Forum: Authorities committed to upholding high standards of public cleanliness in Chinatown
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We thank Justin Kan for the letter, “Concerned about the state of cleanliness in Chinatown” (July 15) and share his view on the importance of cleanliness for public hygiene and liveability.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) actively monitors Chinatown’s cleanliness and has strengthened enforcement presence in the area through visible patrols, standees, and camera surveillance. In the first half of 2025, NEA issued 917 tickets for public health offences, including littering and spitting, in Chinatown. This has led to a decrease in ground litter.
While the community is generally civic-minded, littering remains a concern due to the inconsiderate actions of some. We recognise that poor hygiene conditions can also lead to rat infestation and continue to work with stakeholders on upstream measures to improve housekeeping and refuse management.
Cleaning service providers are also engaged to clean various public areas of Chinatown regularly throughout the week, such as roads, pavements, drains, overhead bridges, parks, vacant lands and bus stops, with daily cleaning for high footfall areas. Additionally, banners and standees have been installed to remind the public not to litter.
We thank all stakeholders, including premises owners, town councils and grassroots leaders, for their continued support in improving Chinatown’s cleanliness standards. Together, we will continue to foster collective action and social responsibility towards keeping Singapore clean.
Tony Teo
Group Director, Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency
