Singapore’s cleanliness, environmental health and transport praised in the IFEH Magazine 

Last year, in July 2009, our Society hosted the Council meeting and AGM of the prestigious International Federation of Environmental Health (“IFEH”), which is based in London. After visiting Singapore, the President of IFEH, Mr. Bernard Forteath has mentioned following in his January 2010 Environmental & Health International magazine.  

“The first thing that strikes you about Singapore is the abundance of good public transport, the cleanliness of the streets and precincts, and well maintained parks and open spaces. There is no litter, no chewing gum, no graffiti; no grass cuttings left on pavements. It is an environmental health officer’s dream.... 

"...For example, people are fined heavily for dropping a cigarette end. Apart from the obvious, the other reason for this is that surface water is recycled and used again so cigarette ends would cause problems during the filtration process. Water Sustainability is very important to the country and is rigorously monitored. Environmental Protection, Air Quality, Environmental Health, Solid Waste Management, and Food Safety are seen as important and receive appropriate investment.  

"...The general public are enthusiastic about their environment - they think it natural to keep it clean - and have an enthusiastic pride in their country, which I must admit was infectious. "  

The magazine is available for download from IFEH's website at www.ifeh.org

Our Society would like to thank IFEH President,  Mr. Bernard Forteath, for his comments and the support he gave during his visit. The Society would also like to thank Honorary Secretary of IFEH, Mr. Raymond Ellard, and all the IFEH members and participants who attended the meeting, for their support.