While such fans are meant to cool their surroundings, they actually do quite the opposite by circulating warm air generated in hawker centres.

In fact, fundamental engineering knowledge suggests bad positioning of fans actually draws fumes and warm air back to patrons instead of allowing pollutants to escape into the atmosphere.

I am sure many people have had the unpleasant experience of sitting near these fans. Not to mention that the high-velocity fans often blow disposable plates and cups onto the floor, creating an unsightly situation.

What is more surprising is that many fans in hawkers centres practically run 24 hours a day, regardless of the weather. It is ironic that Singapore has spent tremendous resources to create environment-efficient buildings yet we overlook the fact that simple observation of our surroundings could cut down unnecessary energy use and preserve a more liveable environment.

Tan Poh Soon