In recent weeks, Singaporeans have been turning up in droves to remote parts of the island in search of nature’s offerings.
When Chek Jawa’s continued existence was threatened by the imminent reclamation of Pulau Ubin, people were quick to pour out their displeasure over the destruction of one of the few remaining nature spots in Singapore.
Yet, many of these same people have thronged Chek Jawa to such an extent in the wake of the excitement that its very existence has been threatened, so much so that the island’s authorities have had to set up a booking system to ensure everyone gets a chance to visit Chek Jawa, and at the same time, Chek Jawa gets to take a much needed rest from curious hordes of people treading on its grounds.
And when the existence of a hot spring was reported in the local newspapers recently, hundreds of health-seeking individuals, of all ages, turned up in Sembawang, where the hot spring is located, bringing along pails to take turns to bathe in its waters.
Things got so bad, there was a long line of vehicles parked illegally along the road leading to the hot spring. Also, the number of people trampling on the grounds around the hot spring, dirtying the place, shows the ugly side of the Singaporean once again.
Mind you, the hot spring has been around for the past 100* years! It is said “Curiosity kills the cat”. In this case, it appears nature has taken a battering.
I am not against the idea of partaking in the appreciation of nature’s offerings. What I regret is that in our mindless drive to be the first there – whereever there may be – we have unintentionally threatened what we hold so dear – the few remaining nature spots in Singapore.
Do we always have to be the first ones there? Do we have to make a beeline for the newest shopping centre when it opens? Do we have to be the first to get at the free textbooks laid out for needy people? But that’s the typical mindset of us Singaporeans, me included!
Is it possible for us to change? I don’t think so. Many things have been said of the ugly Singaporean. I need say no more.
At least, when it comes to places, such as Chek Jawa and the hot spring, which hang on a delicate balance, we Singaporeans should take a step back and refrain from making that mindless dash. If not for Chek Jawa or the hot spring, at least do it for our future generations who may never get to enjoy what we unwittingly may not pass on to them.
*The hot spring was discovered by Chinese merchant SEAH Eng Keong in 1909.
Date of article: 21 Jan 2002