PASAR MALAM

Mr Heng Chiang Meng asked the Minister for Trade and Industry and Minister for Education whether he is satisfied that the "pasar malam" at the Singapore Handicraft Centre is a success and, if so, whether he will consider a scheme to designate more "pasar malam" areas so as to provide a wider variety of interest for tourists as well as more opportunities for our small businessmen.

The Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Dr Wong Kwei Cheong) (for the Minister for Trade and Industry and Minister for Education): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am answering this question on behalf of my Minister.

The pasar malam at the Singapore Handicraft Centre was introduced by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board in April this year. It operates every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm and also on Wednesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm. A total of 81 stallholders and demonstrators of vanishing trades operate at the pasar malam. Items sold include works of art, handicrafts and souvenirs. In addition, on-the-spot art demonstrations and handicraft making demonstrations are also featured. To complement the pasar malam activities and create a festive atmosphere, cultural and contemporary entertainment are also regularly featured.

In our assessment, the pasar malam at the Singapore Handicraft Centre has been a success. Firstly, it is a good crowd drawer. The average number of visitors to the pasar malam is estimated at 1,200 per day during weekends and around 400 on weekdays. Tourists account for between 20-25% of visitors. Secondly, many visitors, especially tourists, have expressed satisfaction with the pasar malam as they find it a unique style of shopping. They seem to enjoy the bargaining and haggling.

Finally, the stall holders themselves have indicated their satisfaction with the pasar malam. In fact, they have requested the STPB to extend the pasar malam activities to other tourist spots. The STPB is now actively working with the Ministry of the Environment to identify other suitable locations for pasar malam activities. This will provide a wider variety of attractions for tourists as well as more business opportunities for our smaller businessmen.

Mr Heng Chiang Meng (Jalan Kayu): Sir, would the Minister of State consider extending the times of operation at the pasar malam at the Handicraft Centre to other days of the week?

Dr Wong Kwei Cheong: We will consider the extension to other days of the week as and when business improves and if more people come to these pasar malam activities.