Forum: Standards of public hygiene slackening

I notice that our vigilance against potential outbreak of diseases has slackened over the past year.

Very often I notice commuters, who are not wearing face masks, coughing and sneezing in public transport like the MRT and buses. I cringe every time someone coughs or sneezes near me, and will quickly move away.

Last weekend, while at a mall, I was appalled that there was no soap in all the dispensers in the toilet. This is not the first time I have experienced this. 

I urge the authorities to continue educating the public about personal hygiene and on mask wearing when one is unwell. They should also ensure that all shopping malls, eateries, hawker centres and coffee shops have (non-diluted) soap in all their soap dispensers at the risk of a fine. Regular checks should be conducted to ensure compliance.

Lee Keng Yeow