OYK responds to Seetoh.
1d ·
In the past week, I was alerted to a series of online posts by KF Seetoh regarding the management of Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre. I took an interest, as this is a hawker centre in my constituency. I have looked into the matters raised by KF Seetoh and would like to share what I have found out.
First, it was claimed that hawkers are charged $70 a month for the use of a blue basket to store their supplies. This is not true, as there is no such practice of charging for the use of the blue baskets at the back of their stalls.
Second, it was also claimed that hawkers must provide 60 free meals each month. This does not present the full picture.
When Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre first opened, the stallholders initially agreed to provide 30 meals a month for low-income residents. This was subsequently adjusted to 100 meals over the three-year duration of their lease. There are no penalties if they do not or are unable to provide the meals. This simple, well-intentioned initiative was meant to encourage our hawkers to ‘Pay-It-Forward’. In any case, the initiative has yet to commence.
Since its opening, Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre has become a lively and welcoming space for the community — a place to enjoy good food, meet neighbors, and be surrounded by greenery. It has been a great addition to the community and one that is appreciated by residents. I visit frequently and have seen the growth of the hawker centre firsthand.
I appreciate KF Seetoh’s concern for our hawkers and share his passion for keeping our hawker culture alive and thriving. However, let’s do so without putting down anyone, whether they are patrons, hawkers, the hawker centre operator, or government agencies. When issues arise, there are avenues for discussion and resolution. Everyone will need to work together to uphold our hawker centre culture.
Your care, strength, and compassion keep Singapore strong every day. Thanks for putting up with my surprise visits
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