Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Cleanliness Outcomes at Hawkers

Question:

Mr Shawn Loh: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether there are differences in public satisfaction, cleanliness, and operating efficiencies between hawker centres managed by Town Councils, such as Whampoa and Bendemeer markets, and those managed by NEA; and (b) if so, whether the Government can consider a model where a single Government agency owns and runs all hawker centres, but tenders certain elements like cleaning based on geographical regions.

Answer:

The National Environment Agency (NEA) or NEA appointed operators manage and maintain hawker centres owned by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, including both general and table cleaning. Town Councils (TCs) manage and maintain hawker centres owned by the Housing and Development Board, including general cleaning, alongside Hawkers’ Associations which manage table cleaning.

Cleanliness levels may vary across different centres regardless of whether they are managed by NEA or TCs. Multiple factors affect the cleanliness at hawker centres, including the size and age of the centres, patron profiles, and cleaning service providers. Ultimately, upholding cleanliness standards at hawker centres requires all stakeholders to work together and play their part.

While there are no plans to change the current arrangement, NEA will continue to monitor cleanliness outcomes at hawker centres to ensure they remain clean and comfortable dining spaces.