SINGAPORE: In a significant move, Members of Parliament (MPs) from all parties rallied together on Wednesday, November 13, to vote in favor of an amended motion proposed by the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) aimed at bolstering support for hawkers and nurturing Singapore's iconic hawker culture.

The original motion sought a comprehensive review of government policies concerning hawkers and hawker centers, emphasizing the need to enhance support for hawkers so that Singaporeans can continue to relish delicious and affordable hawker fare. However, MP Edward Chia from the People’s Action Party (PAP) called for amendments to ensure the government maintains ongoing support through regular policy reviews, reinforcing the need for hawkers to sustain a fair livelihood.

After nearly six hours of vigorous debate, all MPs, including members from the Workers’ Party (WP) and the PSP's Non-Constituency MPs, unanimously voted in favor of the amendments. The revised motion echoes a commitment to preserving Singapore's unique hawker culture and ensuring that the hawkers continue to earn a just living while providing quality food.

The closing remarks from NCMP Leong Mun Wai represented a shared sentiment: “This is to show that this House is united in our support for hawkers,” he proclaimed.

Policy Proposals Under Review

As part of the discussion, Mr. Leong and fellow PSP NCMP Hazel Poa introduced six proposals aimed at addressing the ongoing challenges faced by hawkers. A notable proposal was the allowance for cooked food stalls to employ one foreign work permit holder to mitigate the labor shortage. Yet, concerns were raised by Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon regarding the potential ramifications of such a move, suggesting that opening the doors too widely to foreign manpower could significantly alter the fabric of hawker centers—a reality some Singaporeans may resist.

One of Leong’s other suggestions included a shift away from the current bidding system for stall rentals, proposing a more adaptable rent structure to alleviate rising costs and reduce speculative pricing. Koh defended the established bidding model as an essential mechanism that promotes transparency and encourages committed vendors to participate.

Poa highlighted the possibility of a centralized procurement system, allowing hawkers to benefit from bulk purchasing of ingredients to drive down costs. However, Koh noted the existing infrastructure that supports such initiatives has not been widely adopted due to hawkers' established supplier relationships.

Addressing Concerns and Suggestions

As MPs navigated through the discussion, concerns emerged about workforce diversity and the integrity of hawker culture. Chia reminded attendees of earlier debates highlighting issues related to an influx of foreign workers, emphasizing the need to balance these concerns with the pressing need for manpower.

Meanwhile, the effectiveness of recent initiatives such as the Hawkers' Development Programme was called into question, with statistics revealing disappointing participation rates. MP Louis Chua noted that only 16 out of 566 participants continued to operate their stalls, prompting calls for more innovative incentives to attract younger generations to the hawker trade.

Dr. Koh underscored the government’s commitment to a long-term vision, promising ongoing adjustments to policies based on hawker feedback and evolving circumstances.

The Future of Singapore's Hawker Culture

In closing remarks, MP Leong painted a vivid picture of the challenges that hawkers face, including high rents, staff shortages, and tough competition. He cautioned that the traditional hawker model, celebrated for its dedication and individual entrepreneurship, is at risk of fading away if these pressures continue unabated.

"The pressures are mounting; if this continues, our hawker culture, rooted in hard work, will slowly wither," he warned, calling upon the government to take decisive action in refining policies that genuinely support hawkers.

This unanimous vote signals a collective resolve among Singapore's lawmakers to nurture the beloved hawker culture—a vibrant tapestry of the nation's culinary identity, reflecting the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. Will these reforms breathe new life into the stalls of Singapore? Only time will tell!