16th September 2021 Ms. Grace Fu Minister - Minister at Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment The Ministerial Task Force Dr Vivian Balakrishnan MP Tin Pei Ling Poor training and lack of compassion on the part of SDA doing a great disservice to our elderly I refer to the above matter, and feel compelled to raise this issue up so that our seniors, especially those with mobility issues will be treated with some compassion, empathy and kindness. I have circulated my report to Dr Vivian Balakrishnan as well as MP Tin Pei Ling as both these politicians fully understand what our elderly seniors are trying to grapple with – in their twilight years. At 12noon today, Thursday 16th September 2021, when I went to take my lunch at the Sembawang Hills Food Center, after finishing my meals, a female Safe Distancing Ambassador (SDA) directed me to carry my crockery with the tray to the Tray return area. She and the other SDAs saw me limping with a stick, yet insisted I carry out her directive with total lack of compassion that I have severe mobility issues. She should learn a thing or two from the Wanton Mee lady who out of kindness brought my meal over to a nearby table. This middle-aged SDA officer should also learn a thing or two from the staff at HANS, Thompson Plaza whose staff will bring my meal to any table where I sit. Go and learn from these people about customer service, please! There will be less complaints about SDAs if they fully understand the medical conditions of our seniors. I am also seeing a Knee Specialist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. I have to carry in my trousers the Vaccination certificates, carry the Trace Together Token, so now must I carry the letter from the Polyclinic Dr to confirm that I have Osteoarthritis? Give me a break, will you? I had to explain to her that I am suffering from osteoarthritis where my hands and body trembles and I am weak. She appeared unsure what to do, then approached a senior SDA staff member who also wanted me to clear my table. Finally, after explaining myself, they reluctantly agreed to ask the cleaner to take away my tray. Do I have to keep explaining myself all the time when it was clearly mentioned that the elderly and those with mobility issues will not be required to clear the crockery and trays. Is not the advisory message being carried out, with some common sense? It’s a pity that sense is not always common! Singaporeans and foreigners alike have gone through 18 months of inconveniences and we could do well with some compassion. We must be able to understand that Singapore is the BEST home to live in. Unfortunately, I can’t buy that anymore. I avoid going out too much –given the spread of the virus, but I have to eat to keep myself healthy, and more so as I am a widower. I expect a proper reply and an assurance that such heavy-handed methods will no longer recur. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando