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The National Environment Agency (NEA) has allegedly issued a warning to a pregnant hawker for violating tenancy agreement rules requiring personal stall operation, sparking discussions about hawker management policies in Singapore.
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Mrs Noorman, who is 40 weeks pregnant and operates the Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang stall at Yishun Park Hawker Centre, received the warning for not being physically present at her stall.
Her husband, Mr Noorman Mubarak, shared their situation in a Facebook post on 18 Feb 2025.
The couple has managed their stall since 2017, initially working 12 to 18-hour days. Mr Noorman would start his day at 3am, while his wife would arrive at 8am, continuing operations until 10pm.
NEA’s Stance on Personal Stall Operation and Alternative Options
NEA stated on 20 Feb 2025 that the policy requiring hawkers to operate their stalls personally aims to prevent subletting, which could increase rental and food prices.
The policy applies to all stalls in hawker centres managed by NEA and its operators.
The agency offers alternatives for stallholders unable to be physically present. These options include appointing a joint stall operator or a nominee. NEA also provides support through rental rebates for temporary stall closures.
Timbre+ Hawkers, NEA’s appointed operator for Yishun Park Hawker Centre, noted Mrs Noorman’s absence from personal stall operations and reached out to discuss alternative arrangements.
The hawker centre management sent two reminders after Mrs Noorman did not act on requests to appoint a joint operator or nominee.
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Mr Noorman disputed the management’s account, stating they only received a WhatsApp message and an email warning rather than personal engagement about solutions.
The Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang stall at Yishun Park Hawker Centre serves as the founding location for what has grown into a chain of 20 stores across Singapore. The establishment has maintained a spot in the Michelin Guide Singapore since 2021.
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