The National Environment Agency (NEA) thanks Mr Lim Chye Hai (“Give illegal hawkers a chance to make honest living”; Jan 2), Mr Heng Cho Choon (“Help, not hinder, attempts to earn a living”; Monday) and Mr Francis Cheng (“Soft stance on illegal hawking will send wrong signals”; Monday) for their suggestions on dealing with illegal hawkers.
Illegal hawking is a risk to public health and causes public disamenities. Consequently, since the 1960s, street hawkers have been relocated to purpose-built hawker centres with proper facilities and adequate supervision. All hawkers and their assistants are trained to prepare food safely.
Any Singaporean who wishes to embark on a hawking career may rent a hawker stall from the NEA. There are monthly tender exercises, and successful bids have been as low as $1 in some centres.
The NEA has to take action against illegal hawkers, including foreigners, who circumvent our laws, to protect public health and safety.
Local illegal hawkers in genuine financial difficulties are referred to social service agencies, voluntary welfare organisations and self-help groups. In the long run, such individuals will be better off seeking employment or getting a proper stall in a hawker centre to make a living.
They can approach Singapore Workforce Development Agency career centres located islandwide for career and training advice and services to enhance their job search skills and employability. They can also register with the Jobs Bank to search for jobs.
The NEA also provides assistance with the hawker stall application process if they wish to apply.
We remind members of the public not to buy food from illegal hawkers as the source and preparation of the food are suspect. They may provide feedback to our 24-hour NEA Call Centre on 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255-632).
Tony Teo
Director, Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency
*Letter first appeared in ST Forum (10 Jan).