Vendors at Sungei Rd flea market fight for space

[MarrickG]

SINGAPORE : The space for the famous Sungei Road flea market area has been halved from Monday to make way for the construction of the Circle Line.

This has led to some vendors fighting for space — literally.

The space allocation at one of Singapore’s oldest flea markets is on a first—come—first—served basis, and even with some vendors turning up six hours earlier to reserve a spot — business commences at around 12:30pm — it is not enough.

Some jostled for space, others got into arguments. In a few instances, police were alerted when some vendors got physical.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said it allocates each vendor a

one—metre by one—metre space.

But many seem to be flouting the rule.

The NEA said that on a weekday, there are about 180 stalls.

When MediaCorp visited the site on Monday, at least 10 vendors said they could not find space to peddle their wares.

They said they were worried about their livelihood. They hoped the authorities would allocate fixed spaces for them.

There were also about 20 representatives from the authorities present.

One vendor said: "I came in at six in the morning. I was told to pick a space. But even if I pick a space, someone will still say it is their space and chase us out."

 

[johnny333]

one—metre by one—metre space.

Does that 1X1 meter space include room for sitting or standing?

 

[Microsoft]

Does that 1X1 meter space include room for sitting or standing?

1x1m...doesn't matter include onot...y not de fucking papaya try using a 1m desk at work...since others can open shop n do business with 1m, i dun see y they feel uncomfortable with a 1m desk...:oIo:

 

[red amoeba]

if they are entrepreneur enough...this will not pose a problem to them.

they ought to stop expecting the gahmen to do everything for them.

 

[中国Power]

it is sad that they have to work at such an old age, many old people in china retire at 50 and some even at 45.

the children will take care of them and not let them do this.

if they are entrepreneur enough...this will not pose a problem to them.

they ought to stop expecting the gahmen to do everything for them.

 

[Singapaporean]

Time for President hopeful Tony Tan to appear.......

 

[Windsor]

The government should allow them the space as this is a Singapore Icon. If space is restricted, then build a cheap 2-story shelter to allow
more vendors a space. The problem is there, the tourists and their money are welcome, make everyone happy including the locals to do something during their free time. So find a solution, it is a win-win situation.

These bloody civil servants only want the money but make lives difficult for all. They screw up big time by sanitising all the Singapore Icons like China Town, Haw Par Villa, Katong and etc. Not everyone has the money or interest to go to Sentosa and spend a few hundred dollars. There are poor people and those who are wealthy who prefer to while their time without emptying their pockets looking for bargains.

We have some stupid cockheads who thinks big events like F1, YOG and NDP are worth spending millions on. This small simple joy for the common citizens they are unwilling to spend and sacrifice. The tourists comes here also do like to find bargains and things out of the ordinary which can be found in Sungei Road.

 

[Singapaporean]

Soon NEA to introduce COE for the space.

one—metre by one—metre space NOT ENOUGH???....dun worry SMRT will build bigger space for rental when the nearby station is operational

 

[LonewolfAlfa]

We have some stupid cockheads who thinks big events like F1, YOG and NDP are worth spending millions on. This small simple joy for the common citizens they are unwilling to spend and sacrifice. The tourists comes here also do like to find bargains and things out of the ordinary which can be found in Sungei Road.

this is the problem with million dollar ministars, they lose the empathy with common citizens.