Hawkers need more than just rental relief to tide through this pandemic
A hawker at Newton Food Centre waits for customers on July 22, 2021, when safe management measures reverted back to Phase 2 (heightened alert).
Our government ministers call Singapore Airlines (SIA) our "strategic asset" and rightly so. Many Singaporeans regard it as our national pride and a company that is worth saving during this Covid-19 crisis.
Being a publicly listed company, it is backed by its controlling shareholder and state investment firm Temasek Holdings, which swiftly came to SIA’s rescue by providing billions of dollars of much-needed support.
Unfortunately, our hawker stalls do not share such privileges. They are not able to issue debt or equity on public markets to tide over these tough times.
During the pandemic, in the face of rising costs of ingredients due to supply chain disruptions, and lower revenues as a result of safety regulations implemented by the Government to control outbreaks, they face very bleak prospects in the near term.
Hawker stalls are a strategic national asset as well.
The food they offer at affordable prices are a source of sustenance and joy.
Many Singaporeans certainly do not wish to see their favourite hawkers being put out of business.
I strongly urge the Government to consider providing greater financial support to our hawkers, beyond rental relief.
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