SINGAPORE - When it comes to cleanliness in public spaces they frequent, almost nine in 10 local residents here said they are satisfied, according to findings from a survey released on Wednesday (Oct 11).

But satisfaction differed for cleanliness of the 20 categories of public spaces, ranging from Housing Board town centres to wet markets, that the poll covered. For instance, residents here were least satisfied with the cleanliness of hawker centres and the aftermath of public events.

The Public Cleanliness Satisfaction Survey was done from late last year to March this year, and polled 2,000 Singaporeans and permanent residents. Professor Paulin Tay Straughan, a Singapore Management University professor of sociology (practice), and Dr Mathew Mathews, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies, headed the survey.

The survey found that 87 per cent of the respondents were satisfied with cleanliness in public spaces in general.

Satisfaction was highest for train stations - both MRT and LRT stations - and roads, standing at 97 per cent and 95 per cent respectively.

But satisfaction was lowest for cleanliness of hawker centres and public spaces after events, at 60 per cent and 59 per cent respectively.