Have more NEA enforcement officers, not volunteers

I am surprised that after 45 years of Keep Singapore Clean campaigns, we still need to increase our efforts to catch litterbugs ("Volunteer corps with power to fine litterbugs being considered"; Oct 28).

What prompted the National Environment Agency (NEA) to consider recruiting volunteers to catch litterbugs?

It is the agency's duty to enforce the law to keep the city clean. It should not enlist volunteers to nab and issue fines to offenders as this will breed unnecessary animosity among ordinary folk.

To improve the situation, the NEA needs to engage a sufficient number of full-fledged enforcement officers. It must also study why people litter and the profiles of those who do.

Paul Chan Poh Hoi

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