Diners Put Trays on the Floor As Cleaner Wasn’t Able to Clear Trays on Tray Return Station Fast Enough

Have you ever head to the tray return station after having your meal in a hawker centre, only to find the station full?

I know I have, especially during peak hours.

What do you do?

Some patrons decided to put it on the floor instead.

(For the record, I squeeze in or just put it on the top lah)

Diners Put Trays on the Floor As Cleaner Wasn’t Able to Clear Trays on Tray Return Station Fast Enough

A photo of stacked dishes at a coffee shop in Lengkong Tiga went viral on social media, prompting public concern.

It turns out that the regular cleaner later explained that the incident occurred due to his sudden illness, with local residents confirming this was a one-time event.

Apparently, a social media user posted photos on the Complaint Singapore Facebook group on 25 October, showing over 20 trays and dishes piled up at the tray return station at the coffee shop, with some dishes on the floor.

Needless to say, it went viral.

8world News managed to speak to the cleaner, who works six days weekly, starting at 8 AM daily.

On that day, he felt unwell during his shift and had to leave for medical attention. His cleaning company sent a replacement worker, who didn’t clear the dishes as quickly.

A visit to the coffee shop by 8world News on 26 October evening showed no signs of dish accumulation during peak dinner hours. The tray return station appeared clean, with regular dish clearing in operation.

I guess the cleaner is back.

A long-time resident also noticed the cleaner’s ill health that day and checked on his well-being before he left. She vouched for his excellent work ethic, noting this was the first such incident in her memory.

The drink stall operator at the coffee shop clarified that cleaners are hired through an external cleaning company. He added that the coffee shop only gets busy during lunch and dinner hours, making such dish pile-ups highly unusual under normal circumstances.