Requirement for HDB Coffee Shop Operators to Replace Exiting Halal Food Stalls with Halal-certified Incoming Ones

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB coffee shop operators are required to replace their sole halal food stalls with another halal vendor once the original vendor ceases to operate; (b) if so, what is the timeframe within which the coffee shop operator must seek a replacement; and (c) if not, why not.

Mr Desmond Lee: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) coffee shop operators are required to replace their sole halal food stalls with another halal vendor once the original vendor ceases to operate. The coffee shop operator is required to find a replacement within the current tenancy period. HDB may decide not to renew the tenancy if the operator fails to fulfill this condition.

Operators who face difficulties in bringing in a replacement halal stallholder can appeal to HDB, and HDB will assess these appeals on a case-by-case basis.