, electricity, and water.
Despite being advertised as a room, the photographs accompanying the listing raised doubts about its suitability as a living space. The room, furnished with essential items like a bed, bedside table, wardrobe, and desk, was described as ready for immediate occupancy. It was conveniently located within a 3 to 5-minute walk from the Toa Payoh MRT station, and the landlord was not residing on the premises.
The unit also boasted home appliances, including a washing machine, refrigerator, and water heater, and tenants had the freedom to cook. However, viewers of the photographs expressed concerns about the room’s cramped and uninviting appearance, with some likening it to a storeroom rather than a suitable bedroom. The idea of sleeping on storage shelves particularly drew criticism from commentators.
Responses to the listing ranged from shock to indignation, with many expressing disbelief and suggesting that the space would be more suited for storage rather than accommodation.
