Fixed rent system for hawker stalls would remove focus on bid prices

I appreciate the latest efforts by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to deter high bids for hawker stalls by introducing safeguards against aggressive bidding practices (New measure by NEA to deter high bids for hawker stalls, Nov 4).

- Martin Lee Ming Han

While this policy change is a step in the right direction, it feels more like placing a plaster on a wound rather than addressing the root cause of the problem.

The issue with the current bidding system lies in its focus on monetary bids, which prioritises financial capability over the true purpose of hawker centres: serving affordable, high-quality food to the community.

Even with safeguards, potential hawkers who offer unique, quality dishes but lack the financial means to place competitive bids may still be excluded from the system.