Is that a lanyard on an empty table? Sure it is. Lunchtime at a hawker centre often sees a bewildering array of items such as umbrellas, water bottles and, of course, the ubiquitous tissue pack on the tables. It's no different at the one in Our Tampines Hub, where the items help to "chope", or reserve the tables. It's a norm that's facing some heat as some believe it is time to stop what they call an ungracious act.

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