Forum: Visit to MBS marred by smokers in boardwalk area
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I recently spent a day attending various exhibitions at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. After walking across several levels, my friend and I struggled to find indoor seating to rest, and eventually resorted to sitting along the boardwalk outdoors.
Unfortunately, our rest was cut short by a strong smell of cigarette smoke. A crowd of smokers had gathered around the outdoor trash bins. Most of the public benches nearby were occupied by smokers, forcing non-smokers, office workers having quick lunches, and tourists to inhale second-hand smoke.
Many tourists were visibly annoyed, fanning away smoke or moving away while trying to take photos of the skyline and the Merlion.
Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore’s premier tourist icons and event venues. Allowing cigarette smoke to cloud public pathways spoils the experience for visitors.
While designated smoking areas exist in the precinct, there is a lack of directional signage guiding smokers to them. As a result, smokers default to congregating around outdoor trash bins, many of which are situated near pedestrian pathways and food establishments.
Smoking is prohibited near building entrances and at outdoor dining areas. Yet there appears to be little on-the-ground enforcement along the boardwalk during peak hours.
I hope the management of Marina Bay Sands and the relevant authorities will consider three measures:
First, improve wayfinding by installing clear signage directing smokers to permitted designated smoking areas.
Second, relocate trash bins with ashtrays away from main pedestrian thoroughfares and seating areas so they do not act as informal gathering points for smokers.
Third, step up active enforcement and advisories along the boardwalk to protect non-smokers’ right to clean air.
Additionally, adding more public indoor seating within the convention centre would also give visitors a comfortable place to rest, without them needing to venture outdoors and risk getting second-hand smoke.
As a renowned global destination, Marina Bay Sands should ensure a clean, unpolluted, and welcoming environment for all venue attendees, shoppers, workers and tourists.
Chong Ling Eng
