Unfair that some hawker centre toilets are free while others charge, says Stomper: ‘Must standardise’

“These toilets are washed by cleaners and not by the fee collectors at the entrance. The cleaners also install the free toilet paper,” said the Stomper.

“So practically, the collectors are doing nothing sitting there to collect entrance fees without contributing to the cleaning and supply of toilet rolls.

“So why charge while most don’t?

“I also observe that it’s free for hawkers. Why the double standards?”

He added: “I am not here to quarrel over the miserable 10 cents, but as a matter of principle, this entrance fee is unfair.”

It should be noted that none of the hawker centres mentioned are operated by the National Environment Agency (NEA).

Both Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre and Block 216 Bedok Food Centre and Market are managed by East Coast Town Council.

Tampines Round Market and Food Centre is under Tampines Town Council, while Cheng San Market & Cooked Food Centre is managed by Ang Mo Kio Town Council.

Town councils may impose a fee for various reasons, according to The Straits Times.

One town council said it created the “toilet caretaker” job for needy senior residents. These residents who take up the position are paid a salary and they also get to keep the cash from toilet admissions, 10 cents per entry, that they collect.

The town council said the 10-cent collection is meant to motivate them to do a good job and to give them a sense of job ownership.

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