Singapore, September 12, 2012

The sheer variety of eateries out there makes Singapore a foodie's dream.

But it can also be a cleaner's nightmare, especially during peak hours.

We pride ourselves on our chicken rice, nasi lemak and char kway teow.

But the unsightly mess left behind by diners is nothing to be proud of.

There are not enough cleaners in Singapore, cleaning companies say.

And the 10 new hawker centres to be built over the next decade will add to the demand.

So it is best to clean up after yourself when you finish a meal.

But most people don't do so, The New Paper found out.

We observed over two days during the lunch hour to see if people cleared their own trays at Ikea Alexandra and Suntec Fountain Food Terrace. Clearing your own tray is highly recommended at both places.

Over 11/2 hours at each place, we observed 10 tables. The result: Three out of 10 cleared their own trays at Ikea Alexandra. Only one did at Suntec Fountain Food Terrace.

The most common reason for not doing so: "The cleaners will have no job if I clear my own trays."

>> Read the full article here.

Click on the photos below to see what The New Paper found out: