A TikTok video by Singaporean influencer Steph Leong sparked a debate about morning shower habits in Singapore. The video, which has garnered 257,100 views, criticized people who don’t shower before leaving their homes.
Leong specifically pointed out Singaporean Chinese men in her video, stating they smelled like unwashed bedsheets and accumulated sweat. Her Instagram poll showed 74% of respondents encountered similar body odor issues regularly.
The debate has been dubbed “Mandilah Singapura,” with social media users divided into two groups. TikTok user Luqmaan (@luqmanshii) supported Leong’s stance, stating morning showers are essential for basic hygiene. Noah Yap (@onlynoah) added that Singapore has sufficient water supply for morning showers.
Other TikTok users defended their choice to skip morning showers. User Xin Hui (@xinderellah) cited insufficient sleep as her reason, while AuntiFei (@auntiefei) said she doesn’t need morning showers because she sleeps in an air-conditioned room and showers at night.
Some social media users suggested a middle ground, recommending the use of deodorant and basic freshening up for those who skip morning showers.
In a follow-up video, Leong expressed surprise at the viral nature of her hygiene-focused content. She suggested that those defending their no-morning-shower habit were experiencing cognitive dissonance about an unhealthy practice.
