I recently visited the refurbished 84 Marine Parade Central Market and Food Centre managed by NEA. Most of the time, the food sold at hawker centres is priced reasonably. But my experience with a nasi padang stall at the revamped hawker centre proved otherwise. I ordered a rice dish comprising two or three small dishes. It cost about S$8. I was flabbergasted. What justifies the price? While I did not ask the hawker why the price had gone up, I wondered if it was due to the renovation. When I patronised the same stall before the renovation, a similar dish cost a more palatable S$4.50. If it were in a comfortable, air-conditioned food court, it would seem more reasonable to pay such an amount. Even so, it should not cost S$8. Does NEA step in to regulate the prices of food and drinks sold by food stalls at hawker centres? It is worrying and off-putting that with each round of improvement works at hawker centres, patrons seemingly have to be prepared to pay more for their food.... Continue Reading