Singapore, 11 October 2021 – From 8 to 10 October 2021, the National Environment Agency (NEA) took enforcement action against 84 individuals, as part of stepped-up enforcement for breaches of Safe Management Measures (SMMs) at hawker centres.

2          Enforcement against the 84 individuals were for offences such as gathering in groups of more than two, not maintaining a safe distance of one metre, and not wearing masks or having them pulled down. The hawker centres included Newton Food Centre, Whampoa Food Centre, Haig Road Market & Food Centre, Golden Mile Food Centre, Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, and Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre (refer to Annex for images of enforcement action). While the situation has improved at these centres, we still observe occasional non-compliance of SMMs and will continue to follow up.

3          We seek the public’s support to work with Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Enforcement Officers, who are tasked with ensuring that SMMs are complied with for everyone’s safety. While the large majority of members of the public are cooperative, there is a small proportion of offenders who are uncooperative and sometimes abusive. The authorities take a serious view of those who verbally or physically abuse public officers, and will press charges in court where warranted.

Safe Management Measures at Markets and Hawker Centres

4          Patrons are reminded that from 13 October 2021, only fully vaccinated persons are allowed to dine at hawker centres. Children aged 12 years and below who are unvaccinated can continue to dine at hawker centres. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated persons can take away food from hawker centres. Seniors are urged to continue to stay away from crowded places and where possible, ask household members or neighbours to purchase takeaway food on their behalf. Strict adherence to SMMs protects everyone. We call on all stakeholders to remain vigilant.

5          Patrons, stallholders and others who enter markets and hawker centres are also reminded to perform SafeEntry check-in and check-out, even if and when the access points of centres are not manned. They must also wear their masks covering the nose and mouth fully, and practise good personal hygiene. NEA is working closely with Hawkers’ Associations and Town Councils to keep our premises safe, and regularly undertake deep cleaning and disinfection of premises.

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For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application. Alternatively, you contact us at 6225 5632.

ANNEX

Images of Enforcement Action at Hawker Centres


Photo 1: Patron (in blue) at Golden Mile Food Centre spotted not wearing a mask and moving between tables.


Photo 2: Gathering in groups of more than two at Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre. 

Photo 3: Gathering in a group of more than two at Haig Road Market & Food Centre.