WET MARKETS (Selling of stalls to existing stallholders)

Dr Wong Kwei Cheong asked the Minister for the Environment whether the Government has any plans to sell the stalls in some selected wet markets to the existing stallholders.

The Minister for the Environment (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Speaker, Sir, Government's policy is to divest itself from the management of markets and food centres over time. My Ministry is now studying the option for divestment. One option is to allow existing stallholders to buy over the stalls on a term lease in markets and food centres not affected by redevelopment and details are now being looked into.

Dr Wong Kwei Cheong (Kampong Glam GRC): Sir, does the Government have any plan for the empty stalls in the wet market at Cuppage Centre and Cambridge Road market?

Dr Ahmad Mattar: Mr Speaker, Sir, Cuppage Road Market is situated in Cuppage Centre which is owned by Pidemco Land. As far as I know, Pidemco Land has plans to redevelop the site. I am sorry I do not know the details of the redevelopment plan.

As regards Cambridge Road Market, it belongs to HDB and, as far as we know, the market will not be affected by any future redevelopment. As such, it will come under this scheme.

Mr Chin Harn Tong (Aljunied GRC): Sir, may I ask the Minister when the existing stallholders would be offered the option to buy over the stalls, as the Ministry has taken a long time over this matter.

Dr Ahmad Mattar: Yes, Sir, we have taken a long time because we do not want to rush into it, without considering all the issues concerned. Mr Speaker, Sir, in any policy or proposal affecting stallholders, careful consideration will have to be given to minimise the displacement of hawkers and, where possible, every opportunity will be given for them to continue their trade. That is the reason why, admittedly, we have taken a long time on this matter.