‘There’s genuinely no way we can even survive’: Netizens question feasibility of using fans instead of air-con
Netizens have raised concerns over the feasibility of suggestions proposed by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Gan Kim Yong — which include using fans instead of air-conditioning and taking public transport over driving — amid the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.
In a ministerial statement on April 7, DPM Gan urged residents to “do (their) part” as the effects of the conflict are expected to be felt by both households and businesses.
He suggested that households could conserve electricity by purchasing more energy-efficient appliances, and adopting “simple” measures such as using fans instead of air-conditioning and taking public transport instead of driving.
DPM Gan also took the opportunity to assure residents that the government is working on a coordinated response to minimise disruptions caused by the conflict.
“All of us — government, businesses and households — will need to do our part,” he said.
Netizens concerned about feasibility of proposed measures
In an April 7 Reddit thread that garnered more than 200 comments and 500 upvotes, many users questioned how practical these measures would be.
“How to sleep without air-con?” one asked, as others pointed to the recent scorching weather.
One TikToker even claimed that there is “genuinely no way” Singaporeans can cope without air-conditioning.
Others said they would be willing to drive less if they were allowed to work from home. “How about mandating working from home one day a week?” one asked.
One Redditor, who said they had already adopted the measures proposed by DPM Gan, questioned what more could be expected of them: “I’m already using a fan and taking public transport... What’s next? Walk around naked?”
In March, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) called for energy-saving measures, including the promotion of work-from-home arrangements, in light of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
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