MP Foo Cexiang (PAP-Tanjong Pagar) asked whether NEA would review the requirement for stallholders at SEHCs to absorb a 10 per cent discount offered to customers using operators’ apps.
Ms Goh said the apps are part of wider efforts to attract footfall. “SEHC operators bear the costs of developing such apps and conducting marketing and publicity efforts, while stallholders bear a portion of the costs by providing discounts in return for increased sales.”
In a supplementary question, Mr Foo asked if all hawkers understood that they are not expected to incur losses from providing value meals.
“I ask because I would expect there to be a wide variation in the practices on the ground, because there are some food types like economy rice where this would be much more easily implementable, as compared to Japanese food, where the base of the food cost is already higher,” he added.
In response, Ms Goh stressed that stallholders “walk in with their eyes wide open” about the value meal requirement and how it applies to their operations.
Acknowledging that different stalls may need different approaches to meet this condition, she said price adjustments over time are reasonable due to inflation or other factors.
NEA’s surveys between 2021 and 2024 showed satisfaction levels above 80 per cent for various aspects of SEHC management, with stall occupancy rates at about 96 per cent, said Ms Goh.
Operators must hold quarterly feedback sessions with their tenants, which NEA representatives also attend. These serve as a “regular platform” for hawkers raise concerns.
For example, one operator received feedback about high gas costs and will explore cheaper alternatives after its current gas contract expires, she added.
