HAWKERS' POINT DEMERIT SYSTEM (Progress report)

Mr Chew Heng Ching asked the Minister for the Environment if he will report on the progress of the implementation of the Hawkers' Point Demerit System and whether this scheme has been effective in ensuring a higher standard of hygiene in food centres.

Mr Eugene Yap Giau Cheng (for the Minister for the Environment): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Points Demerit System was implemented on 14th September 1987 after a one-month long campaign where hawkers were reminded to observe good food and personal hygiene.

Since the implementation of the system up to 1st March 1988, a total of 98 cases of food hygiene violations were convicted in court and consequently given demerit points. So far, no hawker licences have been suspended or revoked under the system

Hawkers are now more conscious of the need to keep their stalls clean and observe good food and personal hygiene. There has been some improvement in the standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the food centres.