Dear Friends,
OVERVIEW
“It’s about Time to be serious about No Smoking!”
It was great news to read and hear that the relevant authorities would be taking irresponsible smokers to tasks should they be found smoking at the newly smoking-prohibited places. These places included Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Water sites, recreational beaches and Parks and Gardens. Enforcement will take effect from 1 October 2022 onwards.
However, it seems ironic to read about the new intended move to stem smoking in smoking-prohibited places which gives us the impression that it is a new initiative to keep our environment clean, safe and healthy. On checking with the NEA website, it was noted that ‘Smoking prohibition in Singapore was first introduced in 1970. Under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act, “smoking” is defined as inhaling and expelling the smoke of tobacco or any other substance, and includes the holding of any cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other form of tobacco product which is lit or emitting smoke’. It even gave a comprehensive list of the places where smoking is prohibited which included ABC sites, parks and gardens and popular beaches. If any new initiatives are needed we would like to suggest that no one smoke while walking or in an eating area.
It is about time we must move on to a new level of social discipline, graciousness and responsibility to ensure that we have a safe and clean environment and especially for clean water in Singapore. We need more education for all, regardless of age and act sternly to conserve our water.
Nevertheless, we welcome the move. Many have quietly tolerated the inconvenience and problem created by the recalcitrant smokers for a long time. Hopefully this time we can really make a difference.
In summary, the following activities were done for this week:
- We conducted 5 CSR programmes which were attended by 108 participants and they collected a total of 176 kg of litter.
- We conducted 2 Learning Journey programmes at Lower Seletar Reservoir to 63 students of Sembawang Primary School.
- This week a total of 70 members were involved for CSR/VIA programmes, talk, patrols, administration, housekeeping duties and training and, the total trash collected = 205 kg.
- Boat Patrol. A total of 4 Boat patrols were carried out; 2 at Marina, 1 at Punggol and 1 at Lakeside.
- Bike Patrol. A total of 3 Bike patrols were carried out; 1 each at Marina, Punggol and Lakeside.
- Foot Patrol. We conducted 2 Foot Patrols, one each at Pang Sua and Lakeside.
- Pedal boat Patrol. No Pedal Boat patrols were conducted at Marina.
- Physical Bike and Boat Clean Up Orientation for New Applicants. There was no orientation conducted for new members at Marina.
ACTIVITIES AND REPORT
1. Educational Programmes
2. Volunteer Patrols & Activities
a. Marina
b. Punggol
c. Lakeside
d. Pang Sua Pond
e. Yishun Pond Patrol
