So what is the best solution other than roof tiles?

Aiyo, why you go and ask??? Now they know you have been told and cannot do already! Over time just do it quietly, they dont come and kacau. If they want to sue there are so many to sue and make them not popular and if the news go out almost all house owners all over the country have to be sued.

Usually worst case you just pay a small fine and they will not ask you to tear it down.

It is all up to you like singaporean kai si. Singapore is a fine country. You break the law you pay. But here we have totally different culture. For renovation of course you go and get permit but for small matter like awning you will not get what you want if you apply. For awning our officers just close eyes, both eyes. Our officers, unlike singapore, are very human and understanding. For awning is ok one. But if you want follow rules you give them no choice and as officers meeting people like you they will follow rules.

Just go out to the back of your house see anyone has awning. If not go to other row and see for yourself. If they do more than 2 feet. If noone is doing then go to other houseing estates under MPKJ and see. Sure many. Then talk to them if anyone get into troble.

Like I said just do it. You think they will go house to house to check? And then go back to office and check who the owners are and then issue summons? You think they are so free got nothing better to do ah? You think they are so hard working or care? What harm can you bring to your neighbor with your awning? You can go to jail or they like you to pay fine? And even if you got summon just dont pay and you think they will drag you to court ah? Or they go get authorization from court to tear down your awning? No la. They couldn't be bother just like millions of parking tickets people dont bother to pay and no body go to court. You can even dont bother to go to court just like all these parking ticket and the court also dont bother if you do not attend court.

Ok, Let say you are so kia si and go to court. Just tell the court there are so many awnings in their jurisdiction and they are not here in court, why?. The officer will probably tell you that you are the only one kia si and attended court!!!

Unless it is a commercial property, residential only once if you apply. For commercial it is advisable to apply otherwise they will kacau you doing business.