A heated dispute broke out outside Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple in Bugis, Singapore, involving local tissue paper vendors and monks collecting donations.
During Chinese New Year (CNY), monks from Sri Krishna Mandir temple set up outside the temple to seek donations. However, tissue paper sellers accused them of taking over their business space, leading to tensions.
Vendors allegedly scold and threaten monks
According to Shin Min Daily News, the tissue vendors repeatedly berated the monks, even hurling vulgarities at them.
Whenever a passerby donated to the monks, one vendor reportedly urged others not to contribute, shouting, “Coming to take from us, you’ll not have a good death.”
The conflict allegedly escalated from verbal abuse to physical confrontations.
A witness claimed that one vendor even attempted to attack the monks with his leg.
Due to the ongoing tension, police officers and security personnel have been deployed daily to mediate the situation.
Vendor allegedly brings flour to throw at monks
One female vendor accused the monks of misleading them by claiming they would only be there for two days but continuing to return.
She alleged that they arrived as early as 5am to occupy prime spots, thus affecting her business.
In protest, the vendor reportedly brought a bag of flour with the intent of throwing it at the monks.
A 75-year-old tissue seller also complained that the presence of monks significantly reduced his earnings, stating that his usual CNY income of S$300-S$400 ( approx. RM1,050-RM1,400) had dropped to S$200 (approx. RM700).
Monks allegedly threatened with urine
According to MS News, a spokesperson from Sri Krishna Mandir defended the monks, explaining that their donation drives were legal and aimed at funding charitable activities.
He claimed the monks were verbally harassed, kicked, and even threatened with a bottle of urine by a female vendor in a wheelchair.
Additionally, he alleged that the same vendor brandished a pair of scissors at the monks.
However, when approached, the vendor denied all accusations.
Temple visitors expressed disappointment over the dispute, with some opting to donate to both parties. Others felt that such conflicts should not take place in a place of worship.
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