Multiple cases of littering: Netizens criticize at 3rd world behaviour in Singapore, expressed pity for cleaners

Third-world behaviour by members of the public was highlighted on social media in separate cases of littering at Woodlands and Sembawang.

Photos of drink bottles and cans scattered over public spaces and improperly discarded trash attracting birds were shared on Facebook page Complaint Singapore by members Kelly Ong and Keith Tan on Thursday (May 26).

“Littering is everywhere on the floor of Woodlands North MRT,” wrote Ms Ong, who wondered what could have happened.

The concerned individual also noted if the lack of an accessible trash bin resulted in drink bottles being thrown on the grass.

The separate incident was at Block 350 Sembawang, with Mr Tan expressing pity towards the cleaners at his block.

“Look at the mess done by some people; it even attracts birds to come,” he added.

Netizens commented on the photos, noting the culprits’ “third-world behaviour”.

“First world country only on the surface, but deep down many people still stuck with developing country mentality. Sad state of affairs,” said Facebook user Joel Tan.

“I’m sure there’s a dustbin at the bus stop. It’s just these people were too lazy,” added Facebook user Myke Muk K C on the first incident.

On May 11 last year, a 49-year-old Singaporean man was convicted by the State Courts and fined S$3,600 for throwing a cigarette butt in a public place.

He was also sentenced to perform 12 hours of corrective work, said NEA in a media release.

Singapore has a strict anti-littering enforcement regime, with about 19,000 tickets for littering offences issued in 2020.

Under the Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA), an individual who commits a littering offence is liable on conviction to a court fine of up to S$2,000 for a first conviction, S$4,000 for a second conviction and S$10,000 for the third and subsequent convictions.

The court may also impose a Corrective Work Order (CWO), requiring offenders to clean public areas for up to 12 hours. /TISG

COMPLAINT | Hundreds of cigarette butts littering in HDB common space