Sim Ann on ensuring affordable food prices in the heartlands

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) is committed to ensuring that the rent payable by operators of its rental coffee shops remains stable, said Senior Minister of State for National Development Sim Ann. There are 776 coffee shops in HDB estates - 374 are owned by HDB and rented to operators while 402 are sold. Replying to an MP’s question in Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 7), Ms Sim said over the last five years, HDB did not increase the rent for 97 per cent of its rental coffee shops at renewal. The increase in the median rent of HDB rental coffee shops was limited to 1.6 per cent during this period. Ms Sim said this is part of HDB’s efforts to help operators and stallholders in a rising cost environment. To help rental coffee shop operators in providing budget meals by 2026, HDB offers rental discounts of five per cent for one year, on condition that they sell such meals. Ms Sim said HDB does not regulate the stall rentals that owners charge, as these transactions are private commercial agreements between the coffee shop owners and the stall operators. Coffee shop operators and stallholders may tap on schemes to adopt digital solutions and improve productivity, she said.