Jan 10, 2012 - ST Forum
WHILE Singapore has flea markets like many other countries,
there is, among other differences, a trending contrast: ours are
disappearing swiftly.
More than half a century ago, there were street and food vendors
from Eu Tong Sen Street near Majestic Theatre to the old Thong Chai
Medical Institution near Merchant Road and along Pagoda Street
beside the Sri Mariamman Temple.
They are gone now.
Only the ubiquitous Thieves' Market along Sungei Road remains,
but even this street institution is about to pack it in.
I understand that it will be the last open-air 'flea market' to
go.
Our flea market vendors now are also different in profile. They
are usually seniors, unemployed or the low-income who depend on the
market for extra cash.
An old alley beside Mohamed Ali Lane was once a popular flea
market during the 1970s to 1990s. It was a treasure trove of
artefacts that were sought after by collectors and local
museums.
We need a unique area to showcase our multicultural heritage, a
place to let Singaporeans and tourists appreciate the natural feel
of a local flea market.
Yeo Choon Seng
