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Amy Khor’s 2018 claim that that stall rentals do not affect food prices resurfaces online

Anna Maria Romero
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Amy Khor’s 2018 claim that that stall rentals do not affect food prices resurfaces online

SINGAPORE: A comment ruling party politician Amy Khor made in 2018 has resurfaced online, sparking heated debate after the Prolific Skins blog called attention to how Dr Amy Khor, then-Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources, said in Parliament that the rental price of hawker stalls does not directly affect food prices.

Opposition politician Lim Tean has also highlighted the comment, in a Facebook post on Tuesday (Jul 2). Mr Lim, who is the founder and secretary-general of Peoples Voice party, wrote, “I Am Absolutely Stunned Hearing Amy Khor Say That Hawkers’ Rentals Have No Direct Relation To The Food Prices They Charge! Go And Work That One Out!”

Dr Khor, who is now Senior Minister of State for Transport and for Sustainability and the Environment, had said in Parliament on Nov 19, 2018, that the rental costs of hawkers only indirectly affect their overall costs, adding that they do not directly affect food prices.

She cited a 2014 study from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and the Ministry of Trade and Industry showing that 76 per cent of hawkers’ costs went to manpower and raw materials, while the cost of rentals only took up 12 per cent.

“Hence, stall rentals do not directly affect food prices,” said Dr Khor, adding that hawkers “generally price food according to what the market can bear.”

Moreover, she said competition in the vicinity and the demographic profile of customers also influence food prices.

Just as netizens were angered by Dr Khor’s comments at the time, many commenters were also upset when Mr Lim drew attention to her comment afresh.

Some felt that Dr Khor is disconnected from the realities that people face every day.

Others who commented on the People’s Voice chief’s post expressed shock.

“Is there something that we don’t know that she knows? Every business is complaining about rental, yet our minister said otherwise,” wrote one commenter.

In May, Makansutra founder Kf Seetoh, who has long been a champion of Singapore’s hawkers, posted an article on his site titled “The Problem with Hawkers,” wherein he called for people to stop complaining about “that $12 plate of nasi padang,” and explained the challenges that hawkers have to face, which include the bidding system, cleaning and washing rates, the requirement to offer a low-priced dish, and rental rates at Social Enterprise Hawker Centres (SEHC).

He wrote that rental rates at SEHCs are now at an average of S$2,000, which causes hawkers to sell popular low-cost fare, and cuts innovation and creativity.

“This systematically dulls the great Singapore hawker menu as it forces them to just sell what is popular and money churners. You should differentiate rentals for stall offering vanishing or fading items. Don’t we have enough bak chor mee, fishball noodle, wanton mee, porridge, chicken rice and nasi lemak stalls already?” he wrote.

In Parliament in March 2023, Dr Khor said that median rental rates at non-subsidised cooked food stalls, around $1,250, have remained constant since 2018. /TISG

Read also: Singaporeans livid at Amy Khor who said “stall rentals do not directly affect food prices”

“Let him live his own life in private” – Tan Chuan-Jin receives some sympathy as he joins philanthropic group as consultant

Jewel Stolarchuk
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“Let him live his own life in private” – Tan Chuan-Jin receives some sympathy as he joins philanthropic group as consultant

SINGAPORE: Amid the usual tongue-in-cheek jests and sarcastic comments in response to his return to the public eye, some Singaporeans have extended sympathy and denounced the continued criticism former ruling party politician Tan Chuan-Jin keeps receiving for a personal indiscretion that spilled into the public domain more than a year ago.

A fresh wave of brickbats was triggered after philanthropic organisation, the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation, revealed that the former Speaker of Parliament has joined its team as a consultant. The group shared on LinkedIn that Mr Tan co-hosted a roundtable discussion last week, as part of his duties.

The organisation shared on LinkedIn that Mr Tan had co-hosted a roundtable discussion last Wednesday (26 June). The event was geared to “identify potential gaps and hopefully foster collaborations amongst agencies from the public, private and people sectors serving the elderly in Singapore”.

While many responding to Mr Tan’s latest role were quick to have a go at him on online forums and messaging platforms, some welcomed his new position and quipped that it was “better optics” than the $1,000 leadership masterclass he was featured in, earlier this year.

Other Singaporeans have asserted that the man should be able to live his own life and that critics should stop judging him, now that he is out of office.

The controversy has sparked broader discussions about forgiveness, redemption, and the extent to which individuals should be held accountable for their actions, even after facing consequences. Despite the mixed reactions, the ethics of continuing to judge him for past indiscretions, particularly considering the fact that he has “paid the price” by exiting politics, continue to be debated online.

TISG/

Singaporeans call on Leon Perera to rejoin politics and contest next election

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Singaporeans call on Leon Perera to rejoin politics and contest next election

SINGAPORE: Some Singaporeans online have expressed a desire to see former Workers’ Party (WP) politician Leon Perera rejoin politics and contest the next general election, a year after he resigned from the party due to a personal indiscretion.

The calls for Mr Perera to make a comeback in the political sphere come on the heels of his latest Facebook post, in which he reflected on his recent trip to the UK. In the post, he discussed the value of celebrating wins while remembering one’s setbacks.

Asserting the importance of standing up for the right values and making sure one’s work serves everyone, Mr Perera also said that one must “own your scars and never forget the setbacks that made you stronger.”

Pointing out that one must “keep adapting and improving as times change,” as well, he added: “Here’s to building on the past to make things better.”

While Mr Perera’s post framed these takeaways in the context of the Old Trafford Museum in the UK, some observers online are speculating that the reminders he voiced could be a veiled indication that he could be prepared to step into the political fray once again.

Others, meanwhile, are directly appealing to the ex-MP on social media to rejoin politics. One Facebook user, K Collins, urged Mr Perera to contest a single-member constituency in the looming election. He added that Singaporeans, especially younger voters, “won’t reject your talents” if he throws his hat into the ring once again.

Another commenter, Sastos Sal, added, “Come back and fight them. You will always get the support needed,” while Facebook user Patrick Ng urged Mr Perera to “help beat PAP at the ballot box.”

Some Singaporeans called on him to stand as an independent candidate at the upcoming polls while others urged him to join an opposition that aligns with his values.

Some pointed to the “outstanding work” Mr Perera has done in standing up for Singaporeans over the past decade, first as a non-constituency member of parliament and then an elected MP. Others asserted that they find Mr Perera to be “much more honest than most other politicians,” with his heart in the right place.

Last year, when he accepted Mr Perera’s resignation in July 2023, WP chief Pritam Singh called the former a “committed and dedicated MP, advocating in the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans.” He added that his resignation represents the “loss of a steadfast opposition voice” as he urged Mr Perera to come back from the controversy stronger.

TISG/

Ex-WP MP Leon Perera elected to HOME board

Singaporeans may be able to see Saturn with the naked eye during rare astronomical event at July-end

Yoko Nicole
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Singaporeans may be able to see Saturn with the naked eye during rare astronomical event at July-end

SINGAPORE: Singaporeans might be able to spot Saturn with the naked eye during a rare astronomical event at the end of July.

As shared by Stargazing Singapore on June 30, Saturn will be seen close to the moon on July 24. Providing additional details, an astronomy enthusiast elaborated on the online forum r/singapore that these two celestial bodies will be inseparable throughout the entire night of July 24 and into the wee hours of July 25.

Photo: FB/ Stargazing Singapore

At 11:30 PM on the 24th, the Moon is expected to be just 2.5 degrees apart from Saturn. Moreover, the closest approach between the two will occur around 4:31 AM on the 25th.

Stargazers in the extreme northwest of Singapore may even get lucky and catch a glimpse of the Moon partially obscuring Saturn’s majestic rings during this time.

“In technical terms, this event may be considered as not only a conjunction of Saturn and the Moon, but also a grazing lunar occultation of Saturn’s rings,” the astronomy enthusiast explained.

For stargazers in eastern Singapore, the moon and Saturn will only be separated by approximately 30 arcseconds at their closest approach.

To put this into perspective, 30 arcseconds is just a fraction of the width of your pinky held at arm’s length.

“As you can imagine, this is an extremely close approach. Saturn will make such a close approach to the Moon, that it will be impossible for the naked eye to actually split Saturn from the surface of the Moon at the peak of the event,” he continued.

Photo: Reddit/ user MoreOptionsExist/ Simulated image of the event from Eastern Singapore at their closest approach, as generated by Stellarium. This view, depicting Saturn and the Moon in such proximity, can only be observed with a large telescope and is not visible to the naked eye.

The best time for naked eye stargazers to enjoy this celestial wonder is in the early hours before dawn, especially after 6 AM. Even by 6:30 AM, Saturn will be less than a degree away from the Moon, promising a breathtaking display in the morning sky, provided the weather cooperates.

This upcoming event is especially exciting because after 2026, there won’t be another chance to see such a close grazing lunar occultation involving planets for at least a decade.

Looking ahead, the only lunar occultations in 2026 will feature Venus on September 14th and Jupiter on November 27th, during which both planets will completely vanish behind the Moon.

Read also: Stunning photos of last Super Blue Moon until 2037 enthrall Singaporeans

Work-life balance and pay drive job resignations in Singapore amid rising living costs: Study

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Work-life balance and pay drive job resignations in Singapore amid rising living costs: Study

SINGAPORE: A recent survey has found that nearly half of Singaporean workers are leaving their jobs to seek a better work-life balance, as well as higher pay, largely due to escalating living costs.

The 2024 Employer Brand Research report, conducted by Randstad, surveyed 2,602 individuals in Singapore. It found that approximately 41% of respondents had resigned in pursuit of improved work-life balance. Simultaneously, 36% cited the need for higher pay to cope with the rising cost of living as their primary reason for quitting.

David Blasco, Randstad Singapore’s country director, commented on the findings, stating, “Our latest survey reinforces a growing trend in Singapore – talent prioritises workplaces that champion growth, inclusion, and well-being. Despite the rising costs of living, employees are looking beyond just salaries, seeking strong non-monetary factors like work-life balance, job security, and equity.”

The report also highlights the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce. About 75% of respondents reported feeling the influence of AI in their jobs. This impact is most pronounced among younger generations, with 80% of Gen Z respondents and 78% of Millennials acknowledging AI’s presence in their work. In contrast, only 72% of Baby Boomers and 71% of Gen Xers reported similar experiences.

Approximately 30% of the surveyed workforce use AI frequently, with younger generations leading this trend. Conversely, another 30% indicated they have never used AI in their work, a sentiment more common among Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, with just 14% and 8% respectively using AI regularly.

Blasco emphasized the importance of AI literacy, noting, “The rise of AI at the workplace is exciting, but it’s also natural for employees to have questions about its impact on their careers. Employers must invest in AI literacy programs and foster open communication to ensure that talent remains adaptable to changes.”

The demand for upskilling and reskilling has surged, with 82% of the 173,000 global respondents acknowledging its importance, up 13 percentage points from 2023. However, only 61% of employees reported receiving development opportunities, a marginal increase from the previous year.

Younger generations, particularly Gen Zers (64%) and Millennials (68%), felt they had sufficient career development opportunities, compared to just 44% of Gen Xers. The lack of development opportunities correlates with a higher likelihood of employees leaving their jobs—44% of those without sufficient development options considered leaving, compared to 33% who received adequate opportunities.

The survey also uncovered surprising insights into gender-related barriers in career advancement. Contrary to typical expectations, men reported facing more career roadblocks than women, with 54% of male respondents experiencing such obstacles compared to their female counterparts.

Additionally, those identifying as minorities at work were 20% more likely to perceive career progression barriers due to their identity. Randstad’s findings underscore the necessity for robust inclusion initiatives and equal opportunity efforts in the workplace.

Significant gender gaps were observed in career progression, respect, and perceived fairness in opportunity distribution, indicating a persistent disparity between diversity and genuine inclusion.

TISG/

Featured image by Depositphotos

Prices on the rise at some drinks stalls while others try to keep prices down

Mary Alavanza
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Prices on the rise at some drinks stalls while others try to keep prices down

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean recently shared a photo of a coffeeshop increasing its drink prices, effective Jul 1, 2024. The sign announced a $0.10 increase for hot and cold drinks, a $0.10 increase for soft drinks, and a $0.20 hike for special drinks. Singaporeans online reacted, with many expressing their frustration over the price hike.

One commenter remarked, “When CDC vouchers are issued, they will adjust the prices.”

This sentiment was echoed by others, who noted that price adjustments seemed to coincide with the issuance of government support. Another commenter pointed out, “Some or most stalls have already increased food and drink prices by 20 to 50 cents. Now your banner showcases another increase starting from Jul, 1 2024. This will definitely lead other stalls to raise prices again, making people spend more. It’s frustrating.”

Another netizen stated, “If you look around the coffeeshop, only about 30% of people order drinks because they are too expensive. I can easily go to a local store and buy a can of drink for less than a dollar.”

Besides the price increases on coffeeshop drinks, another commenter shared a similar encounter with rising prices. He shared, “I also encountered a $0.10 charge for taking an extra plate or bowl.”

Meanwhile other shops elsewhere have decided against raising prices to cater to lower-income earners like the elderly.

One coffeeshop at Block 40, Margaret Drive, Queenstown sells tea and coffee for only 50 cents, which is believed to be the cheapest price in the area.

At Block 118, Aljunied Avenue 2, a food court offers a similar initiative. Patrons spending at least $3 in the food court can purchase hot beverages like coffee, tea, barley water, or herbal tea at a discounted price of $1. Iced options, including iced coffee, tea, chocolate, and lemonade, are also available for $1.

https://theindependent.sg/some-coffeeshop-stallholders-refuse-to-hike-prices-still-sell-tea-coffee-at-50-cents/

/TISG

Read also: Chicken chop now selling for S$8?! Singaporeans raise concerns on “at least 50% price increase” at Western food stalls

Banner at Tanjong Pagar that asks passers-by to stare into flat windows causes confusion

Anna Maria Romero
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Banner at Tanjong Pagar that asks passers-by to stare into flat windows causes confusion

SINGAPORE: A banner at a residential development at Tanjong Pagar has left some passers-by feeling rather confused, unsure of what it means to communicate.

“Choose one apartment window above to look at. Keep staring until the inhabitant catches you staring,” the banner reads.

As it turns out, the banner is from The Everyday Museum, as some very small print at the bottom indicates. The museum is a public art initiative by the Singapore Art Museum commissioning varied art projects and programmes. Its website says that it is “dedicated to supporting artistic practice in public spaces.”

Reddit user u/cuddlyfalabella shared a photo of the banner on Tuesday (Jul 2), joking that it promoted “stalker-ish behaviour.”

Reddit screengrab/u/cuddlyfalabella

“What is the banner even trying to promote?” was the most upvoted comment from netizens.

However, as is common with many Reddit posts, users on the platform by and large treated the matter with humour, poking fun at the whole situation.

One pointed out that there is a QR code at the bottom right side of the banner, which they said can be scanned with a telephoto lens.

Another joked that following what the banner says is “A way to fill the Singaporean prisons.”

A commenter joked that the banner is meant to lower property prices at Duxton, where, after all, a five-room flat was re-sold last month for an eye-watering S$1,515,000.

“It’d be funny if the other side of the ad was like “Feel like someone’s watching you? Stay safe. Learn Taekwondo at Tan’s Dojo,” a Reddit user chimed in.

Another quipped that it was “no wonder” that they had been seeing “boomers” looking through their windows.

One decided to involve the two other banners–one for gymnastics and the other for taekwondo– in on the joke, writing, “Well if you are the stare-er, to further your skills, u need to take up gymnastics to get nearer. But if you are the stared-at-ee, you taekwondo for a good takedown.”

The banner is actually part of a project from The Everyday Museum, which can be found here, that calls for A Daily Act: exercises for the everyday, from the everyday. It encourages participants to “explore the emotional nuances of their daily routines.”

Residents across Tanjong Pagar receive instructions every day such as placing a flyer “at the sunniest spot in the house for the next 30 days,” shared one Reddit user.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to The Everyday Museum for further comment. /TISG

Read also: 5-room Pinnacle @ Duxton flat resold for record-breaking $1,515,000

MRT commuter criticised for refusing to give up priority seat for middle-aged woman

Yoko Nicole
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MRT commuter criticised for refusing to give up priority seat for middle-aged woman

SINGAPORE: An MRT commuter was recently criticized on Reddit for refusing to give up the priority seat for a middle-aged woman.

In a post on r/SingaporeRaw, the commuter shared that he was sitting in a priority seat while watching Netflix when this aunty approached and stood so close to him that he could “feel her breathing down his neck.”

“She told me, ‘Okay boy, give aunty a seat, very old already.’ I kid you not, she was in her late 40s to early 50s, not carrying a walking stick or any bags. Just come and approach me, demanding me to give up the seat,” he stated.

However, rather than yielding the seat, he replied, “Aya aunty, don’t say it like that lah, you’re still very young, very pretty.’”

After this exchange, he ignored her and resumed watching Netflix. However, he noticed that the aunty became increasingly hostile, loudly repeating “hello, hello” and persistently bothering him.

“5 or 10 mins later she just walked to another part of the cabin & stood there. She alighted 3 stations later.”

He then asked other members in the online community, “Why did she get angry when I said she was pretty?”

“Be more gracious, you could be her next time when you have one or simply become older.”

In the comments section, many netizens criticized him for not giving up his seat to the aunty, saying she might have had an invisible disability.

They also pointed out that sitting in a priority seat means being ready to yield it when asked, regardless of the person’s age or appearance.

One netizen explained to him that the aunty became upset not because he called her pretty, but because he refused to give up the seat and responded in a somewhat sarcastic manner to deny her request.

“She said she’s old, but you rejected it simply by her appearance. Regardless of whether she actually needed it or not, she asked nicely and gently, so it’s low-key a**holic to respond in a way that can be interpreted as sarcastic.”

Another commented, “Ever heard of invisible disabilities? Be more gracious, you could be her next time when you have one or simply become older.”

Some netizens, who were around their 50s, also chimed in to the discussion and confirmed that reaching that age brings various physical discomforts, such as muscle or back pains and that standing for more than 10 minutes is already painful.

Still, there were a few who took the commuter’s side and said that the aunty seemed entitled.

One netizen said, “You want to talk about social courtesy? It’s also courtesy to accept it when your request is rejected. Getting hostile when people say no isn’t courtesy. It’s an entitlement.”

Another speculated, “He might have an unseen disability too.”

Read also: Cancer patient allegedly kicked by senior citizen who wanted priority seat – MRT commuters with “invisible illnesses” seek more compassion

Featured image by Depositphotos

Singaporeans call JB residents “lucky” because eating out is “really super cheap” there

Mary Alavanza
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Singaporeans call JB residents “lucky” because eating out is “really super cheap” there

SINGAPORE: A recent online discussion among Singaporeans has brought up the cost of living and dining in Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia. The debate was sparked by a post from a Singaporean who described JB residents as “lucky” since they can eat very cheap food every day.

He shared online, “I ate Nasi Lemak with fried egg in JB for only RM3 (approx. S$0.85). Seriously, the food in JB is really super cheap. Where can I get tasty food for only 85 cents in Singapore?? Luckily, people in JB can get cheap food every day.”

This sentiment was echoed by some, with one commenter stating, “Malaysia is definitely cheaper than Singapore. Singapore has the title of most expensive place in the world, rental is rocket high, electricity and water bill plus GST high also. We asked for it.”

However, not all Singaporeans agreed. One user countered, “Malaysia is not cheap if you are earning ringgit. It is cheap only because you convert it from Singapore dollar to ringgit.”

Another commenter suggested that the influx of Singaporean diners might be affecting local prices. “Then Malaysians blame Singaporeans who keep saying JB food is cheap. And JB food prices keep rising.”

One said, “Cheap your head la. How is a plate of noodles RM8 to RM10 cheap?!” Another explained, “It’s cheap because of our strong dollar…if you stay there it’s not cheap.”

“You cannot compare like that by converting currency, if you earn there and spend there it will be a different story,” explained another commenter. “If you are earning SGD you don’t feel much. But if you are earning RM then you feel the pinch,” he added.

One user reminded others that many Malaysian citizens struggle financially, much like Singaporeans. “Normal Malaysia citizens earning a basic RM1800 sometimes find it not enough to have food out, and normally have home-cooked food. There are low income families in Malaysia too. Singapore also has low income families who feel that eating at a coffee shop will cost them a minimum S$4 which is a lot for S$1800 low income families,” he said.

“So count your blessings if you are not from low income families,” he added. /TISG

Read also: Singaporeans shopping and dining in JB causing concern for Johoreans’ cost of living

Featured image by Depositphotos

Critics seek more transparency as they decry practice of having MPs file questions on EBRC formation

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Critics seek more transparency as they decry practice of having MPs file questions on EBRC formation

SINGAPORE: Critics in Singapore are seeking more transparency on the formation of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) as they questioned why parliamentarians have to file questions on whether the committee has convened instead of having the formation be publicly available news.

The criticism comes on the heels of Education Minister Chan Chun Sing’s revelation that the committee has yet to convene, in response to parliamentary questions this week.

Opining that she finds this approach “quite silly,” former heavyweight Straits Times editor Bertha Henson quipped on Facebook: “That MPs have to keep asking. Just get a commitment that the public will be told as soon as it is formed lah! Rather than this begging bowl approach”.

Sharing her post, former The Online Citizen editor Andrew Loh dubbed the practice of MPs needing to file questions on the EBRC a “waste of Parliament’s time”. He said, “Singaporeans and the opposition parties are at the mercy of the PAP – which knows when the EBRC is convened and indeed when Polling Day will be, before anyone else.”

Calling on the EBRC to announce its formation as soon as all members have been appointed, he questioned: “Why does the govt require MPs and Parliament to spend unnecessary time to get the information which should be freely, openly and fairly offered?”

The EBRC plays a crucial role in delineating constituencies for future general elections based on population shifts and housing developments. The release of its report typically serves as a significant indicator of an impending general election.

Looking back at the past four general elections, the shortest duration from EBRC establishment to report release was approximately two months, followed by one to four months until polling day.

The 2015 election stands out as the swiftest, with the committee established in May, report released in July, and election held in September. The subsequent election witnessed a more prolonged process, spanning almost a year from EBRC establishment in August 2019 to polls in July 2020.

TISG/

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