Some think it’s disrespectful, while others think it’s reasonable given the time constraints
One of life’s greatest challenges is finding a seat after standing in a lengthy lunch queue and eventually receiving your meal. A package of tissues will be your best friend if this ever occurs when you’re in Singapore and have to go out to purchase lunch.
The practice of laying tissues on a table and declaring possession of a vacant seat is widespread in Singapore (it’s even called “Chop-ing”). Although it may seem disrespectful, some people think it’s OK since you have just 30 minutes for lunch.