Sabrina Chua, Author at Goody Feed

I'm sure everyone knows by now that due to COVID-19 safety measures that were put in place to counter the rising case numbers, only two people can eat together at hawker centres and coffee shops. Those who have a party of three and above would have no choice but to eat at restaurants, no matter how much they love hawker food. Of course, this has resulted in a (sharp) decrease in business and a loss of income for both hawkers and coffee shop stallholders. In an attempt to relieve some of the financial burdens that hawkers are currently facing, Singapore's national piped gas provider, City Gas, is offering over S$1 million in support to 2,602 hawkers who are in its network of 59 hawker centres across Singapore. Who is City Gas and Why Are They Helping? Most of us probably wouldn't know what City Gas is, so here's a bit of background on them. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Keppel Infrastructure Trust, City Gas produces piped gas safely and reliably to residents, commercial and industrial areas island-wide. As the piped gas provider to more than half of the hawker centres in Singapore, City Gas has been an ardent supporter and friend to hawkers. Since 2008, City Gas has supported hawkers and local food through City Hawker Food Hunt, Singapore's longest-running hawker food contest, and other hawker-related activities. So when the huge wrench in the works known as COVID-19 popped up in Singapore, you know they just have to get involved. After all, not only are hawkers representatives of Singapore's UNESCO-endorsed intangible cultural heritage, but also providers of basic daily meals for all in Singapore. 2,602 Hawkers To Get Over S$1 Million in Support From City Gas, S'pore's National Piped Gas Provider Image: City Gas The support will come in the form of direct rebates of up to S$100 per hawker on their gas bills for the last four months of the year, from September through the end of December. City Gas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Perry Ong, pointed out that it's now "more important than ever" to support hawkers in Singapore, who have been "hit hard by the pandemic". City Gas feels that it must do its part to help Singapore's local food heroes and preserve the hawker heritage, he added. The support will be relayed to 2,602 hawkers in City Gas's network of 59 hawker centres across Singapore. Grateful Image: City Gas Anthony Low of the second-generation Xin Sheng Ngoh Hiong Prawn Cracker at Boon Lay Place Food Village said the rebate will help him get through the end of the year. "City Gas and hawkers support each other." Image: City Gas Father-and-son stallholders Siew Sew Meng and Siew Peng Yin, who operates Quan Ji at Amoy Food Centre agree with the sentiment as well. "This stall is not only our business, but also our family reputation. City Gas is standing in solidarity with us. Any assistance to decrease overheads during this period and help sustain our business is greatly appreciated." The best part? It seems that City Gas really understands how best to help the hawkers, as the initiative of the direct rebate is automatically applied to the hawkers' utility accounts. This offers the fastest and simplest form of support as it does not require any action from the hawkers to receive these funds. We Can Do Our Part Too If you're interested to help these hawkers as well, the simplest thing you can do is to consider ordering food from them instead of always heading to restaurants. While you may not be able to eat together at one table with four others, it doesn't mean that you can't order takeaway from these hawkers and eat in the comfort of your own home. As we all struggle through the pandemic, let us also continue to stand together in this fight by supporting one another. Read Also: S’pore Mattress Company Looking To Hire Sleep Executive For S$1,500 From 1 Nov, Bosses Must Inform The Govt If They Need To Retrench Staff Feature Image: City Gas