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The large number of tissue sellers around Bedok Interchange recently has caught the notice of residents.

An 8world News reporter who went down to the area on Feb. 20 observed three people peddling their wares — an elderly man who is an amputee, a woman with grey hair and a younger man.

The local Chinese media site also reported that the number of tissue sellers there increase on the weekends.

Licensed tissue sellers are known to community

On Feb. 24, Member of Parliament (MP) for East Coast GRC Tan Kiat How shared in a Facebook post that he is aware of the presence of numerous tissue sellers in Bedok.

Residents have asked him about the issue, and while some were concerned whether the tissue sellers receive enough assistance, others noted that unlicensed tissue sellers might disadvantage the licensed ones.

Tan revealed that he is familiar with the licensed tissue sellers in the area, as they have been around for some time.

"Many of them are residents in the area, and are very much part of our community. Our grassroots volunteers and community partners like Thye Hua Kuan FSC @ Bedok North have been engaging them. Each of them has their reasons. Their story is for them to tell."

The MP assured that these tissue sellers will continue to receive their support.

As for the unlicensed tissue sellers, Tan shared that residents have told him that they have observed these individuals arriving and leaving together in a van.

The relevant authorities have been informed, and warning letters have been issued to them, Tan said.

Tan ended his post by urging members of the public to support licensed tissue sellers instead.

You can read his full post below:

Licensed under Street Hawking Scheme

Tissue sellers have to be licensed under the Street Hawking Scheme, that is now managed by the Singapore Food Agency.

Sellers which peddle specific approved items such as tissue paper, newspapers, ice cream and canned drinks are required to display their licenses when conducting their businesses.

They are also required to sell their wares at a fixed location in public places.

Those under the scheme have to pay an annual licence fee of S$120 a year, or S$10 a month.

Top photo from Tan Kiat How / FB and 8world News