HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD SHOPS (Oversupply)

The following Question stood in the name of Mr Tay Beng Chuan -

Mr Tay Beng Chuan: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether any prompt action has been taken to address the over supply of Housing and Development Board (HDB) shops in public housing estates; and (b) whether a general downward rental adjustment of HDB shops can be effected to ensure their continued economic viability and competitiveness in the face of increasing fierce competition from the fast growing private shopping complexes and mega departmental stores/supermarkets within and outside public housing estates.

Dr Lily Neo (Kreta Ayer-Tanglin): Question No. 6, Sir.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Mah Bow Tan): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government is aware that traditional HDB shopkeepers are facing keen competition from big shopping malls, food courts and supermarkets. They have also been affected by a change in the shopping and marketing habits of Singaporeans. As I assured the House yesterday, the Government is currently working out a programme to help HDB shop retailers. And we will announce the package once it is finalized.