Smoking samsui woman mural to be retained in full, building owner fined for not seeking approval

The Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Health Ministry is allowing the mural of a samsui woman holding a cigarette to stay as it is, without modifications. But the URA has slapped a $2,000 fine on the owner of the South Bridge Road property for carrying out unauthorised works on a conserved building. The authorities said they decided to retain the mural by Singapore-based American artist Sean Dunston because the work is largely seen as an art piece, and not as an advertisement for tobacco.