Forum: Stronger penalties needed to tackle littering

It was disappointing to see the amount of litter left around Boon Lay MRT station, especially along a busy public walkway used by many residents, commuters and visitors (NEA increases anti-littering patrols after online photos of rubbish near Boon Lay MRT station, June 16).

While education is important, especially from a young age, enforcement must also be firm enough to deter irresponsible behaviour.

The reality is that it is not easy to catch litterbugs in the act. Some people may have been littering for many years without being caught even once. Therefore, when someone is caught, it should not always be assumed that it is a first-time offence.

First-time offenders may still learn from their mistakes through education and penalties. However, repeat offenders, especially those caught for the second, third or subsequent time, show a clear lack of social responsibility.

I hope officers from the National Environment Agency can also take into account the presence of nearby rubbish bins or ashtrays when issuing fines. If a person litters despite a bin being within sight, the penalty should be heavier. This shows that the act was due to irresponsible behaviour and not inconvenience.

Cigarette butts are another serious problem. Some smokers throw their cigarette butts on the ground and into drains, or even flick them into bushes, making it difficult for cleaners to sweep them up. I have also seen smokers standing in proper smoking areas with ashtrays provided, yet still throwing their cigarette butts on the ground. Such behaviour should not be tolerated.

Our cleaners work hard every day to keep Singapore clean. The public should not make their jobs more difficult. Keeping Singapore clean is everyone’s responsibility. While we continue with public education, we should also consider stronger penalties and immediate prosecution of repeat offenders.

Let us all do our part for Singapore by keeping our public spaces clean.

Raymond Lim