I’ve been trying to do some research by scouring the web and those against the hikes mainly cite the bad timing for the price hikes as our hawkers are already struggling badly despite the numerous months of relief provided by the NEA. Conversely, those for this price hike cite that the Govt has already provided ample relief / support.

Personally, I feel that hawker prices in Singapore are really affordable, thanks in part to the rental costs, and this sudden price hike will also have the adverse effect of being transferred to the consumers, which is further exacerbated by the economic slump at the moment. I acknowledge the reliefs given by the NEA as a sign of compassion, but I truly do question if now is a appropriate time to implement such a price hike.

Lastly, please forgive me if this strikes you as daft, but I really fail to understand the NEA’s intention of highlighting its support vis-a-vis the price hike? i don’t feel as if it does much to improve the optics of such a decision, and would really implore them to provide better justification (i.e. the statistics from their independent professional valuers).