Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Hawker Stall Subletting

Question:

To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Government has studied the impact of illegal hawker stall subletting on food affordability, particularly if higher hidden rents are passed on to consumers; (b) how have such practices affect younger aspiring hawkers seeking entry into the trade; and (c) what targeted measures are planned to preserve fair access for new entrants.

Answer:

1. The National Environment Agency (NEA) takes a firm stance against subletting to prevent stallholders from engaging in rent-seeking behavior. If left unchecked, subletting could have an impact on operating costs and food affordability. NEA conducts regular inspections and issues warnings to stallholders found to be not personally operating their stall. Recalcitrant stallholders will be issued termination notices and could be barred from renting other hawker stalls. Stallholders and members of the public who suspect any subletting activities are encouraged to report them to NEA.

2. NEA ensures a robust channel for stall allocation to new entrants through an open and transparent stall bidding system for NEA-managed hawker centres, and monitors bids closely to identify anomalies. Prospective tenderers are informed upfront that they must personally operate their stalls and are not allowed to sublet. These restrictions are also clearly stated in the tenancy agreement between NEA and stallholders.