3 tissue sellers on PMAs accused of insulting others & monopolising space outside Bugis temple

A group of personal mobility aid (PMA) users selling tissue outside the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple in Bugis has come under fire for allegedly monopolising prime spots and driving away other vendors.

One of the men was previously allegedly involved in a dispute with another vendor in September 2024, Shin Min Daily News reported.

He is now accused of teaming up with two other PMA users to intimidate and insult other tissue sellers, and displaying what has been described as a "domineering" attitude.

All three men are reportedly with disabilities and missing their left leg.

Vendors afraid to speak up

When a Shin Min reporter visited the area, many flower and tissue sellers appeared visibly uneasy when asked about the group.

Some declined to be interviewed, expressing reluctance to stir up trouble.

One vendor, who requested anonymity, claimed the man treated the public space as his own, frequently hurling insults at others.

To avoid confrontation, many have been forced to set up shop further away.

The vendor also noted that the man seemed to operate in tandem with two "accomplices".

If a passerby gave money to one, the other two would quickly follow and ask for donations as well.

Another vendor said the man considered the temple exit his "territory”, only allowing himself to hawk his wares there.

Anyone attempting to approach the area would purportedly be met with verbal abuse from the man, who acted "like a gang leader".

Others keep their distance

On the morning of Jun. 1, a Shin Min reporter observed the man, referred to by others as the "gang leader", on his PMA selling tissue at the temple’s exit — where foot traffic was the heaviest.

The other two men were also nearby, stationed at the entrance, while other tissue vendors kept a noticeable distance.

The reporter noted that the man would occasionally "patrol" the area, moving between the other two men and conversing with them.

When interviewed, the man, who identified himself as Lin, denied all allegations.

He claimed he was simply focused on selling tissue and had no dealings with other vendors.

Regarding claims that he was occupying the temple exit, he said everyone had their usual spot and that he had not chased anyone away.

Authorities respond

In response to Shin Min's queries, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) confirmed it had received feedback about unlicensed tissue vendors operating outside the temple.

The agency warned that enforcement action could be taken if illegal hawking continued.

An SFA spokesperson said the agency is working with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to support these individuals.

Those applying for street vendor licenses are referred to the Social Service Office (SSO) to assess if they are eligible for financial aid or job-matching support.

The spokesperson also clarified that all street vendor licenses are personal and non-transferable, and vendors must operate strictly within the areas designated in their licenses.

This ensures minimal disruption to the public and prevents unfair competition.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News