‘Never approach people from behind’: How enforcement officers and ambassadors handle the public

SINGAPORE: The one day Chow Kai Wen was deployed as an enforcement officer by the National Environment Agency , a member of the public slapped him.

The NEA senior assistant director usually oversees operations of markets and hawker centres, which includes crowd control and managing entry into these areas. But that day, he was covering for a colleague. Cindy Tay, for example, is a former tourist guide with 32 years’ experience whom the Singapore Tourism Board roped in to be a safe distancing ambassador when her tour group bookings started drying up as the COVID-19 situation escalated.“I like to be outdoors, so when this opportunity arose, I thought on the one hand, I can assist Singaporeans and businesses in following any new guidelines; on the other ... I’m allowed to go out and walk around while carrying out the duties,” he said.

“They’ve been there for 30 to 40 years, sitting there playing chess and chit-chatting … You’re telling them to change overnight. I think we have to exercise a lot of compassion,” said the 57-year-old.Tay is licensed to guide in English, French and Italian. She can also speak local dialects. She also insisted, he recounted, that NEA officers “come and stand in her stall to see what it’s like”. He said it took a lot of patience, multiple conversations with her — and the efforts of different colleagues — before she complied.

In general, said Nat, people eye them with curiosity. Some people ask where he is from and why he is there, while others are wary or appear “slightly unhappy” that they are being “monitored”. “The mood’s definitely different,” she said. “If they know they’ve done the right thing, they don’t have to be afraid of us walking around.”Over the weeks, all of the four CNA Insider spoke to have observed people taking the situation more seriously and generally being more aware of the regulations.

She is encouraged by the fact that being on the ground has proved to be more pleasant than she had expected.

Enforcement officers must handle the lockdown without being bias on race.

Thank you for all that you do.

Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

'Animal Crossing' offers digital getaway under lockdownMillions of people are skirting global coronavirus lockdowns to stroll through public spaces, fly overseas and watch idyllic sunsets... in the ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

After lockdown, a world of masksDismissed as useless, now apparently indispensable -- wearing a face mask as protection from the new coronavirus is becoming commonplace around the world as countries begin to emerge from lockdowns. Over 50 countries now require people to cover their faces when they leave home, especially on public
Source: YahooSG - 🏆 3. / 71 Read more »

JPMorgan says it has handled US$17.8 billion under emergency aid programJPMorgan Chase & Co said it has submitted roughly 220,000 applications worth US$17.8 billion to the Small Business Administration's Paycheck ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Trump says China 'will do anything they can' for him to lose re-election racePresident Donald Trump said on Wednesday he believes China's handling of the coronavirus is proof that Beijing 'will do anything they can' to make ... Any reasonable Chinese leader would want him to stay in power forever, forever ever, forever ever. Groundless and reckless untrue assertions. I hope China succeeds!
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Formula 1: Austrian GP 'must be behind closed doors', insists ministerVIENNA: The Austrian Grand Prix, now set to be the first race of the coronavirus-hit Formula One world championship, will only be given the green ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Boxing: Joshua would fight behind closed doors only as last resort, says HearnLONDON (REUTERS) - Britain's world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua would fight behind closed doors only as a last resort, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »