SINGAPORE, Aug 4 — A 68‑year‑old retiree who repeatedly set fire to cardboard cat houses placed at Bukit Batok void decks was sentenced to three months’ jail today, after admitting to mischief by fire.
According to CNA, Koh Teng Boo targeted the makeshift shelters — stocked with food and water for community cats — because he believed they were unhygienic and attracted birds and pests. He told investigators he had raised the issue with his Member of Parliament but felt “no visible action” was taken, leading him to take matters into his own hands.
The court heard that Koh first burned three cat houses in October 2025 by throwing them into an incense burner bin and setting them alight. Two days later, when more shelters appeared, he again approached his MP to complain.
On Nov 19, 2025, after drinking, Koh spotted another cat house at the void deck of Block 263 and used a lighter to ignite it before walking away. In the early hours of Nov 20, he returned to the pavilion beside Block 261 intending to burn more shelters. Passers-by extinguished the fire.
Town council repairs for the damaged flooring and walls cost S$913 (RM2,913), which Koh later fully repaid.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Stephen Yeo sought four to 4½ months’ jail, noting that while the damage was modest, Koh had set fires in the early hours and left them unattended, creating potential danger.
Koh, who was unrepresented, said he had tried but failed to qualify for legal aid. He told the court he acted out of hygiene concerns and frustration, adding: “I know that my actions are wrong, dangerous and I’m remorseful.”
Deputy Principal District Judge Kessler Soh said Koh’s age, medical condition and restitution were taken into account, but stressed that residents must never resort to vigilante action.
Koh could have faced up to seven years’ jail and a fine for mischief by fire, with penalties doubled because the charge involved multiple incidents.