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
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