OP-ED: EDITORIAL – The Sunday Times says: Dishing up the self-cleaning society

It beggars belief that many customers at hawker centres are finding it difficult to extend the simple courtesy of returning their trays after they have eaten their meals. In order to encourage them to do so, a system has been rolled out based on a refundable deposit that must be paid for trays. Such are the great lengths Singapore goes to, in order to become a self-cleaning society.

That effort, in fact, began years ago – to tackle littering, flushing at public toilets, and urinating in lifts. Outsiders have described Singapore’s laws relating to cleanliness as “absurd”, while some Singaporeans think it “ridiculous” for the nation to maintain an army of cleaners.

Surely it is not beyond people to alleviate problems that are largely self-created. However, the habits of customers at hawker centres tell a different story.

Some have sought to get around the requirement of a deposit by simply not taking a tray. Consequently, used bowls, plates and crockery are left on tables – a practice that attracts scavenging pests and inconveniences other users. During peak periods, much-loved hawker centres can look very messy and unappetising indeed.

Yet, customers are not short of excuses for unsociable behaviour. Tray return stations are said to be insufficient or too far away. The system is blamed for being inconvenient, and deposits and queues are a put-off. Some find it just plain troublesome to return a tray when it is much simpler to leave a mess behind and flee.

What does all this say about the aspiration to become a considerate, gracious and self-cleaning society? One could seek solutions in machines, systems, rules, fines and ultimately lowly paid cleaners. But the answer is staring at Singaporeans – in the mirror. There is a minimal sense of responsibility each must bear for the public good. Hawker centres are a good place to demonstrate this.