Implement a slew of measures to support food delivery riders

I share the concerns of the riders who are trying to earn a decent living by delivering meals to customers (“E-scooter riders take grievances to meet-the-people sessions, others unsure what to do with devices” ; Nov 7).

 

With jobs hard to come by and livelihoods threatening, some solutions need to be put in place to help these riders whose tasks are physically demanding.  Last week as I was going up the lift to my flat, I met a Grabfood rider.  I asked him if he was doing part-time food delivery to earn additional money. He revealed that the IT business which he runs is not doing well and that is why he has to deliver meals.

 

There is always a solution to any problem if we pull together as active citizens to analyze the issue/s at hand and then brainstorm for workable and practical solutions.

 

I would thus like to propose a slew of measures that can resolve this burning issue.

 

To begin with, make it mandatory that all two-wheel PMD's are registered and licensed by 30 November 2019.

 

2.  Have all PMD operators registered and obtain a temporary license by 30 November 2019.

 

3. Make it compulsory for all PMD operators to attend a safety course by 31 January 2020 at which time they will receive a license to operate. Those who do not attend will have their temporary licenses and the PMD confiscated.

4. Require all PMD operators to obtain 3rd party insurance.

 

5.  I feel also that like handphones, the E-scooter charger should automatically be shut down after the bike is fully charged.

 

 6. Place a cap on the number of deliveries for the food E-riders so that they, in a bid to earn more money, will not be tempted to speed.

 

Lastly, strict enforcement should be carried out by the LTA and these include ensuring that there are clear visible licence plates with no modifications, illegal use of space or roads and reckless riding which has been known to cause accidents and deaths.  Demerit points, fines and jail sentences must be handed down to those who disobey traffic regulations.

 

These proposed measures will not only keep all of us in a safe environment, but also allow food delivery workers to support themselves as well as their families.

As I have taken pains to present this propsal, I would apprecaite it if the authorties could let me have a response.

Thank you.

 

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO  

 

Fallen fruits need not be forbidden fruits: An open proposal to the Environment and MSF ministers

 

Under the regulations set out by the National Environment Agency (NEA), it is illegal to collect fallen fruits from forested areas or open fields.

 

In the Netherlands, rich people place apples from trees they grow and place it in plastic bags on their fences for the less well -off to pick up.  Fruits are a good source for vitamins and not everyone can afford it.

 

While there are concerns that the fruit may have expired, an unwritten cause could be put in place to protect the giver from being sued for food contamination. 

 

In Singapore there are some 1,000 Singaporeans who are homeless and they could do with some meals, including fruits.

 

Fallen fruits need not be forbidden fruits. Some flexibility could be exercised to help poorer citizens.

 

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned last night that his party will have to fight hard to win the next elections which is just around the corner.

 

The PAP can win the full support of the electorate if it is willing to help the needy – and therefore it is crucial for it to come up with suitable programmes to take care of the poor.

 

Some places that grow fruit trees like mangoes, coconuts and durians such as in condos can offer fruits to the poor.  Mangoes sliced and mixed with grounded chilies make a nice sambal to go with plain porridge. The poor are not choosy.

 

I would therefore propose that fruits grown in open places can be collected when they are ripe, perhaps by volunteers like the grassroots leaders or government agency staff and when approved for consumption bring it to nursing homes or to food distribution groups for the needy. It is far better to pass the fruits to the needy than to have it rot on the grounds.

 

I would appreciate a reply from the said ministries.

 

Thank you,

 

Sincerely,

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 

Provide refund for recycled bottles and cans Read Raymond’s letter to The Straits Times published on Apr 22, 2019:

My idea has been implemented.

Recycling is vital, as waste material has a negative impact on the environment, and undoubtedly reduces the risks of pollution, which can endanger lives.

When consumers purchase bottled or canned drinks or food items, biscuits and chocolates, they are paying for the container as well.

So why not have automated machines to refund the consumer the cost of the bottle or can whenever they return the used container? For example, if a can of Coke Zero costs $1.50, 10 cents can be refunded for a returned used can.

In some Western countries, like Germany and America, providing such refunds has encouraged citizens to recycle.

Recycling programmes can also help the needy. In Taiwan, for instance, Buddhist charity Tzu Chi Foundation provides free meals to the mentally ill and encourages them to collect used items such as bottles and cans and place them in allocated recycling bins.

Providing incentives to encourage people to recycle is good, as paying it forward helps to build a far better society.

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/provide-refund-for-recycled-bottles-and-cans