Minister: Cleaners Will Still Have Their Jobs Even When We Clear Our Own Table

Be honest, do you clear your own table after dining at public eateries?

Reader: I can’t even clear my mind when sleeping

It’s not uncommon to see diners leaving their empty plates and bowls on their tables at hawker centres after finishing their meals.

If you were to ask them why, some would admit that they’re lazy to clear their own tables.

But this isn’t the only reason.

Nearly Half of Singaporeans Think Clearing Their Tables Will Deprive Cleaners of Their Jobs

Around 47% of Singaporeans believe that clearing their own tables after dining at public eateries can deprive cleaners of their jobs.

The survey, which polled 1,402 respondents, was conducted by the National Environment Agency (NEA) late last year.

76% of respondents said they usually return their trays and used crockery in such places.

However, the average tray return rate at most hawker centres is currently only around 30%, according to The Straits Times.

As NEA said, the actual practice on the ground doesn’t reflect the behaviour these individuals claim to adopt.

While it was a matter of common decency before, cleaning up after ourselves at eateries now can contribute to our defence against the coronavirus.

That aside, what about the claim that cleaners will lose their jobs if we clear our own tables?

Minister: Cleaners Will Still Have Their Jobs Even When We Clear Our Own Table

This is not true, said Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Amy Khor on Saturday (6 Feb).

“There will still be cleaners needed to maintain and upkeep the general cleanliness and hygiene of the food centre… they will still have to wipe down and disinfect the tables”.

In fact, clearing up after ourselves will help the cleaners, Dr Khor said, as it’ll “improve the welfare of the working environment.”

Dr Khor was speaking at the launch of the Clean Tables Campaign, which aims to encourage people to clean up after eating outside.

Not doing so isn’t just unkind to the cleaners, it can pose a health risk to other diners at the eatery.

“Used tissues, wet wipes and the remnants left on the table – they are potential bio-hazards. And they pose a threat to the people who have to clear this up when we leave them behind on the table”, Dr Khor said.

So, if we clean up after ourselves, we can help reduce the risk of infectious diseases spreading.

NEA reiterated Dr Khor’s point: “In view of the current pandemic, NEA seeks support from the public to address table litter at our public dining places… Good public and personal hygiene is the first line of defence against diseases.”

Plus, if we can make our cleaners’ lives a little easier, why not do so?

Featured Image: 2p2play / Shutterstock.com