MR JAMES Cruikshank's public-spiritedness is an example to all
local and foreign residents here ('Cleanliness on the decline';
June 28).
The recalcitrant woman who tossed the green plastic bag onto the
grass despite the Canadian's protests, and the apathetic young
woman who thinks 'the litter is not our problem' should be taught
to clean up their act.
It is infuriating to see some people stuck in the stone age of
social etiquette, just as more Singaporeans are taking an active
interest in our living environment.
Stroll around a shopping mall, and you are likely to encounter
empty plastic bottles and paper cups. Walk past a bed of plants
anywhere on the island and you will find cigarette butts
everywhere.
It is not a new problem. But it has become more obvious.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) should work closely with
all relevant government agencies and the private sector to drive
home the anti-littering message with targeted campaigns and a wider
network of enforcement.
Food and beverage businesses such as McDonald's and Starbucks
would make ideal partners to disseminate anti-littering messages to
their patrons. As would all commercial properties, including
shopping malls and hotels.
The NEA should get its staff to issue hefty fines and corrective
work orders for littering offences on premises within its
purview.
It is time we took a tougher stand against this growing
menace.
Toh Cheng Seong
