More restaurants now charge for plain water, and some price bottled water the same as sugary drinks. This nudges consumers towards sugar-laden beverages, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Free or low-cost drinking water should be made more widely available across F&B outlets, shopping malls, heartland coffeeshops and public spaces. This supports healthier choices and reduces unnecessary costs for consumers.
I urge MSE to encourage and work with F&B outlets, coffeeshops, and malls toprovide free or low-cost drinking water as a best practice.
MSE should also promote a culture of carrying reusable water bottles as part ofSingapore’s sustainability efforts. Refilling reusable bottles cuts down ourreliance on single-use plastics.
By nudging businesses, building owners and the public towards these norms, we can help Singaporeans stay hydrated while making choices that benefit their health,their wallets, and the environment.
