Singapore: A group of elderly men has reportedly been eating leftovers at in People’s Park Food Centre, as reported by Shin Min Daily News on Wednesday (18 September).

According to tips from readers, these elderly men have been spotted scavenging for food at the bustling food centre in Chinatown.

Witnesses noted that they not only take unfinished meals from tables but also search the dish return area for additional leftovers.

Several hawkers reported seeing multiple elderly individuals, including one specific man, frequently visiting the food centre to collect leftovers, although they were unaware of their identities and living situations.

A Chinese food hawker, who has worked there for over ten years, noted that at least three or four scavengers come daily, usually around 8 or 9 PM, and sometimes kind customers buy food for them.

Another stall assistant, Ms Ma, observed that diners often leave their tables, allowing the older man to sit down and eat the leftovers directly.

Cleaner Mr Quan mentioned that while he has seen the man taking food left by others, he has also witnessed him buying his own meals, suggesting he is not in dire financial need.

Additionally, Quan noted that these scavengers typically arrive around 10 AM and leave in the afternoon.

One Elderly Man Interviewed Attributes Leftover Eating Habit to Waste Prevention, Not Financial Struggles

Among the scavengers is Mr Wang, an 84-year-old resident of Bedok, who emphasised that he doesn’t want to waste food.

He told reporter, “I have a home and children, but it’s very lively here, so I come every day and go home in the evening.”

He acknowledged his habit of eating leftovers, stating, “It’s not because I lack money; I simply don’t want to waste food.”

He explained, “Some people order a lot and can’t finish it; sometimes a whole fish is left uneaten. ”

“When I see large plates of leftover food, I think it’s a waste, so I take it to eat, and it’s still warm,” he said, adding that other scavengers respect each other’s space and enjoy their own finds.

Not everyone supports the practice of scavenging for leftovers. Daniel Tay, a retired financial advisor and advocate for freeganism, expressed concerns about the potential dangers of consuming discarded food.

He pointed out that it’s often unclear how long the food has been left out or if it has been contaminated by animals or pests, which could lead to food poisoning.

“It’s extremely unhygienic. Diners might throw away food or toss used napkins into it, contaminating it further. If a diner gets sick, such as with the flu or COVID-19, they could pass the virus to someone eating the leftovers,” he warned.

Tay suggested a more proactive approach, encouraging people to ask diners if they can take home any uneaten food, which would help ensure the food is clean and raise awareness about food waste.

Netizens Urge Agencies to Address Challenges Faced by Elderly Amid Rising Living Costs

Comments on Shin Min’s Facebook page reveal that many netizens suspect the elderly men scavenging for food may be facing significant challenges and are urging relevant agencies to reach out to understand their situations.

Some are questioning whether the rising cost of living in Singapore is prompting individuals to resort to drastic measures to save money.

One netizen commented, “Every family has its own difficulties; who hasn’t faced storms and hardships? If you see an elderly person, please invite him to a meal. After all, we will all grow old one day. Whether it’s a blessing or a curse, only heaven and earth know. I believe that Singaporeans who see him will definitely invite him to a meal.”

Discussion on Singapore’s Hardwarezone forum also highlighted that many have witnessed similar situations, indicating that this issue is not new.

One netizen speculated that some elderly individuals might be facing mental health challenges. The user shared observation of an elderly woman in Little India who regularly collects cardboard and sells 4D lottery tickets. Despite receiving money from passersby, she continues her activities.

Another user recounted an experience of seeing an elderly woman eating directly from leftover plates and offered to buy her a plate of duck rice.

However, the hawker advised that it would be pointless, as the woman allegedly prefers eating leftovers to fresh food. The netizen expressed pity for her situation, noting that other customers had also tried to buy her a meal.

Not the First Time Elderly Individuals Spotted Scavenging for Leftovers at People’s Park Food Centre

This is not the first time elderly individuals have been spotted eating leftover food at People’s Park Food Centre.

In November 2022, 8World News reported that at least seven elderly people allegedly engage in such practice regularly at the hawker centre. These individuals typically search for unfinished food left on tables or at the tray return area.

At that time, in response to inquiries from 8World News, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) stated that they were collaborating with grassroots volunteers and hawkers to identify these elderly individuals and provide assistance if needed.

MSF encourages the public to report any elderly individuals in need of help by calling 1800-222-0000 or connecting them with local social service agencies through the OneService App.

In a recent talk show, Zhang Haijie (张海洁), a news anchor with Singapore’s state media 8World News, staunchly defended the country’s achievements while dismissing criticisms from abroad.

In the video published on 12 September, Ms Zhang highlighted the criticisms Singapore often faces from international human rights organizations and Western media, especially regarding the perceived lack of freedom in its governance.

She highlighted how Western countries view Singapore’s democracy as abundant but its freedom as limited, whereas from a Singaporean perspective, Western freedoms sometimes go too far, such as in the case of legal gun ownership in the U.S., which raises concerns about public safety.

Zhang pointed out that while Singapore is frequently criticised for its lack of free speech, authoritarianism, and harsh legal punishments like caning and fines, these critiques are often convenient narratives used to attack Singapore’s system.

She acknowledged that these perceptions are deeply ingrained but argued that Singapore’s success, both in terms of social stability and economic prosperity, speaks for itself.

“Singapore has its own way of defending democracy and freedom; Western-style democracy and freedom don’t apply to us, ” Ms Zhang said.

“As a tiny nation with nothing, we first have to survive before we can afford the luxury of pursuing freedom and democracy.”

In her talkshow, Ms Zhang highlighted a recent article by Graham Allison, a Harvard professor and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, published in Foreign Policy magazine.

The article, titled “What the West Can Learn From Singapore” poses a thought-provoking question: while Americans and Britons highly value freedoms like speech, press, and assembly, would they be willing to accept some limitations on these rights in exchange for the high standards of governance that Singaporeans enjoy?

Ms Zhang further highlighted that Singapore’s success is not merely the result of authoritarian governance, but stems from the fact that “Lee Kuan Yew and his nation-building team made the right decisions, even when they were difficult to understand or unpopular, which ultimately propelled Singapore to its current heights.”

Zhang cited the 1992 ban on chewing gum as an example, explaining that it was implemented to reduce societal costs and prevent vandalism on public property.

Although Singapore faced criticism for this decision—especially during U.S. negotiations—it reflected the country’s bold and pragmatic approach, she added.

Ms Zhang said despite external mockery, Singaporeans now view the ban as a success, showing how restrictions can lead to better living conditions.

She also referenced Lee Kuan Yew’s comment to the BBC, acknowledging that Singapore has been labeled a “nanny state.”

However, she argued that this governance model has fostered a more disciplined and livable society over the years.

Zhang emphasised “Uniquely Singapore” governance system, which is tailored to its specific needs and environment, including policies like the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), government housing, ERP, and a strong anti-corruption framework.

Nevertheless, Ms Zhang acknowledged that while the Western governance model has its advantages, especially in inclusivity, Singapore’s tailored system has proven effective for its unique circumstances.

Netizens criticise Ms Zhang for overlooking Singaporeans’ pressing concerns, lack of balance discussion

8World News is a Chinese digital portal under Mediacorp, a state-owned media company under Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, Temasek Holdings.

Despite the supportive comments on 8World News’s YouTube channel and Facebook page reflecting Ms Zhang’s defence of Singapore’s democracy and achievements, some netizens have pointed out that her arguments overlooked criticisms and concerns raised by ordinary Singaporeans.

These concerns include pressing issues such as the rising cost of living, job opportunities, and housing challenges, which have been increasingly alarming for many on the ground.

A comment emphasised the importance of “press freedom” as a reflection of society, comparing it to the necessity of having a mirror in every household. He suggests that just as a mirror reflects one’s appearance, a free press reflects societal issues and concerns.

Netizen suggests 8World News seek diverse opinions on Singapore’s democracy

A YT user suggests that discussing the topic solely from one’s own perspective may not be suitable.

The user recommend that as an individual media platform, the best approach is to invite several guests to share their personal viewpoints, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions based on a range of opinions.

Netizen asked: Can Singapore’s solutions solve problems in the Western world?

Another comment questions the assertion that Western-style democracy is not applicable to Singapore by highlighting that Singapore’s system is built on parliamentary democracy, elections, a fair judiciary, and a neutral civil service.

These elements, the netizen argues, are essential to Singapore’s success and are not exclusive to Western models.

The netizen further argued that Singapore’s economic prosperity is rooted in the post-war world order led by the U.S., which promoted free trade and provided technology and capital from the West.

He then questions whether Singapore’s model could be applied to the UK or the US, noting that these countries have long histories of stable governance while Singapore is still in its early stages of development.

“The crises faced by the US and European societies are reactions to globalization, such as issues with immigration and unemployment due to industrial shifts. How has Singapore addressed these problems? ”

“For immigration, it firmly denies long-term residency to foreign workers. For unemployment caused by industrial shifts, it opened two casinos and developed the tourism and service industries. Do you think these solutions could be applied to the West? Can they resolve the West’s issues?” The netizen asked.

Rising living costs and employment challenges highlighted amidst growing concerns in Singapore

In recent years, there has been growing concern over rising living costs in Singapore, with many experiencing increased hardships due to policies that have driven up everyday expenses.

Escalating grocery prices, million-dollar HDB flats, and COE premiums exceeding S$100k set records, reinforcing Singapore’s tag as one of the world’s most expensive cities, surpassing even New York.

Last year, Singapore’s Workers’ Party proposed a motion urging structural changes to alleviate financial burdens on citizens, calling for measures to reduce living costs.

However, the ruling party’s proposed modifications to the motion, which the WP strongly opposed, were seen as diminishing the government’s responsibility to address these issues.

On 17 September, The Labour Market Report for Q2 2024, released by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, revealed that all job growth was driven by non-resident workers, while resident employment declined by 600.

Time-related underemployment among residents rose to 2.2%. Of the retrenched residents, 55% found new jobs within six months, but 41.4% had to accept lower wages.

Only 32.2% of retrenched residents managed to secure jobs with similar or higher pay. Older workers, particularly those aged 50 to 59, faced the biggest challenges, with their re-employment rate dropping to 41.6%.

Non-resident workers continue to fill roles in sectors like Construction and Manufacturing, which struggle to attract local residents due to the physically demanding nature of these jobs and the rising cost of living.

Over half of Singaporeans polled consider relocating to Johor Bahru to escape high living costs