SINGAPORE: It is touted as Singapore's first capsule hotel, offering capsule-style dormitory beds for the cost-conscious traveller.
Barely one month into its operation, the hotel at Ann Siang Road found itself on the wrong side of the law. That is because Matchbox The Concept Hostel failed to obtain a fire safety certificate before opening its doors on August 1.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force has served a notice to the hostel on the offence after conducting an enforcement check.
The hostel offers 30 single-beds and two double-beds for travellers, at between S$45 and S$88 per day.
It
said it is working closely with the SCDF to obtain the required
certification as soon as possible. For now, the hostel is taking its own
safety measures.
Magdalene Wan, the owner of the hostel, said:
"We actually have a big fire hose right at our main entrance. Apart from
that, little pockets have fire extinguishers...we (also) have two exits
and we have very clear exit signs placed all over the place so people
will know the direction they are supposed to run."
-CNA/ac