NEA Responds to Misleading Image of a Full Tray-Return Station

By
Zhi Hao
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So lest you’re unaware, a ‘historical’ picture from 2016 has been making its rounds on the net recently.

Originally posted with the caption “Return your tray seems more an excuse to understaff”, the image portrayed a fully-stocked tray-return rack with trays strewn across the floor.

Image: Facebook (NEA)

Suffice to say; it wasn’t a pleasant sight.

And lest you’re wondering, yes, the recent resurfacing of the image has to do with the equally recent declaration on the National Environment Agency’s part:

From 1 June 2021 onwards, all diners will have to return their trays.

And a failure to do so?

Possible fines up to S$2,000.

So in a way, the popularity of the 2016 image could potentially be a passive-aggressive way of saying, “Hey, it’s not us who don’t want to return the trays”.

NEA Responds to Misleading Image of a Full Tray-Return Station

But it seems that NEA is not caving in to popular demand anytime soon.

According to The Straits Times, NEA stated that the situation has since undergone an immense transformation.

“Better tray-return infrastructure and a new cleaning workflow are initiatives we’ve adopted in consultation with our stakeholders, to ensure cleaner and safer public dining places,” it said.

And it proceeded to include a comparative image to prove its point.

Image: Facebook (NEA)

I don’t know about you but the difference is indeed vast.

Including the presence of the cleaner.

“If we all take responsibility in cleaning up after we eat, our cleaners can focus on general cleanliness, including wiping and sanitising tables, as well as clearing and sorting dirty crockery at designated tray and crockery return points,” NEA said.

You can check out the Facebook post down below:

It should be noted, however, that some Netizens have spoken out against the seeming unfairness of the comparison.

“Now is 2pax per table,” one mentioned.
“2016 was probably 5pax per table. Currently people also WFH so the hawker may be not be having any sustainable business. So i think this is not a fair comparison.”

New Rules

Under new laws and regulations, all diners will have to return their trays from 1 June 2021 onwards.

They will also have to get rid of all table litter, which include used tissue, wet wipes, straws and plastic bottles.

However, possibly recognising a possible case of inertia, they will be introducing a three-month advisory period from 1 June to 31 August; wherein diners will not face any enforcement actions for failure to comply with the new rule.

Once 31 August is over, however, the NEA will be showing its ‘true colours’.

Apparently, first-time offenders will be issued a written warning, with repeat offenders potentially facing composition or court fines.

First convictions could reach as high as S$2,000.

Enforcement will reportedly be introduced on a progressive scale.

According to The Straits Times, more than 4,500 diners have received reminders as of 21 June 2021.

Featured Image: Facebook (NEA)

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Zhi Hao
Email: [email protected]