Due to recent public criticism, the Urban Redevelopment Authority ( URA ) is reevaluating its position in regard to a Chinesetown shophouse mural that depicts a young Samsui woman smoking. Prior to that, the agency had previously given the landlord a deadline to remove the cigarette from the artwork.
In response to CNA’s queries on Saturday ( Jun 22 ), URA stated that all mural proposals must be submitted to the building owner and URA for approval before work can begin.
But, without due notice, the painting on the preserved shophouse at 297 South Bridge Road was finished, and URA claimed to have informed the building’s owner and that it had been sent for evaluation.
The plan was not approved after consultation with local stakeholders and related authorities because the portrayal of smoking on the illegal mural is not in line with Singapore’s anti-smoking policy, according to URA.
” In light of recent people comments, URA is ll- evaluating its position on the mural”.
Sean Dunston, the mural’s actor, highlighted the event on Instagram two days ago, which sparked a lot of debate and discussion online. URA issued the first order to remove the cigarette.