Education and enforcement go hand in hand to ensure cleanliness in public spaces

We refer to the letter “Balancing migrant worker gatherings with hygiene concerns”, 16 July and thank Mr Liang for sharing his concerns. 

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) educates all new migrant workers and migrant domestic workers on our social norms, including the importance of proper waste disposal and public hygiene through the mandatory Settling-in Programme. We also conduct regular outreach at popular gathering spots and community roadshows with government agencies like the National Environment Agency (NEA) and community partners to reinforce good social habits in public spaces.

NEA conducts routine enforcement patrols in public areas across Singapore, including where migrant workers and migrant domestic workers gather and cleanliness hotspots, and takes firm action against individuals caught for littering. First-time offenders may face a fine of up to $2,000, and may also be issued a Corrective Work Order.

We take a serious view of illegal activities such as unlicensed hawking and the sale of duty unpaid cigarettes. The respective government agencies will continue to take firm enforcement action against such offences.

There are currently eight Recreation Centres across Singapore, which provide dedicated spaces for migrant workers to relax, connect with their peers, and take part in events and recreational activities. These Centres operate daily and offer attractive and convenient retail, food and sporting options for workers. Non-governmental organisations such as the Centre for Domestic Employees, Aidha, and the Alliance of Domestic Employees Outreach also offer recreational spaces for migrant domestic workers.  

Everyone has a part to play in keeping our shared spaces clean. MOM and NEA will continue to engage migrant workers and migrant domestic workers to demonstrate gracious behaviour, take greater ownership and encourage responsible use of public spaces so that they remain clean, safe and welcoming for all.

Tung Yui Fai
Chief, Assurance, Care and Engagement Group
Ministry of Manpower

Tony Teo
Group Director, Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency

[Letter] ZB: Balancing migrant worker gatherings with hygiene concerns (16 July 2025)

Every Sunday, I often see many MWs and MDWs gathering on lawns and other public spaces. Beyond sharing meals, they occasionally sing songs or play volleyball together. To me, this has always been a harmless matter, perhaps even a unique reflection of Singapore’s social fabric. However, I have lately noticed more and more people leaving behind litter scattered all over the place after their gatherings.

It is understandable that migrant workers want to meet up with their compatriots on their rest days, especially when living in a foreign land. After working hard all week, they deserve some time and space to relax. As long as they do not inconvenience others, I have always believed there’s no issue. In fact, when foreign friends asked me what was unique and worth seeing in Singapore, this scene was one of the things I recommended.

In the past, I would usually see a big bag of rubbish neatly placed beside the bin after such gatherings. But nowadays, it is common to find trash scattered across lawns, increasing the burden on cleaners and attracting rats and pests.

Often, the trash is left at the scene until the following day, when it is cleared by cleaners. Sometimes it is blown into nearby rivers, polluting the environment. On several occasions during my morning and evening walks, I’ve seen rats and pigeons around the bins, and at times, caught whiffs of the stench from decomposing liquid waste, affecting Singapore’s image.

I am not sure whether picnicking in public spaces is illegal. I have occasionally seen signs prohibiting it, but I do not know if they apply specifically to this situation. I don’t support a complete ban on gatherings among MWs and MDWs, but I do think the authorities should take steps to ensure they can relax without affecting others. There have also been news reports of people taking advantage of these crowds to illegally sell food or duty-unpaid cigarettes; such acts should definitely be curbed.

Rather than impose blanket restrictions, perhaps a better approach is to designate certain areas where MWs are allowed to gather. Of course, this is a sensitive topic, and I trust the authorities can come up with better solutions through discussion. I hope this issue will be given due attention, and I also hope MWs can continue to have spaces where they can relax.

Liang Xuan Rong