Was watching the chinese programme 前线追踪 just now.
In it, it was reported that rental costs of a hawker stall of a
certain hawker centre has been raised from $800-$900 per month, to
$1700 per month. This is almost double. The reason for the raise is
the most frustrating. There is no other reason, according to the
authorities, but only because they did a market survey, and
determined the market rate to be $1700.
My issue with the government is, why must everything be about
market rate? Hawker food is one of the main methods to keep living
costs affordable in Singapore. By doing this, they are causing a
pressure to the hawkers to up their prices of food. This affects
normal Singaporeans, like you and I. And the only reason for such
an increase is market rate.
Why can't our government be more caring, and keep rental costs
low, so long as their own costs are covered? I don't see why they
need to raise to market rates, except for earning a profit out of
it.
It's very saddening, that they are doing this now, when the
economy is so bad...
Anyway, have written an enquiry to young PAPs, I know my views
will probably be ignored, but, well, I just wanted to give it a
try...