When a market is also a community chat stop

I REFER to Wednesday’s report, ‘Wet markets’ buyout causes upset’. Supermarket chain Sheng Siong bought over five wet markets in Choa Chu Kang, Serangoon, Bukit Batok West and Bukit Panjang, much to the dismay of heartlanders.

Wet markets are supposed to be places for residents to buy the freshest food at the lowest price possible. Each stall is managed by a stall owner, who has the right to give his customers the best and also take control of his selling price. Now wet markets will be replaced by Sheng Siong, goods will be sold to consumers at a fixed price. Residents in the neighbourhood are unhappy over higher prices and less variety of food.

Closure of the wet markets will also affect the unemployment rate. Stallholders are usually middle-aged or older. They may suffer from structural unemployment. Unlike previous contracts, new ones may allow termination. Usually less educated than the younger generation, stall owners tend to sign without realising they may have to leave in less than three months. Furthermore, some stallholders said they would have difficulty finding another stall at other wet markets. I feel for the stallholders as they are just trying to earn a living on their meagre income.

Wet markets are good places for residents to mingle and talk with other residents and stallholders. Residents feel comfortable and very much at home as they haggle amid the noise and familiar surroundings of wet markets they have patronised for years. Strong friendships were forged over the years as customers supported the stallholders.

This will soon be replaced by something cold – and air-conditioned at that. As these markets are corporatised, there is a possibility that the sense of familiarity residents once enjoyed will dissipate as they face new staff from Sheng Siong.

Also, a wet market is a good melting pot for a multiracial society, as people of different races come to the market to buy their ingredients.

I hope more consideration can be given as this issue concerns many groups of people.

Jayne Lee (Miss)