Enforcement Actions against Illegal Hawkers outside Lucky Plaza

85 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources with regard to the increasing illegal hawking cases outside Lucky Plaza (a) what are the enforcement actions taken against the illegal hawkers; and (b) what plans does the Ministry have to stop such illegal hawking along Orchard Road.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The National Environment Agency (NEA) takes action against illegal hawkers, particularly if there is sale of food, as it poses a risk to public health and causes public disamenities. Under the Environmental Public Health Act, those caught hawking illegally can be fined up to $5,000 for the first offence, and $10,000 for subsequent offences. Their goods may also be seized and disposed of.

Since January 2017, we have received 15 instances of feedback concerning illegal hawking activities at Lucky Plaza. NEA has carried out several checks and taken enforcement actions against nine offenders for illegal hawking activities.

My Ministry will continue to monitor the situation in Orchard Road closely. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against anyone found hawking illegally. However, to better tackle the problem, we need the cooperation of members of the public not to patronise illegal hawkers and to report any illegal hawking activity through NEA's 24-hour call centre.