More dirty clauses employed by Social Enterprise Hawker Centre organisations exposed by KF Seetoh

[covertbriar]

I thought I saw the worst in an East sited SEHC contract terms until a hawker from another SEHC shared their woes with me.This one takes the cake.

Pay Rent Till Next Tenant Signs Up

They operate a SEHC noodle stall managed by a famous local food court chain. After a year, they decided to give up their $4k a month (the usual basic rents and with service fees that more than double it) stall as they could not sustain the business because footfall began to freefall after opening. To my horror, they are made to pay up the remaining years and months of rent and fees left in their contract, or till another tenant is found (to management’s satisfaction, see image). That’s a painful minimum of $2k a month until further notice. This new hawker is relocating to a high footfall residential area private coffeeshop for about the same rent and operation fees that guarantees an existing crowd and diners every day with less operation control. They now have to pay up the monthly “penalty” fees in the SEHC and also for rents their new stall. They are a start-up hawker fending for their family seeking help by running a public hawker centre stall with a so-called social enterprise model. But that’s not all.

20cts Per Tray Returned

I also note this SEHC has introduced a tray return for cashback system for customers (20cts each one they do so). The irony is- the hawkers are made to pay 20cts each time for each tray returned to their stall. I note from the hawker that the figure amounts to anything from $400 to $800 a month just on tray returns alone (which is over and above the cleaning and maintenance fees).

A lot more at https://tinyurI.com/ycpxvgcr

 

[bobby]

Minister Vivian Balakrishnan responds to young hawker's concerns about rising costs

SINGAPORE - Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan has responded to a young hawker's Facebook post on the costs of running a hawker stall in Singapore.

Hawker Douglas Ng, 24, who runs famous fishball noodle stall Fishball Story, wrote an extensive post on Facebook on Sunday about the rising cost of running a hawker stall.

Mr Ng's stall at Golden Mile Hawker Centre was recently featured in Food Wars Asia, a reality TV show that pitted eateries that sold similar food against each other

His post was shared more than 600 times, and liked by more than 840 people as of Monday.

He said in his post that after attending a briefing for a new hawker centre to be opened in Bukit Panjang, he was not sure about submitting a tender for a stall as the NTUC Foodfare centre will have price caps.

All cooked food stalls at the new hawker centre will have price caps on at least two basic meals, The Straits Times reported on July 14.

The price cap for fishball noodles, for instance, will be set at $2.70.

Mr Ng wrote: "On the papers they talk about attracting quality hawkers. Do you actually think that a quality hawker will come out with quality food when they use quality ingredients and if the cost of food is so high...how much do you think the profit margin will be?"

He added that the model was not sustainable and wrote: "If they want young gen(eration) to come in, give them a better profit.

Mr Balakrishnan, in a response posted on Facebook at around 2am on Monday, said that Mr Ng's post was "thought provoking".

Citing a study from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Minister said that rent was not the main cost faced by hawkers.

"The reality is that rentals constitute a small fraction of the overall cost of running a hawker stall. The major cost drivers are actually ingredients and manpower," he wrote.

He also listed what the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) has done to lower rental costs for hawkers.

The measures have removed speculation from the market, and some stalls have been rented for as low as $10 a month, he said.

"I have made it very clear to Foodfare that they are not to charge high rents. The top priority is to have good affordable food for my residents in Bukit Panjang. That is why every stall must have at least two low cost main courses," he wrote.

 

[KuanTi01]

"I have made it very clear to Foodfare that they are not to charge high rents. The top priority is to have good affordable food for my residents in Bukit Panjang. That is why every stall must have at least two low cost main courses," he wrote. "

Spoken with a forked tongue and to be taken with more than a pinch of salt! Did he even answer Mr Ng's question directly?

 

[zhihau]

$10 a month for rental? per square inch is it? KNN...

 

[Hypocrite-The]

This bloody double headed snake says rent is not the main cost...is he fucking kidding..n as usual he blame labour costs n wages becomes his whipping boy. Rent n utilities which benefits the pap n its cronies are always hushed up bcos of they hit the hip pocket of the pappies. Asshole of the 1st Degree n the ones that vote for him are retards.. Don't forget this asshole fucked up on YOG n had never been taken to account on his failures

 

[congo9]

Pap days are coming to an end.

 

[JohnTan]

Pap days are coming to an end.

PAP will continue to rule Singapore long after your great grandchildren have retired.

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Hawkers launch petition against Koufu F&B owned by grassroots leader Pang Lim
Correspondent 2018-10-12 Consumer Watch, Current Affairs

Food guru KF Seetoh from Makansutra wrote an open letter to Senior Minister of State Dr Amy Khor on Tuesday (9 Oct) imploring her to preserve Singapore's public hawker centres. In essence, Mr Seetoh is against the government appointing a 3rd-party, the so-called "social enterprise" operator, to run publicly funded hawker centres.
In his letter, Mr Seetoh also shared more unfair practices adopted by some of the Social Enterprise Hawker Centre (SEHC) operators against hawkers.
In particular, he highlighted some of the high-handed tactics adopted by one SEHC operator after going through the agreement between the operator and a hawker. The operator would penalize the hawker if the hawker quit his stall half-way, making him pay the remaining months of rent and fees until a new tenant, subjected to the approval of the operator, is found.
The one-sided contract also stated that the operator is entitled to "at any time" and "from time to time" increase stall rentals and ancillary charges. There is little the hawker can do once he signs the agreement.
SEHC operator belongs to Koufu owned by Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC grassroots leader Pang Lim
Yesterday (11 Oct), Todayonline reported that the SEHC involved is actually the new Jurong West Hawker Centre, run by Hawker Management Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Koufu Group. Koufu in fact, just went public recently in Jul this year. Koufu is founded by Mr Pang Lim (PBM), a grassroots leader at Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC. He is the Vice-Chairman of Punggol 21 CC Building Fund Committee as well as Patron of Punggol North CCC and Punggol 21 CCMC.
Todayonline also reported other dubious tactics employed by the Koufu's subsidiary, forcing the hawkers to subsidize the tray-return monies. It was reported that hawkers at Jurong West Hawker Centre are the ones paying for patrons to return their trays. In other words, unlike other hawker centres where the patrons would pay a small deposit per tray and get their refunds when they return the trays, the patrons at Jurong West Hawker Centre do not pay for the trays. When they return the trays, they will get $0.20 for each tray. Koufu then charges the hawkers accordingly.
The hawkers said sometimes they even had arguments with patrons over trays due to the tray returning system imposed by Koufu. For example, if a customer uses three trays for three dishes that could be placed on one tray, the stallholder has to fork out 60 cents in total, a hawker pointed out.
One hawker also told Todayonline that they had to pay up to $900 a month for tray charges, on top of the monthly rental and the ancillary charges imposed by Koufu. He gave a breakdown of the costs:

Rent - $2,140
Dish washing - $1,100
Cash machine rental - $300
Tray return - $900
Service fee - $250
Total: $4,690​

Furthermore, according to Mr Seetoh, Koufu's subsidairy would also charge hawkers for contract drafts whenever it updates management terms in the agreement.
Hawkers launch petition but NEA says hawkers aware of charges before signing agreement
Feeling the pinch, some hawkers at Jurong West Hawker Centre have petitioned the National Environment Agency (NEA) for the operator to remove the fee of 20 cents for each returned tray.

The NEA said that it has received “feedback” from some stallholders at Jurong West Hawker Centre. Stallholders were “aware of the charges involved before signing the (tenancy) agreement” with Hawker Management, said a spokesperson from NEA.
The agency has asked Hawker Management to work with the stallholders to address any concerns on this matter. It added that effective tray-return systems make the cleaning of tables easier and faster, which is beneficial to both customers and stallholders.
In the contract, indeed, it is stated that stallholders must take part in the “tray return with incentive system implemented by the landlord”, where the tenant "shall pay S$0.20 / tray issued to the tray cleaning contractor at the point of issuance”:

Koufu's subsidiary, in reply to Todayonline, said the tray return system was a joint effort by stallholders and the management.
“The initiative was implemented to achieve two objectives — to collectively encourage customers to return their used trays and thereby creating a cleaner and more comfortable environment; and to increase productivity within the hawker centre and provide more affordable food options for the community,” it added.
NEA said it is looking into the matter.
FacebookTwitterWhatsAppLineWeChatShare2,603


PreviousWhat do rising interest rates in the U.S. mean for Singaporeans?
NextSingapore and Indonesia signs bilateral investment treaty to promote stronger economic ties
You Might Also Like

• 
  Seetoh discloses more dubious practices by SEHC operators and urges govt to take back hawker centres
• 
  It is not enough to pay lip service to so called meritocracy
• 
  Check in on your gambling this week.(Responsible Gambling)
• 
  The secret men’s business having a profound impact on self-esteem.(Lifestyle)
• 
  Tech couple nab Bronte beach pad(news.com.au)
• 
  What's the Cheapest Way to Transfer Money Overseas?(The Currency Shop)

Recommended by

• LATEST
• POPULAR

• What does the low Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index say of PM Lee’s pre 2015 election promises?
  
  
• LG Ng says SPH staff must disclose relationship between superior and subordinate
  
  
• It is not enough to pay lip service to so called meritocracy
  
  
• Hawkers’ feud with Koufu: NEA headed by BG says hawkers aware of charges before signing agreement
  
  
• STB fund to encourage local content is contrived and artificial
  
  
• PM Lee gives comment on positive World Bank’s report on SG but remains mum on negative Oxfam’s report
  
  
• International Longshoremen’s Association launches boycott of congress in Singapore due to ITF’s endorsement of fully automated maritime terminals
  
  
• PSD fault at Kranji Station results in train service disruption along NSL on Thursday afternoon
  
  
• Only fair if all town councils are held to same code of conduct
  
  
• Singapore and Indonesia signs bilateral investment treaty to promote stronger economic ties
  
  
• Hawkers launch petition against Koufu F&B owned by grassroots leader Pang Lim
  
  
• What do rising interest rates in the U.S. mean for Singaporeans?
  
  
• Town councils did not consider WP MPs predicament at the time payments were made, argued defence lawyer
  
  
• New scheme to certify engineers to conduct Energy Efficiency Opportunities Assessments
  
  
• Death of Singapore Armed Forces Regular Serviceman in Brunei
  

October 2018M T W T F S S « Sep 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031
Recent Comments

• 
  liangjwc
  
  What does the low Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index say of PM Lee’s pre 2015 election promises?
  “Pre 2015 election promises......”? Only goons...
  10/13/2018
• 
  liangjwc
  
  Hawkers’ feud with Koufu: NEA headed by BG says hawkers aware of charges before signing agreement
  In Singapore which paper general ever go out and...
  10/13/2018
• 
  liangjwc
  
  Hawkers’ feud with Koufu: NEA headed by BG says hawkers aware of charges before signing agreement
  “......aware of charges before signing....”?...
  10/13/2018
• 
  Tan Peng Leng
  
  Hawkers’ feud with Koufu: NEA headed by BG says hawkers aware of charges before signing agreement
  Some more must pay $$$ to pick up empty cartridges...
  10/13/2018
• 
  liangjwc
  
  What does the low Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index say of PM Lee’s pre 2015 election promises?
  They already “load up” with the necessary...
  10/13/2018

Democracy is best served by having an informed and involved citizenry that has access to a wide range of sources of news and views and an open and vibrant environment in which to share and to debate ideas and opinions.

Support TOC!



Copyright - The Online Citizen 2018
The Online Citizen -- Singapore’s longest-running independent online media platform.

 

[congo9]

It runs in a family.
Who say wealth must be shared outside ?

 

[songsongjurong]

$10-15 per hawker centre meal is considered 'cheap' (relatively) to Vivian.

 

[Rogue Trader]

Hawkers will vote for Pap in the next GE for some hand out monetary relief

 

[borom]

The people should know long ago that under these people, success=money, so the more $$ you make, the more successful you are in the PAP eyes.
They voted these money faced multi million dollar salaried ministers into power (or at least allowed them to win) and why are they so shocked by such profit seeking behaviour?
If PAP ministers make millions, why the Pang brothers of Koufu not allowed to?

If you want things to change, vote the PAP out- if not just reap what you sow and let yourself, your children and grandchildren be treated worst than foreigners in your own country.

 

[jw5]

He asked Aung San Suu Kyi this question and her reply was "hawker centre". So that's where they went for their meal!

$10-15 per hawker centre meal is considered 'cheap' (relatively) to Vivian.

 

[winnipegjets]

PAP will continue to rule Singapore long after your great grandchildren have retired.

Assuming that sinkapore is not consumed by the Ah Nehs or Ah Tiongs. When that happens, your grandchildren will be cursing you for supporting the PAP.

 

[winnipegjets]

"I have made it very clear to Foodfare that they are not to charge high rents. The top priority is to have good affordable food for my residents in Bukit Panjang. That is why every stall must have at least two low cost main courses," the minister wrote.

Vivian has failed miserably then based on his own benchmark. All the other 'required' doubles the monthy cost for the hawker.

Sample of a hawker's expense
Rent - $2,140
Dish washing - $1,100
Cash machine rental - $300
Tray return - $900
Service fee - $250
Total: $4,690

 

[shittypore]

"I have made it very clear to Foodfare that they are not to charge high rents. The top priority is to have good affordable food for my residents in Bukit Panjang. That is why every stall must have at least two low cost main courses," he wrote.

He shld also include that if his residents cannot get affordable prices, they re well come to eat at his house.

 

[JohnTan]

"I have made it very clear to Foodfare that they are not to charge high rents. The top priority is to have good affordable food for my residents in Bukit Panjang. That is why every stall must have at least two low cost main courses," he wrote.

I could make money from renting out hawker stalls even if the rents were a nominal $1 a month. I'll make the money back from compulsory ancillary charges if need be.

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Hawker Management to meet Jurong West Hawker Centre tenants to discuss concerns
image: data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
Jurong West Hawker Centre is run by social enterprise Hawker Management.
image: data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
By Nicole Chang
15 Oct 2018 09:36PM (Updated: 15 Oct 2018 09:41PM)
Share this content

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  

Bookmark
SINGAPORE: The operator of Jurong West Hawker Centre on Monday (Oct 15) said it will meet tenants over the next few days to hear their concerns after stallholders protested against certain terms in their contracts.
Tenants were charged 20 cents for each tray that patrons return, and stallholders who terminate contracts early have to continue paying basic rent until their contract is up or until the operator, Hawker Management, finds a replacement tenant, a report said.

Advertisement


The tray return costs can add up to S$900 a month, TODAY reported last week, citing one of the hawkers.
In its statement, Hawker Management said it would be "conducting meetings with tenants of the Jurong West Hawker Centre over the next few days to gather tenants' feedback and views on all outstanding concerns".
"Hawker Management remains committed to working closely with tenants to reach an amicable solution," it said.


A petition from 12 hawkers was sent in August to Hawker Management, the social enterprise subsidiary of listed food and beverage company Koufu, TODAY said.

Advertisement

Such social enterprise operators run hawker centres on a not-for-profit basis.
READ: Alternative social enterprise hawker management model still being evaluated: Amy Khor


"STANDARD INDUSTRY PRACTICE"
In an earlier statement to Channel NewsAsia, Hawker Management had said that its tray return scheme was a "joint effort by stallholders and the management".
It was implemented to achieve two goals: To "collectively encourage customers to return their used trays and thereby creating a cleaner and more comfortable environment", as well as to "increase productivity" and provide more affordable food options for the community, said Hawker Management.

The operator also addressed complaints about penalty fees for the termination of contracts.
The TODAY report cited a hawker as saying that she had to continue paying a basic monthly rent of S$2,140 at Jurong West after moving out, and that this would continue until her three-year contract was up or until a replacement tenant was found.
Hawker Management said the terms in its tenancy agreement were "standard industry practice".
"However, we exercise flexibility and compassion, and if sufficient notice is given, we do not charge any rental for the remaining tenancy term," it said. "We also make known upfront all charges to our hawkers when they apply for a stall and before signing the tenancy agreement."
READ: Some social enterprise hawkers unconvinced by business model of packaged charges
These issues were first raised in an open letter to Senior Minister of State for Environment and Water Resources Amy Khor by Makansutra founder KF Seetoh.
Besides the tray return fee and penalties for giving up their stall, he said that hawkers at the centre were charged lawyer fees for contracts drafted.
"They (the operator) send professionally and independently written lawyer contracts on any update in management terms and charge the hawkers for the contracts drafted," said Mr Seetoh. "This is rather ridiculous."
He suggested that the National Environment Agency "take back control" of such hawker centres, or else allow an independent team to "check up that they deliver on their promises to help promote and make the hawker food culture viable, affordable and sustainable for even the future generations".


CONCERNS ABOUT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE HAWKER CENTRES
Concerns about social enterprise-run hawker centres have been raised before.
Two weeks ago, Members of Parliament Louis Ng and Zainal Sapari, as well as Non-constituency MP Daniel Goh, asked questions in Parliament about the extra costs faced by hawkers at such centres.
In response, Dr Khor said that stallholders of such centres - which are run by entities including Fei Siong, NTUC Foodfare and Timbre - could flag their concerns to NEA through its place managers.
READ: Hawkers can flag concerns with NEA place managers: Amy Khor

At Ci Yuan Hawker Centre in Hougang, hawkers had objected to additional fees levied by operator Fei Siong Food Management.
The hawkers said that a quality control fee of S$650 a month was compulsory, but Fei Siong said this was a "miscommunication" and it was optional.
Hawkers at such social enterprise-run centres were also unhappy about charges for crockery washing and coin exchange services.
The social enterprise hawker centres include Ci Yuan Hawker Centre, Our Tampines Hub Hawker Centre, Yishun Park Hawker Centre, Jurong West Hawker Centre, Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre, Kampung Admiralty Hawker Centre and Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre.
Source: CNA/nc(hm)
Tagged Topics

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/new...tre-mangement-complaints-tray-return-10830056