Singaporeans learning to scavenge for food like third world poor

Commentary: Living in Singapore doesn't have to be so expensive when you're a freegan
 

When so many things we need, including food, can be gotten for free, there is little else we absolutely need to spend money on, says freegan writer Daniel Tay.

 

In this file photo taken before the pandemic, volunteers sort out rescued fruits and vegetables before giving them out for free to the public. (Photo: Fann Sim)


SINGAPORE: With the cost of food and petrol increasing on a weekly basis, every conversation with friends is sure to touch on inflation.

Sometimes I am shy to admit I have not felt it at all, because my expenses have not increased in the past five years.

Yet life has only gotten more abundant. At home, our fridge is full of fresh vegetables and fruits, sourced from food rescues where we collect “ugly” but edible produce from shopkeepers.

Our cupboards are full of canned food and condiments, gathered from cafes and restaurants that have shut down. CNA

Everything in Singapore, the life of Singaporeans, is returning to square one, like in the 50s, and 60s. In those days, China was a dirt poor country, not enough food to eat, no private cars but bicycles as the normal form of transportation. Old dilapidated buildings etc etc, everything resembling a typical poor third world country. 

Today, China is about everything a rich and prosperous country can ask for, good infrastructure, people well clothed and well fed, well educated, good jobs, living in high rise buildings anytime better than our HDB flats. Cars everywhere, new cars, electric cars, driverless cars, high speed trains, high living and travelling around the world, old folks can retire early to enjoy life.

What about Singapore? Gradually and increasingly Singapore is returning to the days of pre independence, no job or no good jobs, become security guards, food deliverers, do part time odd jobs, driving 'pah hong chia' for a living, homes have to share with foreigners, private kitchens and toilets now become public toilets or shared toilets and common kitchens, and now scavenging for food. 

Though there is no shame to be poor, no shame to scavenge for leftovers discarded food, but why are these happenings to Singaporeans? Do we need to start scavenging classes for Singaporeans and hire third world experts to teach Singaporeans how to find food and discarded items and toys from rubbish dumps? A lot of them are here working with Work Permits. They can be elevated to become experts and foreign talents and be paid more and issued with Employment Passes. Experience, expert in food scavenging in rubbish dumps. No degree never mind. 

Not only can look for leftovers, can collect drink cans and bottles to sell for a bit of cash too. The rubbish dumps used to be a gold mine for pioneering generation Singaporeans in the early 1940s and 50s. Are they returning to the good old days, just to reminisce the good old times, for old times sake? By the way, many are returning to become hawkers and farmers. Our parents were farmers and hawkers, sent us to universities to become professionals, not to become graduate farmers and hawkers...and taxi drivers.

Are Singaporeans progressing or degressing? Sure, there are the super rich like in the past. But are the lives of average Singaporeans, the working class, improving? More and more Singaporeans are also losing their homes and have to live in rented flats.... and depending of govt handouts.