NEA Clarifies Images of Their Officers Sitting in Area That Appears to be Cordoned Off

On 30 Apr 2020, The Independent Singapore (TISG) reported on two errant National Environment Agency (NEA) officers allegedly breaking safe distancing measures.

What Happened

On 29 Apr 2020, a netizen was allegedly going out to buy groceries when she spotted two NEA officers sitting at a service shelter, playing with their phones and “watching a movie”.

The picture taken showed that these officers might have been sitting in a cordoned-off area.

The netizen added that when she came back home, they were still there.

And this time, the officers were standing together, “both still chatting there without social distance”.

 

She added that it was “sad” to see NEA officers break the rules when they’re supposed to “enforce them”.

The entire scene allegedly happened between Block 878 and 879 at Woodlands Ave 9.

NEA Has Responded

On 1 May, NEA responded to the allegations in a public Facebook post.

The officers were merely carrying out dengue operations in the vicinity of Blk 878 Woodlands Ave 9 on 29 Apr and had stopped to key data into their “government-issued official mobile devices”.

And no, they were not sitting in a cordoned-off area, but at a parapet beside it.

The traditional dengue season is coming up fast, which is why NEA is sending out its officers to conduct dengue inspections at common areas and construction sites, even during circuit breaker.

They call for Singaporeans to not spread untruths as this could undermine the efforts that NEA officers are putting in to keep Singapore safe.

TL; DR: Stop trying to trouble people who are out there trying to keep you safe.

You can read their full post below:

And before you accuse them of a cover-up, just know that the authorities make it a habit to punish their own people if they’re caught breaking the rules.

Let’s All Be Kinder

If you ever come across something like this, it might be a good idea to use the OneService App to make a report, or, even better, just go up and give them a gentle reminder about following the rules.

If you’re new to the app, we have this ultimate guidebook that’ll give you the A-B-Cs of reporting “severe crimes” like this.

The only thing we don’t teach in that guide is how to take the best possible photos.

But then again, you’re not out to show them in a flattering light anyway.

Let’s all try to be kinder to the people who are keeping us safe, yes?