Temasek Foundation to begin distribution of free hand sanitiser in Singapore from April 12

Temasek Foundation on Tuesday announced the distribution of free sanitiser in Singapore starting April 12. As part of its second #BYOBclean initiative, Temasek Foundation will enable every interested household in Singapore to collect 500ml free, zero alcohol hand sanitiser from automated vending machines.

Screengrab: YouTube/Temasek Foundation
Screengrab: YouTube/Temasek Foundation

Residents will need to do their own self-collection at these vending machines, using the QR code in their March/April SP bill or SP account number, a release stated. 

“Through this distribution, we hope to remind Singapore residents to stay safe by practising good hand hygiene. Working with our various partners, we believe that Singapore will pull through this challenging time and emerge as a more resilient nation together,” said Lim Boon Heng, Chairman of Temasek.

“We are grateful to our many volunteers and partners for giving resources, time and energy to ensure this #BYOBclean collection runs smoothly across the island, amid a nationwide vaccination campaign happening concurrently. We hope that this hand sanitiser will be helpful for Singapore residents, especially those who need alternatives to alcohol-based sanitisers, to keep ourselves, our loved ones and those around us safe and protected,” added Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive of Temasek Foundation Ecosperity.

How to get free sanitiser

Residents will be required to bring their own clean reusable bottles, up to 2 bottles each. The automated vending machines will be located at all Community Centres/Clubs (CCs) across Singapore and at Temasek Shophouse at Dhoby Ghaut, from April 12 to 25.

The following step by step instructions will be provided on the interactive screens of the vending machines:

  • Scan QR code on March/April SP bill, or key in SP household account number
  • Collect and paste labels for 1 or 2 bottles
  • Place bottle under dispensing nozzle
  • If using 2 bottles, remove first bottle when full, and place second bottle under the dispensing nozzle
  • Remember to cap bottles after they are filled to prevent spillage

Residents can use any suitable recycled bottles that are empty, clean and dry including shampoo bottles, glass bottles, or PET / plastic bottles, provided these are shorter than 23 cm or 9 inches, and not wider than 11 cm or 4.5 inches.

The press release also stated that each machine will have sufficient hand sanitiser concentrate for almost 4,000 bottles of 500ml capacity.

Formulated and manufactured by local supplier Klenco, the #BYOBclean liquid hand sanitiser for this distribution is coloured purple, using a non-toxic colour additive, so that it looks different from plain drinking water. It is non-flammable, non-corrosive and biodegradable. 

The release added that it will not dry or irritate skin,and can be a suitable alternative for people who may be allergic to alcohol based hand sanitiser.

Videos on what to bring for collection, and how to use the vending machines are available in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil online.