THE efforts made by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to engage and educate foreign workers in keeping the environment clean are commendable ("Anti-littering efforts through enforcement, engagement" by NEA; Feb 9), and most of these workers are aware of Singapore's social norms.
Still, a surprisingly large number of fines, almost one-third, were issued to non-residents.
While this suggests a high rate of non-compliance among foreign workers, the increased presence of police and auxiliary police in Little India and Geylang should be considered.
Many workers spend their free time in open areas to socialise and relax, unlike residents who are more likely to spend time indoors, either at home or in indoor public spaces and commercial areas, where facilities are available and cleaners regularly remove litter.
When fines are issued to migrant workers, the amount - $300 for the first littering offence - can be a substantial part of the worker's monthly salary, with non-payment resulting in a court summons and jail. It is not uncommon for workers to receive fines for sitting in an open space with their food wrappers or drink cans around them. A reminder to place the items in the bin when leaving the area will be better than issuing a fine on the spot.
The objective should be to engage, educate and encourage compliance with regulations, rather than to issue fines, especially when low-wage workers are more actively monitored and are harder hit by hefty fines.
Deborah Fordyce (Ms)
Executive Committee Member
Transient Workers Count Too
Still, a surprisingly large number of fines, almost one-third, were issued to non-residents.
While this suggests a high rate of non-compliance among foreign workers, the increased presence of police and auxiliary police in Little India and Geylang should be considered.
Many workers spend their free time in open areas to socialise and relax, unlike residents who are more likely to spend time indoors, either at home or in indoor public spaces and commercial areas, where facilities are available and cleaners regularly remove litter.
When fines are issued to migrant workers, the amount - $300 for the first littering offence - can be a substantial part of the worker's monthly salary, with non-payment resulting in a court summons and jail. It is not uncommon for workers to receive fines for sitting in an open space with their food wrappers or drink cans around them. A reminder to place the items in the bin when leaving the area will be better than issuing a fine on the spot.
The objective should be to engage, educate and encourage compliance with regulations, rather than to issue fines, especially when low-wage workers are more actively monitored and are harder hit by hefty fines.
Deborah Fordyce (Ms)
Executive Committee Member
Transient Workers Count Too
