Simplicity

hawkerculture
Sep 26, 2015
3 min read

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more – Oprah Winfrey

For what it’s worth, Mr Ali, 40, is contented with working as a shop assistant at a humble Roti Prata stall in a food centre sandwiched between two HDB apartments

He has been in the hawker business for 15 years; this excludes the experience he got with his parents who used to sell Roti Prata at a school canteen.

Going down the path that his parents had paved for him, Mr Ali decided to join the ‘simple food’ business by opening a stall in a hawker centre, first at the famed Old Airport Road Food Centre. He used to sell fruits and later moved on to sell Indian Muslim food which ranges from Roti Prata to Roti John. “I am interested and I think can do it well. I am comfortable with it,” he said.

Actually this place got a lot of old people. My uncle has been here for so long too. We know all these people very well. Maybe because got market here also. But food court is different, got aircon. This one is a market. Food court is totally different.

Mr Ali is a very cheerful man and apparently very optimistic. It is evident that he always look on the bright side of life judging from his responses. “Sometimes I (think) the rent is high but I think I can survive (with this business),” he said with a smile. Despite the looming threats to hawker businesses and the concerns that the uniquely Singaporean heritage might be highly endangered, Mr Ali disagreed politely. “Hawkers are good. They are ok. No problem.” He is indeed a man of simplicity, and of little words, yet he managed to convey his contentment in a sophisticated way.When it comes to his business, Mr Ali is pragmatic. He has no qualms in raising the prices of his food when the town council raised the rent. However, Mr Ali took the time to explain to his customers, especially the elderlies, the reason for the hike in prices.

He went on to tell us more about the tender system at food centres which might deter the younger generation from going into the trade. The tender system puts the burden on the next generation of hawkers as the authorities increase the rent right after the passing of the parent generation. Hence, should the son or daughter decide to take over a stall from his or her deceased parents, the new tender sets the rent at a much higher cost.

Last time at Airport Food centre, my neighbour is Malay man selling satay. When he died, the wife take over. So the rent the same. Then when she was sick and later died, the child wanted to take over but it is at $1500, because Tender. If you cannot take it then you close, it’s your problem. You go see the MP also very difficult because this one see the law. If you can’t survive then give up.

Realising this, Mr Ali wanted his daughter—who is taking the PSLE this year—to study hard so that she doesn’t have to become a hawker. “Studies is important. I want them to study I also got give them tuition all,” he said. He wanted his children to have a better life.

His kindness, sincerity, and optimism makes him an endearing man. Although it is difficult being a hawker, Mr Ali continues to work hard for his family.

When asked about his plans for the future, Mr Ali admits that he has had thoughts of doing another business and wants to be his own boss. Only time will tell as Mr Ali says he’s still in the planning process.