Itr's About Time, People Take To Drastic Actions!

ShutterBug SG

Think you can't have your way? LOW CHING LING shows you how
People power, uniquely, quietly
February 09, 2007

Mouths shut, shutters down

SHOPOWNERS at the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station pulled down their shutters in protest on Monday. They were upset with their landlord, SMRT Corp, for not doing enough to address their concerns over poor shopper traffic. But SMRT has threatened legal action if tenants don't settle their rent.

SMRT is listed on the Stock Exchange and its substantial shareholder is the government investment company, Temasek Holdings.

Was it a good way to fight their cause? Are there effective - and legitimate - ways of protesting against policies or lobbying for changes in Singapore?

There are, observers say.

Ms Jeanne Conceicao, from the Institute of Policy Studies, said: 'In recent times, it has been enlightening to experience the more spontaneous side of Singaporeans in the Buangkok white elephant saga, the NKF online petition and the Chek Jawa case.'

TYING SG

But i dont have a stall to shut leh, so i just keep qiuet. Mr. Green

dragg SG

see how smrt is leasing out shop space in the stations to increase revenue.

ditzy SG

If SMRT does take legal action, where they going to get the $$$ from? Can't be the silver tribute fund mah, so must be their profits lor. Laughing But then is it right to use such its revenue to pursue legal actions for self benefit?

The article also goes on to state that Temasek Holdings is a substantial shareholder of SMRT. I was just wondering if the emphasis of such a statement is even necessary.

Fingolfin_Noldor SG

If they wanted people to patronise the shops, they ought to 'guide' people to the shops just as they did that sort of thing at Cineleisure. Obviously the goofs at SMRT never thought of that and were out for the quick buck.

spinsugar SG

Says alot about their business integrity Rolling Eyes

Ito_^ SG

ok. u get the explosives, i make the detonator. meet at city hall 7pm tonight. after dat we walk to istana for fireworks. Very Happy

Hogzilla SG

Errmm

Sorry har, I dun frequent venture around Dhobby Ghaut one. Are there shops in the MRT station? I thought the nearest one is Plaza Singapura?

Quincey SG

Hmm, there is somewhat of external market intervention right?

I mean the mechanics of the market operates when the businesses realize that their cost of production is too high relative to their revenue. Hence, they would give up their shops and the landlord will feel the pinch of losing tenants? Unless of course, the landlord made them sign on to some long term contract and now the tenants deem it unsustainable in the long run.

dakkon_blackblade SG

It’s really quite a matter of poor planning and location on SMRT’s part. The positioning of the Dhoby Exchange was just not close enough to the major corridors where commuters would pass through, unlike the shops at Raffles Place MRT station. There was also no real effort to direct commuters towards the shops . By the time SMRT realised that, it was already too late for the shopkeepers.

foomwee88 SG

Talking about Plaza Spura!!!!very hot liao!!!!

U know I drove from city n turned into a tunnel and came out another ERP ,Nvm,we turned into Plaza Spura brought my TW frds 4 shopping and drove to Bras B road again another ERP !!!!

U know I spent S$10 just 4 ERP alone 2day!!!!

Wat the fruk is this sucker!!!my Tw frds said if this thing happened there, they will be more than 30,000 ppls waiting o/s LTA office!!!!

Real sucker u know now this bloody URA charged S$4 per hour car parking in CBD!!!!

I think it may be time 2 say bye 2 SillyporeanS$!!!

Purplehaze623 SG

the other problem is most part of dhoby exchange is near the exit opposite plaza singapura. so no people will walk by even if there's a huge human traffic nearby. everyone just goes to PS like dhoby exchange doesnt exist at all. some of my friends dun even know there's this place.

oxford mushroom SG

You choose to pollute the environment and contribute to traffic congestion, you must be prepared to pay the price for it. Cursing and swearing will not lower green house gases, just add more hot air and contribute to global warming. Maybe we should tax you for opening your mouth Mr. Green

charlize SG

Spoken like a true Sg minister.

Pay.

Just pay. Laughing

vito_corleone SG

i use the station at least few times and week and i never knew the place existed Laughing