The 4G leaders’ visit highlights the government’s concern over the struggles of vendors at the popular night market.
SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat was seen at the Geylang Serai bazaar on Thursday (April 13), following his fellow People’s Action Party (PAP) colleagues, including PM-designate Lawrence Wong, who had visited the night market earlier in the week. Their visits come amid news reports that some vendors are facing difficulties due to high rental fees at the bazaar.
Accompanied by a group of officials, Mr. Heng was seen interacting with visitors and vendors at the market, which has become a key location for the celebration of Ramadan in Singapore. A video of his appearance has since circulated widely on social media platforms such as Facebook.
Heng, once considered a frontrunner to become Singapore’s next Prime Minister, stepped down as leader of the ruling party’s fourth-generation (4G) leadership team after the 2020 general election. The leadership baton was passed to Lawrence Wong, who was also spotted at Geylang Serai earlier this week. The frequent appearances of the 4G leaders at the bazaar may indicate the government’s close attention to the well-being of the Geylang Serai night market and its vendors.
Other PAP leaders, including Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Maliki Osman, and Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad, also visited the market after a Channel News Asia report highlighted the struggles some vendors are facing. Several market stalls have seen fewer customers and are unable to cover the high costs of rent.
One vendor, Mr. Hasan, who operates ‘Hasan Istanbul Kebab’, shared his concerns about the high rental fees, revealing that he paid $25,000 for his stall this year, and despite the steep cost, he is unable to cover expenses. Another stallholder selling Ramly burgers echoed his sentiments, mentioning that their experience this year has been markedly different from previous years, with fewer visitors and no queues at most stalls.
Despite these complaints, Minister of State Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, who is also the lead adviser for Wisma Geylang Serai, reported that the Bazaar Raya Geylang Serai had already attracted approximately 3 million visitors this year, suggesting that, while footfall may be lower for some stalls, the overall event continues to draw large crowds.
