Our hawker scene is an integral part of our nation’s identity, run mainly by those present in the early years of our nation’s building.
That’s why losing one of our beloved hawkers cuts a deep wound in our community.
Wu Qiu Fa runs the popular midnight joint Soon Li Yong Tau Foo at Blk 115 Bukit Merah View Hawker Centre. On the morning of 22 February 2023, it was reported that he had suddenly passed away.
Reopened For Only One Month
The stall has been operating since the 1980s and reopened last month. It had been closed for nearly three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A popular supper spot for both residents of Bukit Merah and those living outside of it, the stall is known for its “ungodly” opening hours from 12 am to 3 am from Tuesdays to Sundays.
The stall often saw long queues as its tasty yong tau foo soup was highly sought after, and the news of its reopening was greatly welcomed by its customers.
A Sudden Departure
According to Wu’s wife, the incident started on the ferry back to Singapore from Batam. They went to Batam for a short trip and would return to Singapore at 6 pm on 21 February 2023.
Wu suffered from intestinal cramps during the ferry ride and endured the pain until he reached the Singapore ferry terminal. By then, he was in so much pain he couldn’t stand up and was sent to the hospital by ambulance.
The couple waited until 12 midnight before Wu was warded. They were informed that Wu would undergo an operation the next day. After settling Wu down, the wife made her way back home.
However, at about 4 am on Wednesday (22 February 2023), Wu’s wife received a call from the hospital about his sudden passing.
Lost & Confused
The couple has no children, and the wife is lost and confused. She has no intentions of dealing with the stall until after she has settled her husband’s funeral matters.
Wu’s funeral was reported to be concluded on 26 February 2023.
Acquaintances of the couple revealed that Wu was quiet and helpful. He could be counted on to help out his neighbouring stalls, including fixing pipe issues.
A regular of the midnight yong tau foo stall remembered how Wu constantly asked her not to come to the food centre so late just to have his food.
The sky is dark, and the road is difficult to walk, don’t come to the stall so late to eat.
Netizens Feel a Tremendous Loss
The announcement of the uncle’s death by Melvin Chew, who runs the Hawkers United – Dabao 2020 Facebook group, was flooded with condolences by netizens.
Some netizens, like this one, have been loyal customers of the stall since the beginning.
Others regret not visiting the stall during the short period they were open before the uncle’s death.
The stall is revered by customers from all over the island, and the uncle’s legacy will never be forgotten.
Not the First Loss to the Hawker Community in Recent Months
Despite being early into the year, we’ve already experienced another deep-cutting loss to our beloved hawker community.
Earlier on 11 January, traditional kueh stall owner Lim Ah Meng passed away at 78, similarly from a heart attack. The stall, located in Hong Lim Food Centre, has since been taken over by his daughter, according to 8days.sg.
On 4 January, the Can Eat! Hawker Food Facebook group reported that the uncle running the Nan Rong Chee Cheong Fun stall in Bendemeer Market and Food Centre had passed away.
The exact date of his death is unclear, but it is said to have occurred sometime in late December last year.
According to Google, the aunty running the stall alongside him has since retired, and the stall is now permanently closed.
For now, we need to deeply cherish the uncles and aunties running our vibrant hawker scene and show our appreciation for their deliciously prepared meals while we can.
Rest in peace.
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