Automated tray return systems punish the old and the needy

I refer to the report “Pay for your tray; Two hawker centres to start charging deposits for food trays” (January 29).

It is easier to change the behaviour and mindset of the young rather than the old. Part of the reason tray return initiatives did not go down well with the seniors is that many have mobility problems of varying degree. Balancing a tray of crockery may prove difficult for some.

There are also needy persons who have barely enough funds for meals. To avoid setting aside an extra dollar for tray deposits, some may patronise other outlets.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) should be finding ways to assist these people, instead of imposing a penalty if they do not return their trays, which smacks of high-handedness.

Bukit Merah Central is in the mature estate of Redhill, where many seniors reside. The NEA would do well to consider the demographics of an estate before rolling out future measures.