A bit much to clamp down on vending machines with random prizes when they provide innocent fun
A mystery prize vending machine at Liang Court.
The police announced this week that they have banned the use of vending machines that dispense random mystery prizes and will fine businesses operating them.
Personally, I find it to be quite cute, the idea of using S$10 to get a gift which might turn out to be more expensive or cheaper than that value. This is merely a game, and to say that it is lottery seems to be stretching the imagination too far.
Singapore is already a boring place. Why can't we have some innocent fun in our lives?
If we are worried that young children will over-indulge in it, then it is up to the parents to educate them. We cannot have the state intervene every time it is the responsibility of parents and citizens to do so.
If we are to move into the knowledge economy, this is the lack of critical thinking among citizens that is worrying.
Having some fun at games also breaks the monotony and bolsters creativity. It is difficult that on the one hand, we want to instil creativity in our citizens and on the other hand, we do not build up the culture for it.
I would ask the authorities to loosen up.
