Everyone has role in catching litterbugs

I refer to the letter “Rewarding litterbug-spotters will only create a mercenary nation” (Oct 16).

I fully agree with the writer’s point that it is the duty of citizens to blow the whistle when laws are broken.

We have been using education in Singapore to inculcate good habits for years, and to what result? We still see litter around, especially cigarette butts. Killer litter is still being thrown from high-rise buildings.

The majority are trying to keep Singapore clean and green. Education has been effective only to some extent, because a hard-core minority are doing most of the littering.

It is also extremely difficult for public officials to be on the lookout every day and hour of the week to catch culprits.

Recently, a bag of kitchen waste was flung out of a window and landed before me, exploding into a mess. I could do little about it. The same goes for a government agency. We need all members of the public to cooperate and do their part when such situations occur. We must all play a role in keeping a look-out.