Rental Rebates for Hawkers Affected by Closure of Hawker Centres for Improvement Works

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) whether the Ministry will consider offering rental rebates to hawkers who are affected by the closure of hawker centres for improvement works to help offset some loss of income; and (b) whether the Ministry will be able to work with the Workforce Development Agency to send hawkers for training that is tailored for them during the shutdown period.

As part of the maintenance of hawker centres, cyclical repairs and redecorations works, including the repainting of the centre and replacement of fixtures, are carried out by the National Environment Agency or the respective Town Councils every five to seven years. Over a longer term, major works, such as the replacement of plumbing, sanitary systems, electrical rewiring, exhaust motors, lifts and escalators, as well as re-roofing, may also be carried out.

Stallholders who are directly affected by these works and who are unable to operate their stalls due to the closure of the centres may be given rental remission for the duration of the works.

My Ministry will take into consideration the suggestion to facilitate the hawkers attending relevant training during the closure period.