Promote, but don’t force, tray return

I refer to the report “New hawker centre in Admiralty to impose ‘mandatory’ tray returns” (June 1, online).

The policy of making the return of trays and crockery after use mandatory for customers at Kampung Admiralty Hawker Centre, slated to open in September, defeats the purpose of promoting social graciousness and providing a clean and comfortable dining environment.

It is tantamount to forcing them to return their trays, and it is human instinct to dislike being put in this situation, even more so when it is not an offence. Social graciousness must come from within to be sustainable.

The Beo Crescent hawker centre is a good example to follow. It has a message written on its tables in four languages requesting customers to return their trays. There is a greater incentive when the collection points are conveniently located.

Promoting tray return should be an ongoing affair through whatever media can reach the masses. And if some of us set an example by returning our trays and crockery, we can achieve social graciousness. Eventually, Singaporeans will be on the same page.