I AM glad that some wet markets have been given a reprieve (“HDB to Sheng Siong: 6 wet markets must stay“, Oct 10).
I frequent both supermarkets and the wet markets at Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Batok and Bukit Timah. I find that prices at wet markets are much more competitive than those at supermarkets. The price difference can be as much as 10 to 15 per cent.
The gradual disappearance of wet markets over the years should not go on unchecked. Wet markets should not be left to the mercy of market forces. These “small fish” still have a role to play in lowering the cost of living for Singaporeans.
We are not out of the woods yet as far as the recession is concerned. The Government should do much more to ensure that wet markets continue to not just survive, but also thrive, and in so doing, help bring down the cost of living.
In Japan, the government does a great deal to support the mom-and-pop shops for the country’s greying population.
The same argument applies to the gradual disappearance of traditional coffee-shop food stalls and hawker centres, which have played a critical role in providing Singaporeans with that cheap and good bowl of fishball noodles or char kway teow for $2.50 to $3. Try going to a foodcourt these days and you would have to pay $4 to $5 for the same fare.
In the Orchard Road belt, many office workers resort to bringing their own lunch to avoid having to pay high prices for food in the shopping malls.
It is too easy to argue that younger Singaporeans prefer foodcourts and supermarkets because they are more comfortable and convenient, then leave the fate of food stalls and wet markets to so-called market forces.
In allowing that to happen, I am afraid we will be losing yet more uniquely Singapore institutions. Then our tourism tagline of “Uniquely Singapore” would sound even more hollow.
Patrick Low
Source : Striats Times – 17 Oct 2009
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