Hunchbacked elderly man seen clearing plates despite tray-return rule already being implemented

Singapore — A photo of an elderly man hunched over yet still clearing plates at a hawker centre made its way around the internet on Monday (Jan 3).

The photo was posted in a Facebook group titled ‘Concerned Citizens Band Together for a better Singapore’, where the netizen who shared the image asked: “Has the problem solved with law enforcing Return your own Tray”.

On Jan 1 this year, patrons of coffee shops and food courts had to remember to return their trays as the relevant rule began being enforced. After an advisory period of two months, those who get caught flouting the tray return rule can now be sanctioned.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said it issued about 140 advisories as of 3pm on Saturday (Jan 1), to remind diners at coffee shops and food courts to return their trays and dirty crockery, and clear their litter after their meals.

Those who fail to do so will be issued a written warning on their first offence. If they are caught a second time, they face a composition fine of $300, and a court fine of up to $2,000 for subsequent offences.

No written warnings or fines were issued on Saturday.

/TISG