ANTI-LITTERING CAMPAIGN (Revival of)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology whether he is aware that the bad habit of littering has come back to Singapore, and if he will consider launching another nation-wide campaign to cultivate the good habit of keeping Singapore clean at all times.

The Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology (Mr E.W. Barker): Sir, it is true that in some places, such as bus stops and shopping complexes in the city centre, littering has increased. But littering is not so rampant as to warrant a national campaign. Since the launching of the first national "Keep Singapore Clean" campaign in 1968, the majority of the population have become conscious about keeping the environment clean. However, despite rising literacy and affluence and public health education, some people still continue to liner streets, drains and public places.

The Ministry of the Environment provides daily cleansing and daily refuse removal service besides surveillance of litter-prone areas, such as public resorts, bus stops, shopping complexes and food centres. Summonses are issued directly to offenders caught in the act of littering and the subsequent publicity in the mass media on litterbugs who are convicted in court helps to remind the public to keep Singapore clean.

The Member in his Question stated that "the bad habit of littering has come back to Singapore". It has not come back. It has always been with us. It has not gone away. In 1973, 9,578 persons were convicted of the offence. These convictions have reduced and last year, there were 3,823 cases, roughly 10 a day.