Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied): More than 10 years ago, in a 2013 publication, a National Heritage Board (NHB) Community Heritage e-resource on wet markets identified the numerous challenges facing wet market stall-owners, such as competition from hypermarkets, changing consumer profiles, unwillingness of children to take over stalls, significant physical labour and long hours. Over the last few years, wet market stall-owners have cited very high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices for commercial vehicles as another reason to fold up their businesses.
Despite challenges, some wet markets remain relatively more popular, with Tekka Market and Geylang Serai being good examples. What is the Ministry’s long-term plan for wet markets in smaller and localised neighbourhoods which do not command the footfall they once did, and for wet markets where stalls have seen poor take-ups over the last few years?
The Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment (Dr Koh Poh Koon): Mr Pritam Singh asked about the future of markets. Of the over 7,000 such stalls in 83 markets managed under NEA, occupancy rates remained relatively stable at around 96% in recent years. Nonetheless, consumer patterns have shifted with changing demographics and availability of alternatives, like supermarkets and online retailers. NEA will assess local community needs and the availability of market produce, to determine the development plans of wet markets under HUP 2.0.
Beyond the physical space, our hawker centres are also where our hawkers who, as masters of their craft, are the heart and soul of our hawker culture.
In commemoration of SG60 and to appreciate our hawkers, the Minister for Finance has announced a one-time rental support of $600 this year, for each stall in hawker centres and markets managed by the Government and Government-appointed operators. As a nation, we share a joint responsibility to ensure that our hawker culture continues to thrive. The Government will lead by setting policies to support and sustain the hawker trade. This includes providing a conducive business environment, ensuring the trade remains attractive and nurturing a new generation of hawkers.
Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment
4 March 2025
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=budget-2595
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 