Why Won't You Return Your Food Tray? | Talking Point | In Singapore Hawker Centres

Singapore is often called a food paradise because of the scrumptious hawker centre food that is available. But there is an unsavoury habit to this culinary heaven. Despite the myriad of initiatives, from posters and banners to tray return ambassadors, Singaporeans just can’t seem to be able to return their food trays. Why can’t Singaporeans break this bad habit? And what are the consequences when cleaners are left to clear our mess? Talking Point investigates.
Part 2: How to get more Singaporeans to return our food trays?
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About the show: Talking Point investigates a current issue or event, offering different perspectives to local stories and revealing how it all affects you.
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[@CNAInsider]

How can we get more Singaporeans to return our food trays? We find out in the second instalment: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5qUgaxuhpaJbqs

[@rm1006]

do a topic regarding “sit reserving”...hate to finally got my food after a long quene just to realise it was taken by tissue paper on the seat...

[@koljaho]

Would returning trays destroy jobs for the cleaners? I would gladly return them if that can be answered properly. Is our personal responsibility and I sincerely appreciate the help of the cleaners. They are like our parents cleaning up the mess we have left behind.

[@Bhatmann]

You are incorrect in your thinking. employ staff to buss the tables is better option.

[@statinskill]

Very interesting. You know how we deal with this problem elsewhere in the world? We pay for a minimum wage worker to collect those trays and clean the tables. So it's kind of hard to see what the problem here is, just from a practical point of view, because you already have somebody who cleans the tables, right? So let her also collect the trays. Problem solved, millions saved, overall decreased levels of annoyance. The only real downside here is that this wastes a perfectly good opportunity to exercise compliance and peer pressure in the name of Volkserziehung. Ultimately however, I think you're missing the most central and overriding point of it all: All these people have paid good money that they had to work hard for to sit down in that food court and eat a meal. They're customers, you eat because of them. Therefore you work hard to please them so that they will come back. At least that's how it works over here.

[@blk9159]

Emm... How can we get NEA to pay for more cleaners and create more jobs?

[@crewmatewillthrowthesehand7600]

It's the younger gen that return, the older generation are the one that are entitled and have the "everyone must serve me since I pay" attitude, this includes my relatives as well.

[@James1230]

Yeah. It's always the boomers. And they always say that the younger ones are bad. They're always entitled. That's why Karens are born in their generation.

[@eduardochavacano]

They only return to feel superior to everyone else. they dont even wipe their asses.

[@WokOverEasy]

Well they should return since they don’t pay tip at these places! It’s not a waitstaffed restaurant but a cheap hawker stall. Don’t wanna? Then pay extra at a sit down restaurant! Return your trays people!

[@yinchuun]

What are the cleaning workers do? The customers already paid for the food and it's getting expensive. Should the customers also help in kitchen and also wash toilets? The laws are getting rediculous.

[@yinchuun]

Next, no more chairs, everyone should take aways. The tables are for decorations only.

[@christianabsalonperez8451]

There's an easy solution that singapore is good at. FINE them!

[@eduardochavacano]

LOL! its the only place they get to rebel. Let it be.

[@proudasiangirl576]

Right on! It's not just a lazy issue. It's a health issue. So here I am, thinking about saving my hard earn money to come visit Singapore after the pandemic. I've never been there yet am attracted to try out the Hawker Stalls. Now I am having second thoughts. Why should I fly half way around the world with my hard earned money to such germ breeding ground?!

[@mcube719]

Agreed

[@drugaddict931]

Why do companies employ cleaners for the SOLE PURPOSE OF CLEANING OUR TRAYS then? Might as well don’t employ them

[@valorzinski7423]

Just get robots to collect trays and plates like China and Japan lol

[@wm69]

charge them 10$ per tray and upon return, get their 10$ back

[@gemini8158]

💁🏽‍♀️Couldn’t have said it better myself!👍🏽

[@jonnyvue]

And if they don't return it, then it becomes the tray cleaner's tip. Lol

[@asdfghjkl2501]

That’s what we do here in schools in Philippines but its ₱10 lol

[@jefflim3559]

Good one, for those who don't return, it will be extra money for the cleaners.

[@maxsnyder7731]

R y on MARS , COME BACK ON EARTH ,& FACE THE REALITY

[@chany6336]

In Japan, there are no cleaners. So everybody takes their own responsibility. Honestly, the cleaner being there just gives an excuse to ppl to think it's ok

[@nancyarojado8640]

Oh so true 💯 Everywhere in Japan ate well mannered and disciplined everywhere you go . Anyway you’ll get a degrading stare if you do not return ur own tray coz everybody return theirs 😂😂😂😂😂

[@SuccessforLifester]

Cultural differences. Singapore was open to all kinds of people and races and that is how it came to be.

[@eduardochavacano]

They have foreign maids at home who brush their teeth and wash the butt after using the toilet, so stop expecting them to return some tray after eating someplace cheap.

[@lakraknjeprak2536]

its okay unless you cook your own meal in your own home. you don't even understand why restaurant are exist.

[@lakraknjeprak2536]

next time you hypocrite will ask "why don't you cook your own meal in a restaurant instead chef doing it for you? entitled kid"

[@ebonyloveivory]

"It is not a Singaporean thing...I need time to get into it?" Didn't realize you must mentally prepare yourself to return your plates and trays -______-

[@kittenmimi5326]

Their lives must be easy if returning their own tray counts as a hassle for them...

[@TrOll-ht1sf]

Return your own tray???? what next, sew yourself up after surgery?

[@Ethanolic]

I would say the younger generations are the ones who will tend to return trays. The store owner is just bull crap

[@davebauman4991]

Replace the word "return" with "deposit" and frame the habit similar to a school cafeteria context of civic responsibility not the commercial climate of patron's expectant services.

[@D3Jia]

Our country's polytechnic and universities are already cultivating student's habit of returning the tray. Each food place have the same rule, you eat, you return yourself.

[@christinesung8884]

I agree. Since primary school, you have to return your own plate. Secondary school no cleaners to clean after you. Poly and university do have cleaners but they'll nag when you don't return

[@someoneisasking8330]

I agree lmao. I dont recall not returning my tray. Even when I go Mc Donald, I would also do that.

[@garythewise1991]

Yes agree. Mostly are older generation who are too stubborn to return the trays

[@DR-ps4fl]

It has never crossed my mind that "Going to supermarket" also can be one of the reasons for not returning her tray. OMG

[@rivers25]

This a legit excuse. I need to go watch a movie too so i cant return my tray.

[@jeffnghongda]

@@rivers25 What the hell? That's just a stupid excuse.

[@bog4240]

@@jeffnghongda It was a random thought on the go excuse, it's obviously not gonna be as good. Coming from a South East Asian country as well, being "cleaned up after" sort of is the restaurant experience, this is contradictive to western culture where they are much more responsible. As an Asian, you expect to be "serviced" while eating out. So, of course, because Singapore is trying to westernize the culture, there will be shock and resistance. But personally for me, I only clean after myself when I eat overseas, but back in my country, having your dirty plates taken away is literally part of the experience, a "complimentary" act, if you will.

[@sallieceelee5660]

@@bog4240 This is the funny thing about Singapore getting UNESCO recognition for its "hawker culture". First of all, the way hawkers operate today is far removed from how our grandparents and great grandparents experienced it. It's a sterilized version of the vibrant atmosphere which was the original Singapore food scene. And now they introduce this western notion of sending your own tray? That's not part of the Singapore experience. UNESCO should review "Singapore hawker culture" from its list of intangible cultural heritage because it is being changed to something even Singaporeans can't recognize.

[@NaohMkS]

@@sallieceelee5660 I admit I'm a westerner but I'm also a latin american so I can somehow see your point, so in the mind of Singaporeans, eating on these fast meal centers is the same as going to a restaurant? The whole reasoning to returning your tray in the west is so others can eat their meal efficiently and quickly without having to wait for an underpaid and overwhelmed cleaner to arrive, because, like we watched in the video, everyone is in a rush, right?

[@Random14599]

The last guy with the red hair is a joke. Cannot educate the uncles, aunties and elderly. Everything is younger generation fault. Fun fact, go into any Polytechnic's food court, EVERYONE returns their tray. How about educating your entitled generation first? Seems like we ain't the problem

[@popintoasty]

yea its common practice to return trays in my uni as well

[@JesusLovesHisCreations]

5:43 seems like a young educated guy...seems like after leaving the schools, and enter the work force it’s totally different culture and habit...

[@Random14599]

@@JesusLovesHisCreations the point remains in that what the redhead boomer said about changes will only happen after "2 generations" cos you gotta teach the younger generation is false. If tray returning culture has been ongoing in education institutions, the younger generation are not the ones holding back such changes. It is his entitled self and generation as he says; "impossible to ask us (older ones) to return".

[@JesusLovesHisCreations]

@@Random14599 I totally agree with u, but instead of pointing which generation is at fault, shouldn’t we ourselves look within yourself? Like why when we step into the working society, our standards and expectations change? I remembered back in my school days, we had prefects to constantly remind some to return the trays...so not all are as ‘well behave’, moreover some cultivated the habit from home because at home they have maids cleaning after them...

[@justsomeoneelsee]

@@JesusLovesHisCreations i can relate. When i started working, i left my trays at the table and left with my colleagues. Its almost like a norm. A few days later i would pick my tray as i stand, then the rest of my colleagues will follow. Lols. Its like a sheep thing

[@moriel01]

*_I'm a Filipino and in Philippines returning food trays has never been in our culture. But when I lived in Japan I always returned food trays because everybody does it and it will be embarassing if I don't._* 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jquin3]

KFC is now asking their customers to return their food trays. I hope other fastfood restaurants follow suit. Its about time we Filipinos adopt this practice.

[@SuccessforLifester]

Yeah I could empathize.

[@jaydkaladcamper]

i sometimes get weird stares whenever i return the food trays and throw the trash in the bin here in the Philippines, but i still do it and hopeful that one of those who gave a weird stare realize it's the right thing to do.

[@charminerodriguez335]

im pinoy too thats why i dont thinks its a big deal for me just hire more cleaner and charge extra dollar for every food in every store to pay for the cleaners to do the returning

[@jquin3]

I dont think there is a right or wrong side to this issue. Its just a matter of what is practiced in the community. Personally I prefer the CLAYGO practice as i think it builds character and it would help curb some Filipinos propensity to litter.

[@ylein6508]

I got some stares from other patrons before when i return my tray, like I am an alien. We need to use peer pressure to pressure people into feeling guilty if they don’t return the tray. Let’s all do our part and give people dirty looks if they don’t return trays

[@billgigolo7783]

What country is that

[@moonsunismarried]

Same, a few years back there were a lot more stares but I'm thankful these days it isn't that bad

[@SuccessforLifester]

Give dirty sexy looks?

[@normanocampo4466]

they are not use to see people returning trays after they eat, in my country returning trays is a customary since it was taught on us since elementary days...

[@jauhuanna819]

@@normanocampo4466 stop lying. Philippinos dont clean up after themselves because they like to feel they have power over those in the service industry. I've seen worse in a Glorietta foodcourt than those in the video during my stay in the Philippines.

[@shadertheboi]

I was expecting Mdm Ser to reply to the helper: "So after your supermarket trip, you will come back to clear your trays?"

[@ryanseow472]

Not a bad idea charge one dollar extra for food then return the dollar when they return the tray

[@shadertheboi]

@@ryanseow472 Isn't this movement in place already at some kopitiams? i.e. Changi Airport Terminal 3 Kopitiam

[@ryanseow472]

@@shadertheboi is it? Oh well didn’t know

[@maxwong6222]

@@lokewaihoe it is failing at quite a number of hawker centres

[@ryanseow472]

@@lokewaihoe well obviously it won’t work if only on stall does it, if every supermarket had free carts but only one sheong song u had to pay you would just go to the next one

[@heyamxnda]

Requesting patrons in front of the camera to return their trays after eating really works LMAO. People 🤣 rly afraid of embarrassment.

[@chrislee4485]

Masks negate the embarrassment.

[@seafood_hater]

In the past, Japanese would rather commit suicide because they could not live with their shame. Global studies have also shown that shame is the number 1 fear, whereas death is second. Humans are weird.

[@missusCIRQUE]

This is gross. "I pay for the food, why must I return the trays?" Valid argument, IF you're in a restaurant, where you're paying a more premium price for both the food AND the service. This is a hawker center, you're already paying the minimum for the stall uncles and aunties to make a living. You want service too? Caaaan, pay the cleaners then. And that one uncle blaming the younger generation -_- please. Doesn't matter the generation, the ones who were raised well were raised well. The ones who are trash, are trash.

[@bog4240]

Depends on the culture, cleaning up after yourself is more of a western value. Traditionally, especially in South East Asian countries, being serviced is part of the meal. The fact that Singapore is one of the most advanced SEA nations and that they are trying to rapidly westernise the culture, of course there will be some resistance. Of course, you have no right to call them trash when it is the culture, and that this culture in itself, even though it may not be the best, it isn't that detrimental either. When I eat at McDonald's overseas, in Australia for example, of course I will clean up after myself because that is the norm, but back in Indonesia, or other SEA such as Malaysia blah blah eating in a food court, and not having to worry about returning your dishes is part of the meal. If returning dishes are the NORM in Singapore, and a few bad apples resisted the norm, then yes, you can label them as trash, but that obviously isn't the case here because with this experiment, they're applying culture shock to the masses.

[@sallieceelee5660]

@@bog4240 This is the funny thing about Singapore getting UNESCO recognition for its "hawker culture". First of all, the way hawkers operate today is far removed from how our grandparents and great grandparents experienced it. It's a sterilized version of the vibrant atmosphere which was the original Singapore food scene. And now they introduce this western notion of sending your own tray? That's not part of the Singapore experience. UNESCO should review "Singapore hawker culture" from its list of intangible cultural heritage because it is being changed to something even Singaporeans can't recognize.

[@bog4240]

@@sallieceelee5660 Westernisation I suppose. It's odd how they often have trouble reviewing things objectively. Obviously, when you see a culture that is halfway around the world you will find a plethora of things which are different from yours. Just because these people don't have the same habits as Western people do doesn't mean it's inherently wrong. Maybe in some cases, for example, I loved how Australians ordering at McDonald's would stay behind until they exactly knew what they were going to order instead of going uhmmm I'll have a big mac I think? And uuuhhhm.. This is uncommon in SEA where most people would just arrive at the front of the queue and hold everyone back. Point is that there are some things where Western culture may be superior, but in the case of returning trays, it's not really that important. It is just "part" of the experience. Imagine going to a steakhouse, and getting called lazy because the chef came to your table and cut the steak for you.

[@mahisianmist7107]

What a stink attitude.

[@RandomGuy-gb1hy]

Too much Karen nowadays haha

[@mahisianmist7107]

I'm Māori Polynesian and it's common in our culture to clean up after ourselves, we clear our tables and thank the cooks and service ppl

[@lakraknjeprak2536]

did you get too much flakka?

[@SuccessforLifester]

In many organisations I went to, the boss liked to make us learn a Maori cheer and then to end it by sticking out the tongue. 😔

[@ChMelly04]

Simple, they have an attitude of entitlement and laziness. The fact that a clean table is available for you to eat at, the least you can do is remove your tray, cutlery and food waste to the return station for the next person - it really isn't all that hard. Just because a cleaner is available, doesn't necessarily mean anyone should look down on them and expect they can keep up the amount of trays left behind and with the ignorant attitude of the locals. They are working hard for their own families too but doesn't mean you can be ignorant when signs are CLEARLY telling you to put it away. At least have the common courtesy for your community. If you can't do that, don't eat there at all for a decent delicious affordable meal. Your money spent there is for the food stalls, not towards the cleaners. It should be like a trolley system, you pay a deposit for trays, cutlery used, if returned - you get it back. I'm sure this will make people return them or clean additional tables themselves to earn extra bucks.

[@SuccessforLifester]

It has been the hawker centre culture. Not laziness or entitlement. They could solve the problem by employing more cleaners. But I guess that eats into hawker centre management margins.

[@blk9159]

@@SuccessforLifester I agreed with you Sean. The younger generation likes to do everything by themselves and we should be happy too. There was this idea of self service coffee introduced by the management of a "well-known" coffeeshop chain. In less than 2 weeks they withdrawn the idea. Hahaa.... Maybe one day, it might happen when the younger generation willing to make their own instant coffee in the coffeeshop. Hahaaa... For me, I rather make my $0.40 instant coffee at home than to pay $2.00 making the same instant coffee in the coffee chain. hahaaa...

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@blk9159 Oh I wasn't aware of the instant coffee saga. I noted some elders would bring their instant coffee packet to coffeeshop and then order hot water to make their own. Once I saw a steady uncle brought his own hot water flask and got a glass from coffeeshop and make his own instant coffee.

[@blk9159]

@@SuccessforLifester Well, the same $1 that these elderly people saved in their CPF account 10 years ago can no longer pay for the same coffee at the same coffeeshop at their retirement age. That's the sad life everyone in Singapore will have to face.

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@blk9159 Yes sad.. every year keep increasing by like 10 cents.

[@ChirpyChat]

Thanks for pursuing this issue of 'national shame', Diana. It's especially shameful to see people with children in tow feigning ignorance abt returning their trays. Even hawkers have little compassion for the cleaners and even less interest in making social change. One solution could be to allow cleaners to work shorter shifts at same pay, employ more local workers, and charge their wages to hawkers in return for brisk businesses.

[@Ra-mx4bo]

And the hawkers will pass that cost to you, me & the entire hawker diner population. Introduce FINE and deploy plain clothe wardens to impose fine on those litter trays & cutleries at public hawker center. We will have the majority returning trays in no time.

[@SuccessforLifester]

It has been the hawker centre culture. Not a national shame. It is only in recent years that they want to change this habit. They could have employed more cleaners.. perhaps eat into their profits.

[@blk9159]

@@Ra-mx4bo Then let the Hawker rent collector pay the bill. Just like the coffeeshop owners paying for the cleaners. If you introduce FINE, I assure you, many will turn away and choose to dine at coffeeshops. When the hawkers have less customers, they will also have to increase their price to sustain their business, I hope by then, you can continue to support them and leave the coffeeshop place for the others who prefer to be served.

[@TraceurJY]

"Not my problem." This are the mindset majority harbours. Not only hawker centre but washroom and can be seem in many other places.

[@zrp6989]

Believe or not, some of our colleague did mention " We got paid government for these kind of service hor ! " Honesty this is something from very self personal awareness, serounding cultural, and education needs to stetngeten...

[@malakatan3235]

It is common in many south Asian countries

[@SuccessforLifester]

Yes. It is the hawker centre management problem for failing to employ more cleaners. Probaby want to have more profits.

[@didumheir]

I have no issue returning my own tray...in fact I will happily do it together with the bowls/plates/utensils that I used...but to clean up the mess left by others or to return their trays for them if they don't... err...don't think so....

[@leedevlin8260]

Yeah some tables look like a war zone after the meal, u have to wonder if this is how they eat at home🤮

[@sushisin377]

Me too

[@SuccessforLifester]

Just push them aside if they are not cleared.

[@amapparatistkwabena]

Do like the Europeans during festivals, every meal comes with a deposit for cutlery and glass. Just charge $7-12 per meal to be returned to customer upon return of utensils. Problem solved.

[@ImpetuousPorkus]

No idea they did that during festivals. I know it’s also common in Europe to pay $1 coin to use a grocery cart that gets returned once you bring it back to the cart corral. It truly seems like using collateral is the only way to get people to behave correctly.

[@youknowyouloveclar]

When Diana Ser started experiencing what it’s like to be clearing out tables, and calling out people who didn’t do their part, I fell in love..

[@SuccessforLifester]

连母亲你也不放过？

[@sushisin377]

I pity the cleaners get scolded. She was going to breakdown crying. I feel like using boxing hammer from game machine pop up animals to hit their heads.

[@lostpencil2147]

I can lend you a construction hammer if u want

[@sushisin377]

@@lostpencil2147 nah. Not worth it to spend time in jail to eat black sauce rice.

[@judemelroses9920]

It's like dog owners not picking up after their pooch.

[@TheDoggyOnTheWall]

This is a pandemic in my area. Worst when they put it in a plastic bag and then leave the bag so the rain can't wash it away.

[@myfavouritenews2885]

People like this should get fine harshly, government should involve to take action

[@randypc1]

@@myfavouritenews2885 the problem is how to catch them in the act. You can't just put cameras everywhere, even you did, you'll need a person or AI review the whole footage to catch instances of this action. And its not like we can find the dog from its poop.

[@jimmytan2422]

You are 100% correct, the owners and dogs simply act blur.

[@jauhuanna819]

I mean, what do you expect from a country filled with ethnic Chinese people?

[@yohui5954]

Just remembered my first lunch in the company cafeteria in Singapore. When I try to return the tray after the meal, my Singaporean colleague told me that just leave it and the cleaner would do it, and I found there was actually nowhere to return the try by myself.

[@elye3701]

Must be a non-Japanese company.

[@jauhuanna819]

It's the same in the Philippines. The tray counter is basically just a small table top with a waste door below it to be used by the fastfood crew.

[@newttella1043]

Just don't have paid cleaners, ever. People will learn quickly when they have no clean table to sit down at.

[@eitkoml]

I get the feeling this won't work.

[@newttella1043]

@@eitkoml Then let the people eat in the filth.

[@theserious-ly476]

This a good idea if you want to close your restaurant...

[@franzsetiawan1528]

@@newttella1043 nope it wont work. did you really think other restaurant care about this? other will use this opportunity to market their restaurant and ready to serve n clean those tray. lol.... customer is king bro. u can use that strategy if you were in japan. other than that... forget it bro...

[@newttella1043]

@@theserious-ly476 It's a food court.

[@rollinginthedeeep7559]

This uncle generation should end soon.

[@eduardochavacano]

how about if they just serve you pan cakes and fries?

[@shadowchicken8629]

same goes to our hawker culture

[@mmmmmmm8433]

in the past they hire more people to clean up trays (mostly elderly who depend on this job for their livelihood), as time past they spread the good habit of returning your own tray. Once while i was planning to return my tray, i got scold by the cleaners that i am destorying their jobs. after being lectured i realise when the amount of trays left behind on the table lessen, the hawker centre start firing some of the tray cleaners. the lesson i learn is to return own tray during peak hours, and to leave my tray during non peak hours. if you feel bad, you can also can use my method. when the cleaner walks near you, you can "sort" the plates/trays on your table neatly and pass to the cleaner

[@sallieceelee5660]

I shall henceforth never return my trays so that cleaners don't get fired for redundancy. Every bit counts

[@celestialstar124]

I have encountered the same situation as you. This is still happening at my very own estate food center. Some table cleaning auntie lost their job due to this.

[@vonn2221]

I totally agree, the peak hours are very crucial, and i sometimes feel bad for them if everyone left the tray or very messy table at lunch/dinner hour for the cleaner to clean

[@yagnar6869]

Yep it affects jobs. I will never support this. Increase 10 cents to 20 cents on food items.

[@demsyciu]

This should be pinned 👍

[@weisbars5]

When I was in Korea, the Korean return the trays n dirty plates after they're done eating, and you notice who are the entitled tourists, they just left w/o 2nd thought. I believe the Korean are educated overtime on this issue, hence it becomes 2nd nature. So you need to advertised regularly and consistently to educate the general public. why isn't possible for elderly to return tray? they can walk to the hawker center they can walk to the tray collection point.

[@mohamedriyaz4811]

Yea I understand. Im with you. I live in USA. Some small time corner food shop do require you to return yourself. If not, I have seen other customers yelling at you. Lol. Well in singaore, since we always been a "fine" country, start putting up signs that you should return the trays. I am sure this might work better than education and awareness.

[@eduardochavacano]

Well people in expensive restaurants dont return the trays either.

[@muhammadrauf2600]

@@eduardochavacano yeah that's true

[@SuccessforLifester]

It has always been an intangible culture to not to return trays. They should have employed more cleaners. This is a brainwashing attempt by the management to cut cost.

[@shamsham1983]

The public are creating jobs for people what... Talk cock ah

[@tc691kiing9]

everyone does his own part. people follows when the culture is kicking. start it early and start from young.

[@torbenm2375]

Three words: lack of manners. Usually, manners are taught in your childhood by your parents.

[@SuccessforLifester]

The parents probably didn't teach that as it was not a culture to return food trays.

[@blk9159]

You are scolding others' parents.... Is this the manner your parents taught you?

[@bobhydro913]

@@blk9159 no his parents taught him to think for himself

[@lol...]

@@blk9159 you are scolding others’ parents...is this what your personality is like, hypocrite?

[@jauhuanna819]

Older ethnic Chinese generations are not really taught in social ethics. It's always every man for themselves

[@betaunknown]

Diana's mandarin is impeccable.

[@sowtrue8827]

Does she come from mainland China?

[@mxyxm1]

@@sowtrue8827 you don't need to be from China to speak good mandarin

[@musicimo]

@@mxyxm1 absolutely. It was a comment uncalled for

[@768jefiline7]

a person who does not speaks their mother tongue fluent is a pig.

[@kemingyu4266]

Truly impeccable. English as well.

[@risam858]

In the US, you have to clean up after yourself and return the trays to the designated area when you eat out at fast food restaurants. Everytime I visit the Philippines and try to clean up after myself, the employees would always stop me and they clean the tables and trays themselves.

[@choonyuewong7743]

I was shamed into returning trays by a classmate over 2 decades ago. It was at Burger King. He cleared his tray and returned to clear mine while I stood dumbfounded. I've cleared my own tray since then... lol :)

[@TheChickenRiceBowl]

Good! As the friend who's always cleaning other people's messes I'm often shamed for trying to make other people's lives easier and make the world less disgusting. Lol they try to shame me for not being as shitty as them.

[@fafafifufu]

i was eating @ McD with a colleague from Portugal one day. when he said out loud how he hated to see the ignorant practice of many Singaporeans not returning their tray after dining in. he said that in his hometown Porto, you will be the subject of shame by the people around if you left your tray behind after dining in. they will say something like " is your mother coming later to clear your tray for you?" or "how did your parents raised you? did they ever teach you to clear after your own mess?" that was definitely a wake up call for me.

[@jedrashidul6952]

Good for u, mate!

[@SuccessforLifester]

Your classmate must have gone for holidays often and was influenced by foreign cultures. You shouldn't be ashamed of yourself and should have stood your ground if you didnt feel like doing what he did.

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@fafafifufu Your Portugal colleague is rude to criticise openly. That is his high class foreign culture. We don't have to be influenced by him

[@KoKoTheSagittarius]

"I've paid for the food, why must I help you clean it" Uhm.. Because you paid for it so it's yours meaning you're responsible for cleaning it.

[@rusty1370]

Sadly..the costumors doesnt have to..it is not a policy to clean when u buy something...

[@meow5670]

As someone from the US, this is such a wholesome problem to see on the news. Though I can see that this is a lot of extra work for the employees! I hope it gets better for you soon!

[@joyssi]

pls got one time i want put my tray the auntie say "nono put there, auntie clean later" 😩😭🖐🏼 like some restaurant or hawker cleaner scared people 'take over' the job like how in the future robots tray return will have more..

[@xuanxuan23]

At least you attempt to do so, if they really don’t need your help it’s okay. Try it everytime, sometime and somewhere the cleaner may need your help and you are doing the right things.

[@leedevlin8260]

Yes I'm sure all cleaners are glad to clean up ur sh#t., its called being responsible dude.. singaporeans mindset is terrible

[@wuichiakuo]

1. The exiting tray return robots are just for show, it doesn't cover enough area, slow and still rely on cleaner to off load the tray. 2. The tray return shelf are also often full of trays resulted I ended up organising 1 or 2 trays there to vacant out space when I return my tray. 3. I also get scolded several times by cleaner auntie for trying to stack our own trays (together with friends/colleagues) before returning trays. 4. Several times, the cleaner tried to collect bowls/plates with some food remaining in it while I'm yet to finish my eating on another bowls/plates or while I pause eating and take a sip of my coffee/tea ...

[@leedevlin8260]

@@wuichiakuo the robot is there to promote easier return because ppl keep saying they have " no time", if tat station is full, mayhap there is a 2nd station u could try, if everyone is returning trays, do u think a cleaner would try to collect your tray ? Also I have yet to encounter anyone who would grab ur tray wen u r stil eating, they wil ask 1st, so I'm not sure what u r "complaining" about

[@reddevils9758]

if there are more robots tray return and lesser cleaners. I will leave my tray for sure

[@niklas5547]

small things like this tells alot about the character of a person, its the same like returning the shopping cart at the supermarket

[@TrOll-ht1sf]

riiiiiight... didnt expect this coming from someone with a Kim Jong Un profile pic.

[@x994910]

As someone born in Asia, raised, and work in NZ, I can say that returning food tray wasn't taught when I was young. I was not aware that this is a common practice. Only until I arrived in NZ and through comments from my friends to return back my tray (all thanks to McDonalds), that I realized what I've done wrong all this time. By looking at the hawker centers in Singapore, I feel that the posters are cluttered with too many other distractions. Have a look at McDonalds. I think they've put some thoughts into it. Simplify them and perhaps people will learn.

[@MeowMeow202]

Same. My parents when we ate at McDonald’s in Philippines, they don’t return the tray! The young ones do nowadays, culture is changing. Since moving to NZ, I appreciate being taught by the service staff here to return my tray, do my part. The people here are not afraid to tell customers to do their part! Which I very much prefer. My mum and grandma, even now, don’t return trays. I have to do it and chase them because they start walking away.

[@SuccessforLifester]

No you are not wrong. NZ is a very developed country with supposedly highly civilised behaviour. The story of Singapore is different. The tray return exercise is an excuse for NEA to earn more profits.

[@sklai1907]

Everyone knows they have to return the trays back to the carts, however if you do so, 1) the tray collectors and janitors will have no works to do, and eventually being laid off, 2) the janitors also clean the tables and make sure they are in order and ready to serve another customer, 3) and make sure the flatware and bowls are not stolen and properly return to the stall owners

[@rcechsea57]

Hong Kong is the same way. I live in Canada but went back to HK for a visit. I had lunch with my friend and when finished I carried my tray out of the table to put aside for the cleaners. My friend just laughed at me. She said “you’re not in Canada, you don’t need to do that.”

[@TheLaypin]

To CNA Insider, please spread this suggestion. Install speaker in the food court to make announcement. These announcements can include: i)Lost and found announcement ii)Advice people to put the plates, bowls, cups etc after finished eating. So next diner do not have to deal with uncleaned tables iii)Stress that if the cleaner is nearby, let the cleaner perform their duty to clean up the table and appreciate their effort by saying thank you with a sincere smile (to secure cleaner's job) Also wish diners enjoy their meal :) Make the announcements in English, Malay, and Mandarin. 1. Design a clear large sign show where to put their tray. 2. Improve the label of the stack layer and make an efficient use of the stack. Step 1: Put a disposable food trash bin (with close lid) beside the stack. Step 2: Ask diner to dispose the food before putting the tray to the stack. Again, show the label in English, Malay, and Mandarin. Add sections in different layer of the stack (people can stack up the bowl, plate and cup to save place. i)Tray Section ii)Bowl Section (separate with Halal and Non Halal) *Use green bowls and green plates to serve Halal foods (copy this practice to all other hawker centres) iii) Plate Section iv) Cup Section v) Fork, Spoon and Knife Section (separate with Halal and Non Halal) * Make a red sign on the spoon and fork for Halal/Non-Halal (choose either one and copy this practice to all other hawker centres) A good and reasonable design can always encourage people to conduct good practice.

[@haruchandes2850]

Omg this is such a good idea as many are confused for the halal and non-halal stores

[@TheOldmankk]

reason so simple, i.e. hopelessly lazy!!!! peoples will even put tissues and rubbish on washing basin or someone else bicycle basket.

[@krollpeter]

I had seen this. I had also seen a woman dropping a chop-stick, and then commanding the cleaner auntie to pick it up and to bring her a new one.

[@TheOldmankk]

@@krollpeter In that case, may need Mike Tyson to give idiot a punch.

[@noproblematallmate]

young people should step up and change society's attitude. start a culture of calling out bad behavior publicly and using camera to film those ppl who do nonsense stuff. humilitate them to obedience and courtesy

[@SuccessforLifester]

The worst are people chilling at void deck tables. The rubbish bins is like a couple of metres away but they left their rubbish and cigarette butts everywhere. And these are our young generation from one particular genre

[@kyy12869]

@@krollpeter i would've wiped the new chopsticks with the green cloth before handing it over to that woman.

[@biolf1]

Honestly, starts from the parents. My Dad was the one that taught me to say thank you to bus drivers when boarding a bus and returning the trays after we’ve eaten at not only foodcourts but also fast food restaurants.

[@temujinkhan6326]

I can solve this in 3 days... Charge $3-$5 deposit for each meal that requires trays/plates to be returned... deposits can be given back when customers return tray with their receipts or with a number system... or just charge an additional $1 for each order to be divided to the cleaners each day as tips.

[@wanderingpika2099]

The downside is.... After few days customer would just not coming back. Unless this policy applied to every and each store which is sounds impossible

[@lyhthegreat]

no need anymore, now that the government has stepped in, no one would dare to not clear their own trays anymore. Fine city indeed.

[@ellemnop1103]

I was born and raised in the Philippines, now I’ve been living in Japan for 4 years. I totally understand everything, both sides. Singaporeans and Filipinos have same manners and way of thinking. It’s been decades and rooted and it is definitely hard to removed this habit in just one shot. The man is right, it will take 2 generations to make it out. It’s surprising how Japanese did this, the “CLAYGO” (CLean As You Go) system but learning their culture really amazed me and that it’s not a reason that you are old nor in a hurry neither there is a someone who will clean your mess. Japanese people too, also have older people and treasures their golden time, still stick to their rules. “A rule is a rule” their way of thinking that they do not want to be a troublesome to other people and gave way to the next user makes it easier to stick to this rules. Learning this while living here wishfully thinking Filipinos somehow BE like them. One of the things that I’m sure will be missing when I go back home. Indeed that it takes a village to raise a child.

[@genrrizeecuvsfatti4747]

Be like them? Naaah.

[@coriv]

As an expat in singapore, I was aware of the return tray signs. When I went to return my tray, many aunties have abruptly stoped me and seemed offended that I was returning my tray. This has happened to several hawkers and food courts. I'm still yet to understand this behaviour😅

[@SuccessforLifester]

Because their jobs might be at risk if the supervisor saw that there were very little things the cleaners were doing.

[@DumRock1]

I never left the food tray, I bring it home.

[@Andy1076]

@Relevance 😆

[@dabsvlog1521]

@Relevance both

[@moopmeep5094]

Big brain

[@DumRock1]

@Relevance both, never leave anything

[@leedaniels7196]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Blck_Stallion]

I’m Malaysian and I work in IKEA. It’s compulsory to clean our table after eating in the employees cafe. Whenever i go for lunch outside I’ll clean my table on my own because I’m used to it. Besides it helps to lessen the burden of the cleaners. Some of them are still working in their elderly age so it’s nice to help them by the least we can do is cleaning our own table.

[@Luxychi]

I think it's a culture thing. I had a culture shock in China when I got told off for bringing my tray back, because there are people who work to clear trays

[@akio6505]

I worked in SG for 10 years and in the US now. i've learned to return my tray here. I suggest have some form of announcement (use megaphone) every 5 mins until slowly customers follows it. Double the effort for elderly as it's not in their system for the last 50-60yrs :)

[@jimjammorse8360]

It's also Indonesian's habit that annoys me. But the educated youngsters has began to clean their own table in places like foodcourt, McDs, KFCs where they have return corner, since most food places doesn't really care to provide them. If there's no return corner we try to stack them accordingly to make the worker have easier load, bcs the stall owner will only give you weird eyes if we return the tray directly to them 😅

[@kinokunia]

man, indonesia have much more urgent things to attend to.

[@FraserGrandCounty]

Blame other country for your domestic issue? Sounds like Singaporeans alright.

[@normanocampo4466]

IGNORANCE in the part of stall owners, they cant believe you are doing it, its an ALIEN mindset from them, especially if their generations are from the 60s, 70s, and 80s...

[@Melissa05121992]

My parent taught me after eating. Clean the desk, throw away the left over and than return the tray and bowls to the trolley area. 😊 Clean table for next person to use.

[@SuccessforLifester]

You have well travelled, progressive parents.

[@bitchpudding2945]

Interesting that the "entitled Boomer generation" doesn't just apply to American Boomers

[@miyu-miyu9771]

I've been to Singapore and visited this food market prior to pandemic. And I am telling you, my experience is not good! I see people using tissues and putting them on the plates, bowls, etc. absolutely disgusting! This is how diseases spread! I always practice a habit of "Clean as you Go" and when I did return my tray, the people especially the elders looked at me weirdly while the cleaner lady thanked me.

[@jw-729]

Easiest way: give them 5-10c for every tray returned. Some people needs to understand that the cleaners working there are not paid to be your house cleaner. They will help you to clean the table and seats, but they should not have to pick up after your dishes.

[@SuccessforLifester]

This may actually work. To incentivise the effort. Certain outlets of Kopithiam has this K points features. Once you return trays like 20 times, you can get a free coffee or tea.

[@denisechan5992]

Remember a time in the late Seventies there was a called for self service at hawker centre starting with please pay when the drinks is served in coffeshop instead paying at the end. Later maybe in the eighties there was a call to queue for your food instead of being served. It was successful because customers recognised that the stall holders has to earn more and customers chipped in to do their part. Fast forward now why does customers now refused to chip in and reduced the cost of the stall holders by cutting down cleaners. Traditionally cleaners job involve collecting the cutlery and cleaning them. There was no such mess in the past as uncleared trays. The problems arise because operators of food courts and Hawker centres trying to maximise profits hired less cleaners than necessary while increasing rental charges. If only the operators devote an extra 10% of the rentals collected for cleaning the whole food courts and hawkers centre would be spick and span. Prices of food in food court and Hawker centres have increased substantially over the last couple of years. The introduction of social enterprise could be one reasons. The cleaner in the video is naive not to expect the employer to cut down staff if customers return the trays. Also find it hard that the Hawker Association chief instead fighting to ask for an increase in cleaning staff but instead asked the public to clean up. Could he be one of the food court or hawker centre operator?

[@s._3560]

It is all motivated by cost cutting exercise. Next time they will ask customers to clear the food into compost bins, sort out the cutlery and trays, wipe down the tables after esting.

[@jameslong7031]

In other countries the table is so clean that the cleaners have time to polish the table. Why? The customers eat out of the tray, dirtied only the tray and cleared their own tray In Singapore they are only interested in asking people to return the tray. The whole lesson is wrong. Start with eat out of the tray. Other things can talk later when we are more civilise.

[@s._3560]

@@jameslong7031 Which country is that?

[@chickeabiddy]

Exactly.. i would gladly clear my own tray but the operators are obviously trying to cut costs, they are still charging the stall owners cleaning fees and not even helping them. The tray return stations are always so messy also.

[@chrislee4485]

@@s._3560 north korea

[@cds327131]

though Singaporeans love to travel to Japan, pls learn the simple manner of cleaning ones own ***

[@kittenmimi5326]

Ah don't worry singaporeans are still much better than other foreigners

[@rusty1370]

@@kittenmimi5326 National ego huh....first clean up the trays than talk like that lol...

[@raclj9940]

Ive always and will always return my tray. When you sit with friends, your action will influence them too. So be the change.

[@Marzyart]

Best concept ever. True

[@lindachong7009]

the man (and got caught) who said he doesn't know must be blind; the tray return trolley is so huge and are placed at strategic place. people who scolded the cleaning crew are "entitled" people who thinks they are supposed to be served. in that case, please go to high class restaurant and pay for the service. most of them are regulars there so when they say they don't know, I think they're just lazy and do not want to clean up after themselves. when I eat out, I gather up the plates/ bowls/ utensils together and wipe down the sauce/ food dropped on the table so that it's easier and faster for everyone. if there's a place to put my tray, I'll bring it there. please treat everyone and everything like you are at home and if you're so "selekeh" at home, then I have nothing else to say. maybe they should have a playback loudspeaker reminding everyone to put their trays to the tray trolley so that they have no excuse that they did not see the trolley/ notice/ do not know how to read.

[@ThatBlackPiano]

I say, the resolution is simple: promise a free soup or item from the store the tray came from after they return 5 trays (use punch cards). Then if they return trays 10 times they get a free full meal w/ a drink & a side. Hit them w/ that Singapore level shamming! Look at them when they stand w/o a tray and click your tongue and shake your head. Sometimes pretend to whisper to a different employee about them & their left behind tray. Stall owners DO need to update the cleaning carts: add the wash bins and trash bins to the carts. The returning of the trays and crockery gave me PTSD flashbacks of working at Macy’s as a closer! Gotta clean the fitting rooms, remove any gum stuck to clothes or furniture, collect misplaced clothing on incorrect racks and in entirely incorrect departments then I have to re-hang ALL the clothing found, flip the items right-side-out, make sure security tags are firmly in place; if loose/missing re-tag them, hang ALL items on the “Z-Racks(s)” and walk football field lengths to other departments to put items back in the correct department(s).I’m supposed to be OFF by 9:30, but most closing days myself and 20 other employees in the store will still be working until 10:30 or later if it was a busy day. Yes, a REGULAR day can/will keep you working OT a whole hour! 😖

[@saumunc4738]

This is also a deeply rooted issue in Malaysia. I'm aware this is never an issue in other countries. Our people are not willing to step out of their comfort zone to deal with this. Another contributing factor is the strong conformism that's embedded in our Asian culture. If you see people around you leaving their trays on the table, you're usually more inclined to do the same as well.

[@alanlovebeer7952]

The most ridiculous thing I saw commonly was they returned the tray to get back the deposit but leave the soiled plates n utencil on the table, WTF 🤭😂😁

[@SuccessforLifester]

Yeah I could imagine. Most didn't want to get their hands sticky again by putting back the plates and utensils onto the tray

[@glowglitter9066]

What deposit? I didn't know there's something like this going on.

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@glowglitter9066 Some hawker centres charge you say one more dollar to use the tray and then you will get it back at tray return station. Marine parade is one

[@justinnagac5558]

I thought Singaporeans are the world's most disciplined citizens until I watched this report/feature from CNA. We also have that problem here in the Philippines and I grew up thinking we're the only people having that bad habbit of not cleaning the table as we go.

[@risam858]

What are you talking about? Every food stall or restaurant in Philippines have people to clean the tables. It’s not a problem in Philippines because it has never been a policy to clean after yourself after you eat. If it was to become a policy, then it wouldnt be a problem because Filipinos have no problem cleaning after ourselves.

[@justinnagac5558]

@@risam858 That's the problem: most of us Filipinos would only clean the tables we have used when it is a "policy"/ when someone else's looking/calling out, or it might be because we often think that someone else is getting paid to do it. Why can't we just do our part by doing what is expected from us as a responsible diner? I'm sure you have been brought up enough that you don't already need a "policy" for that. In doing so, we don't cause too much burden to those who are getting paid to clean up our tables' mess and we show courtesy to the next users.

[@genrrizeecuvsfatti4747]

@@justinnagac5558 thats not the problem. It generates more jobs. It depends on you. Facts singapore is a depressing country.

[@angelicamichelle1646]

All of this is done incorrectly. 1 tips should be mandatory for left trays 2 all trays and tables should be universally used by every vendor. 3 a cart should be used and this keeps germs at a low because all is sorted on tray with a rubbish bag chemical rags broom attached then cart should be sent to back for proper steam cleaning in a dishwasher so all are done at once each vendor can send a runner for replacement dishes.

[@livingliberties]

I had always thought we did not need to return our trays at hawkers as the cleaners would come by to collect them, sometimes even before you finish your food. They would hover around just waiting to clear your tray. I have no qualms clearing my own tray but never thought it was a norm in Singapore. I think this topic is debatable for the cleaners livelihood and citizen behaviour. During this Covid-19 pandemic, it might be a good idea to practice this. Perhaps there could be an announcement made to remind people to return their trays until it becomes a norm. The suggestions on utensils deposit is a great one too.

[@SShiJie]

Let me give you simple answers: We dont return> because we give the people their Jobs. We return> because we are considerate Some coffeeshop owners hire many cleaners because they want to give people jobs. While some other foodcourts hire as little as 2 cleaners to reduce expenditure...

[@ReefearEapear]

Why not hired 10 cleaners but you still responsible to return your trays to their designated place? No jobs will sacrifice when people understand their roles and responsibilities. Those 10 cleaners only assist you to clean the tables and bring the trays back to their owner only.

[@lambolim2178]

you don't return you don't give people their jobs, their boss give them their jobs lol, don't be so entitled

[@PLA69]

As a former waiter I get so annoyed that the owners or managers can't solve a problem with dirty tables. Wherever you eat in Cambodia there's someone to clean up after you (except in greedy Aeon Mall). Then I worked in a luxury resort in the UK and the management thinks only four waiters are enough to clean 40 tables with 150 guests... And that was a very profitable hotel but wouldn't hire more staff. We worked 12 - 16 hour shifts and got ill all the time.... I get it stall owners have bills to pay but if they organized together to raise prices 5% or 10% to hire cleaners, these tables would be clean. Don't say 20 cents extra per meal hurts your wallet!! But unfortunately owners and managers found out there's more money left for their pocklets if they exploit staff and without realizing they created a worldwide culture where no one wants to be a waiter anymore. In previous century you could be a waiter until retirement, today it's only students working as waiters and even they hate the job. Now enjoy lunching on a dirty table.

[@SuccessforLifester]

I ate in the greedy Aeon Mall before. Bought some kind of salad with small raw crab. It gave me a slight diarrhoea. I had the best iced coffee and beef noodles eating at Russian market. Saw mainly locals there whereas Aeon Mall was quite empty then

[@Trgn]

Were all the 4 waiters in that UK resort non-white ethnic like you? If so it probly had more to do with racism than their standard.

[@PLA69]

@@Trgn No, all the staff were white europeans. It was the management who exploited us for extra profits instead of hiring more staff.

[@Trgn]

@@PLA69 good to know

[@t0n0k0]

I don't even live here but I promise never to leave tray on the table ever😂😂😂. This is so bad. Something's we take for granted.

[@Muji-Exempt]

This example is akin to the shopping cart theory which states the following: "The shopping cart is ultimate litmus test for whether a person is capable of self-governing. To return the shopping cart is an easy, convenient task and one which we all recognize as the correct, appropriate thing to do. To return the shopping cart is objectively right. There are no situations other than dire emergencies in which a person is not able to return their care. Simultaneously, it is not illegal to abandon your shopping cart. Therefore the shopping cart presents itself as the apex example of whether a person will do what is right without being forced to do it. No one will punish you for not returning the shopping cart, no one will find you or kill you for not returning the shopping cart. You must return the shopping cart out of the goodness of your own heart. You must return the shopping cart because it is the right thing to do. Because it is correct. A person who is unable to do this is no better than an animal, an absolute savage who can only be made to do what is right by threatening them with a law and the force that stands behind it. The Shopping Cart determines whether a person is a good or bad member of society."

[@jup6401]

“Overburden” seems a bit over the top! Employ more cleaners! I for one never leave a tray behind, and we always use wipes to clean our table before we leave, acknowledge the cleaners and cooks for their hospitality, good or bad. It costs nothing to practice good etiquette and good manners.

[@korswe]

Don’t people get thrown in jail for littering in Singapore? Apply the same laws to people not returning their trays.

[@kittenmimi5326]

Hahah true I mean its singapore there are fines for everything so add another fine for not returning tray XD

[@vonn2221]

It's the same in Indonesia too, even when i ate outside with friends , and i started tidying the plates etc after we finish our meals, my friend told me not to do so and left the cleaner do so. Dont understand why people can sitting with very messy plates around them It's so common that i found it more enjoyable to eat alone. Because whenever i try tidying always have other comment my "weird" habit Maybe because we always think it should become other job (or cleaner job) because they be paid. It's never hurt actually to do some cleaning actually Even if the cleaner be paid salary it still doesn't mean they earn very big buck, we should at least try more concious about our attitude, it never hurt to do some cleaning😀😀

[@SuccessforLifester]

If everyone did it so well, the cleaner may lose her job

[@hariananalisa9236]

@@SuccessforLifester same thought

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@hariananalisa9236 Yup. Though the authorities denied this, practically, if the campaign works so well, they would review the system, lay off the clearing crew and develop the collection point with automation.

[@eur1k4]

Ahhh it must be nice living in a country where not clearing out tables is considered as a "crisis".

[@chupachuplover]

This video investigates the question: Why are people selfish and inconsiderate?

[@firstcommenter202]

Why authorities don't impose fine?

[@celestialstar124]

Not everyone know that they are required to return their own tray.

[@firstcommenter202]

@@celestialstar124 You mean they are required?

[@pawala7]

@@celestialstar124 So the huge orange signs in front of the hawker center and the orange pamphlets stuck on the tables weren't enough? Do most Singaporeans not understand English these days?

[@firstcommenter202]

@@pawala7 did the sign include fine $1000?

[@TrOll-ht1sf]

Another rule, another fine. A rule is only as 'fine' as the enforcement. Are hawker centers, coffeeshops and food courts going to hire Tray Return Ambassadors full time? Interesting to see how long this rule will last before people return to their old habits. 6 months? a year? Also expect to see more altercations in the news of people shouting at each other over not returning trays.

[@MysticScapes]

As foreigners and from the media we always thought Singapore is crazy about cleaning, no chewing gums on the street and very strict cleanliness, and you got fines for all of these strict rules, but now watching this, it's nothing different than its surrounding countries like Indonesia or Malaysia.

[@Bodymindbalance988]

Huh in India we never ever return our plates/trays/cutlery 🤔🤔🤔🤔. It is the duty of the workers at the restaurants 🤔🤔🤔

[@PallabDutt]

They're not talking about resturant. They are talking about hawkers corner.

[@pawala7]

This kind of thing would be unthinkable in countries like Japan. It takes minimal effort, is more efficient, and benefits you as well if everyone does it. It's one of those things that just makes sense if you take a minute to think about it.

[@mokeyhorsefish]

Exactly!

[@8amazon1]

The Japanese even wipe their table after using.

[@DanDyManz]

They just making it sound nice that you should clear your plates and it is morally correct to do so. In fact, the ones managing the hawker centres can now hire less cleaners since they have customers helping them. You don't pay less for your meals at this sort of tray return hawker centres. If you really want to help, just make sure you don't make a mess while eating, so that cleaners can have an easier time when they are cleaning up. When too many ppl just follow blindly, this will only make things worse, and more hawker centres will follow. Learn to say no and put a stop to this practice.

[@iw4075]

so? That doesn't give you a reason not to return your own tray.

[@bananamonkeyallergy]

@@iw4075 that IS a reason lmao

[@jameslong7031]

@@iw4075 Its a process and to get it right start with the basic. Eat out of the tray. Leave the bones and the indescriptable on the tray. It will be easier just to remove the tray without having to remove the indescriptable from the table. We can argue about who to remove the tray later whether is by manditory decree or moral shamming. I have seen people removing their dishes from the tray u to the table and after that realised they have no place to put the tray ..some landed on the floor some on other tables. So just believe that we are still second world standard and just try to do the first lesson of eating out of the tray. The other lesson can come later. And or by the way , those trays are a disgrace in the design and most of the time are greasy and dirty. So will the high tech sector take care how to craft a machine to clean the trays. Probably some standardised decree can be worked out to show that at less we are almost there in first world technology. Will a high ranking government agency care to take up the cuddle to drive this cleanliness in eating habits. Its bad and please do something.

[@morganross6399]

Clearing your tray makes life easy for everyone. People including yourself, do not have to wait for tables to be cleared by cleaners. Go visit other 1st world countries like Japan or Western countries, they do it. It has nothing to do whether you are getting a discount for doing it or not, it is about being civic-minded.

[@sr3821]

When you see no cleaner, you feel obligated to return your tray. But when you see cleaners you normally think "there are some people work here to clean up these stuff, otherwise what is their job description?"

[@tooktamarble]

I was in Singapore and I have tried to return the tray but the old cleaner guy he smiled at me and quickly took it from me, I cannot thank him enough and felt guilty that he had to do it for me, I think he just being kind to me at that moment, he knows I would do it. His kindness reminded me of my granddad. 🥰

[@daveng262]

Social etiquettes begins at home, these bad apples should be taught a lesson, maybe implementing a " fine policy " might work 😄

[@yinchuun]

Take away all the chairs. The tables are for decoration only. Everyone just take away.

[@sallieceelee5660]

At home my maid serves and clears the table.

[@daveng262]

Hello Ceelee, I had the same privilege as you but the hawker centres, are not "homes"

[@yinchuun]

Are the government too protect the business owners? Actually business owner should provide enough cleaners to collect the trays as soon as people finish eating. Even if the customers has to send back the trays, who is going to wipe the table? Customers too? Or can they provide place for return trays every short distance? So that customers don't have to walk all the crowded way to the counter to return the tray.

[@daveng262]

There must and will be cleaners to clean and assist but the decent thing to do is to clean up after your mess. This way you will have a better and cleaner environment to enjoy your meal. If you have been to certain western countries you will notice that this in practice at their food courts.

[@noproblematallmate]

CNA should do more of this 'getting into people face with camera' and ask them 'why never return tray?'

[@aHopefulDream]

Singaporean Lisa Guerrero

[@chrislee4485]

Bochup

[@tankman20064]

I answer for them. Uncle and auntie ga na retrenchment. How ?

[@noproblematallmate]

@@tankman20064 auntie uncle go find other job or other things do. no money can look for government aid, every month give free $600. young time must work hard, don't wait old already expect society give you tray clearing job. we progress as a society, not keep lagging at our weakest link. however, some people get unlucky in life lose everything, so government still will use our tax money to give welfare $ to these people and I am alright with it. no auntie uncle clear plates, hawker no need pay table clearing fee. in the end food get cheaper for all people and help the poorest the most too. do you know table clearing fee can be up to $600 per month per stall?

[@BKLau70]

Education failure at school and home ... A cultural issue.

[@vivianpham9675]

They get a better education compared to America, it’s just a tradition problem that he’s passed down and down; Since the elderly passes it down to the parents and the parents passes it down to the kids and so on.

[@leedevlin8260]

I'm not sure how school canteens are run, but I hope at least they are making the kids return the trays and teach them about personal responsibilities.. now weather the parents get it?

[@peace-Humanity_123.]

Students in primary, secondary, poly school do practice trays return in schools . However in hawkers centre and food court, tray returns are not being enforce. I feel that beside elderly and handicapped, public can learn not to take cleaner for granted but be more cooperative and appreciative.

[@fafafifufu]

the failure starts from home. not school. from an early age, a child noticed that his/her parents never clear their own trays when they dine outside. the child sees it as a normal thing to do and he/she does the same creating a cycle effect.

[@RaZeyLWindBladE]

Its not schools. Schools always teach the kids to return their trays, especially in the tertiary level. But parents have to buck up and teach their kids manners and etiquette. Why must moral values be taught in school when its a personal issue? Don't blame younger gen when older gen haven't got a grip of their values

[@noodles.dumplings.kimchi2878]

My question is would it be alright for a consumer to bring a food container from home and ask for it to be filled up? You can order extra to eat later and bring it with you when you go.

[@dansky03]

I went to SG for a Christian Church gathering (at SG Expo) last 2019. I flew all the way from New York to SG. My friends and I decided to eat at Hawker place somewhere in Bedok. I just noticed that most of hawker attendants are seniors which is fantastic for me. I’m not yet done with my eating and yet this grandma already wants to get my bowl and tray. So I realized they are either busy or that’s how SG works , you know always in a hurry. She just left me without getting my tray. Don’t worry, I brought my tray to the tray station after eating my meal. I mean this is the ethical way right since you are eating at a public place? I would love to go back. That was my first time in SG. Unfortunately, church gathering for 2020 was cancelled due to pandemic. Great experience indeed! Hawkers are the best place if you want to experience local SG food. Eat like local when you travel lol.

[@jkbc]

wow I surprised that Singapore people arent into a habit to return the dirty trays to its designated place. This is news , I always thought they are so discipline about cleanliness but I guess not.

[@3sisters493]

They are “disciplined” into cleanliness bc the Govt imposes big fines for littering, spitting, throwing rubbish from balconies etc. I guess if fines were imposed for not returning dirty trays bc in essence they are littering the dining tables with their used tissues, bones of meat they have devoured etc. it would work. After all Singapore is a FINE country! 😆

[@SuccessforLifester]

Historically, that was how hawker centre operates. People considered it a place of transaction. You paid for the food and then the business people would clear up the table for the next customer. The Hawker Centres is like the restaurant of the common people. I don't see it as a Fine related issue. People generally do not litter as they see it as the right thing to do and there are campaigns and educations on it. However, the same education and campaign on trays returning may not work as most simply could not see the justification.

[@bigmattwheel]

let me tell you why, the times when I've tried, there isn't enough space at the tray return station (overflowing), or even better, walked a good distance and cant find any!! they should concentrate efforts at clearing the tray return station so people can actually return the dirty dishes without performing some dish stacking jenga.

[@jamesfra1311]

That's a fun game, dish Jenga!

[@icedra123]

That's kinda the problem too, cleaners are already being overwhelmed. Surely they can't tend to everything.

[@cassiebould9358]

I bet they are too busy cleaning tables so the tray return station isn’t their priority, fear of cafe owners and customers.

[@amillie3586]

@@cassiebould9358 agreed

[@morganross6399]

At least, one should always try. If most people start returning their trays, then the cleaners can focus on clearing and cleaning those trays left in the tray-return areas, instead of going around the place picking up trays that are left on the tables.

[@namiishikawa5559]

In our country, every stall owner have 1 or 2 helpers to get the trays and clean the tables. Its not really necessary to clean your tables as a customer, helpers are happy to serves you. By the way Im from Philippines 🇵🇭💖

[@SuccessforLifester]

Yes that used to be the case in early days Hawker culture here. Every stall actually clears up their own stuff. Hence the habit of not returning was entrenched

[@lokechanmun8587]

The culture of returning food trays was conceived to offset the cost of providing food at a low or subsidized cost e.g. school cafeteria, charity soup kitchens etc. In return for the benefit of receiving food at a lower price or even free of charge, the diner helps the food outlet to reduce manpower cost by doing part of the work to keep the outlet financially viable. But food at hawker centres are not subsidized, are they?

[@davechang1605]

I think having a central soiled bowls/utensils/tray washing station in each hawker center will be more efficient. The clean utensils are then sorted out and returned to respective stalls.

[@evettekelly3575]

Charge them for a tray, refund when they return tray. They do that with baskets at some grocery stores.

[@chrisl3386]

This behavior is hardly UNESCO worthy.

[@Sky-8646]

Smell Jealous from Malaysia..

[@sallieceelee5660]

This is the funny thing about Singapore getting UNESCO recognition for its "hawker culture". First of all, the way hawkers operate today is far removed from how our grandparents and great grandparents experienced it. It's a sterilized version of the vibrant atmosphere which was the original Singapore food scene. And now they introduce this western notion of sending your own tray? That's not part of the Singapore experience. UNESCO should review "Singapore hawker culture" from its list of intangible cultural heritage because it is being changed to something even Singaporeans can't recognize.

[@SuccessforLifester]

This behaviour is indeed an intangible culture of eating at hawker centre

[@raytham]

Sadly I think the only way is to impose heavy penalties including fines, community service, and jail terms for abusing cleaning staff.

[@alfjoey1234]

My brother works in the hospitality profession. He was once a waiter/server. He worked from the ground up to where he is now. I know how hard it is. I always make it a point to clean up after myself and return my food tray everytime I eat in any food court. I think about what my brother went through. And I feel glad everytime I see people do the same. Yes, there are still people who cares.

[@rogersim40]

I think it's not rational to expect such radical change in a short amount of time. Best short-term solution is to hire more cleaners and pass the cost onto the diners by raising price.

[@8amazon1]

At any place I dine at, I always clear my tray, except for restaurants. I found out that if I initiate, usually my friends will follow suit. Even my parents, who think they're the most entitled citizens, will find the situation awkward and follow suit.

[@Andy1076]

I will never understand why people don't offer common courtesy, I always return the tray and leave the table the same way I found it instead of having someone else look at what I just ate. It's just me though?

[@NavyAng]

I would love it if it becomes the norm for people to return their trays but it's still not a thing yet here in S'pore especially for older generations. Also, in many coffee shops there are no tray return stations, most people would not know what to do even if they want to return their trays

[@SuccessforLifester]

Being a night owl, I noted that the younger generation are also not returning at Coffeeshops that operate late at night. In fact I saw more older people returning.

[@anthonypearce9652]

This is Singapore's equivalent of leaving your shopping carts in the parking space here in the US... I always thought you could tell how good a person is by whether they return the carts or leave them.