NEA clarifies hawker centre cleanup responsibility for public amid viral video
In the video, a diner was seen seeking clarity on the NEA's table cleaning rules as officers explained the agency's stance on maintaining cleanliness.
SINGAPORE —The National Environment Agency (NEA) has addressed a video circulating online in which an NEA enforcement officer could be seen engaging with a diner outside Tekka Market and Hawker Centre, over a warning that had been issued.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday (17 October), the NEA clarified their stance on maintaining cleanliness within hawker centres. The NEA said that the diner in question had been issued a warning "for not clearing his glass and drink can when he left the table".
While patrons are not obligated to wipe the tables after use, the NEA emphasised that "no one should leave behind any litter on or around the tables."
This includes items such as tissues, wet wipes, drink cans, shells, and bones. They encouraged diners to keep the tables clean out of consideration for the next diner.
What happened in the exchange seen online
In the recorded exchange posted by the Singapore Incidents Facebook page on Friday (14th October), a man could be heard asking two NEA officers on whether he was expected to clean the hawker table after his meal.
The officers explained that cleaning the table was required if the diner had left a mess. The man behind the camera then questioned, "You're saying to me (that) if I dirty the table, I'm supposed to wipe the table?"
One of the NEA officers responded affirmatively, indicating that he should indeed clean his table.
In response, the diner argued that he should only be responsible for clearing his "disposables" and not wiping the table.
The NEA officer stated, "Sir, you understand when you eat (and) you put a bone on the table, or you pour something on the table, you have to clean it."
The exchange continued with no clear resolution, and at one point, the diner stressed that his sole duty was to dispose of his waste in accordance with the rules, stating, "It's not my duty to wipe, my only duty (is) to throw my disposable thing, correct?"
Eventually, the two NEA officers managed to convey to the man that he should clean up if he was responsible for the mess, and the man then thanked the NEA officers for their assistance.
In 2021, the NEA announced its intention to fine individuals who fail to clear their hawker tables after dining.
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