'You think he'll become a millionaire?': Chinatown hawker blasts customers complaining about Thai eatery's S$0.20 'gas and oil' surcharge

A recent Stomp article reported on a S$0.20 "gas and oil" charge by an eatery in Joo Koon.

The stall had implemented this charge on Apr. 6.

They attributed the rise to global gas and oil pricing, coupled with supply chain disruption and rising cost of raw materials, all of which have led to their expenses being "significantly impacted".

However, they did mention that they hope this "would not last long".

Reactions to the piece focusing on the mixed reactions were mixed.

Some understood the reasoning for the charge and praised the stall for being transparent with customers.

Others, though, bashed the stall and said they were being opportunistic.

A Hawker's reply

Melvin Chew, the owner of Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck and Kway Chap at Chinatown Complex and the founder of the Facebook group Hawkers United, shared his thoughts on the situation.

Starting with this note to his fellow hawkers, and a pointed critique of those who were criticising the eatery.

"Dear hawker friends! If there is a need to raise your price PLEASE DO SO! Our kindness and endurance through hard crisis are not being appreciated by alot of people! But i would love to thanks those understanding and supporting friends toward the hawkers!"

He broke down the reasons for the hike, as well as the knockdown effects on hawkers, pointing to how the price hikes were due to issues like suppliers raising costs, as well as labour and rental fees.

He also compared the issue to the commenter's own personal salary and their own life. Saying if he were to use their logic against them, their salary would "never be raised", addressing the following to those with a "good life".

"Can drive big car, can stay landed! But when the hawkers working hard to earn that, the hawkers are being label as if they are a scammer! The hawkers doesn't deserved to have a better life! Whole life must be poor! When you are poor then you are an ideal hawker!"

He also questioned the impact of the S$0.20 on the hawker's life.

"This stall raised only a $0.20 cents! You think that $0.20 cents can covered his loss? He will become a tycoon and millionaire on that $0.20 cents?"

Before issuing a slight challenge.

"You come and be a hawker la since it so easy and sooooo profitable! If you are labelling the hawkers as benefit profit during crisis then I can labelled this group of troll keyboard warriors as stingy and sour!"

Costs are up

Speaking to Mothership, Chew delved further into the cost challenges he and other hawkers are facing.

Chew said the price of a five-litre oil bottle has risen from S$10 to S$12 per bottle.

While he himself has not faced gas price increases thanks to the "leniency" of the gas company, he noted that some coffee shops have raised their prices.

He also elaborated on the challenges faced by other hawkers.

"Oil for those hawkers selling You Tiao, chicken wings, which need oil for deep frying, will be affected more. Gas for those tze char stall, stir-fried stalls will be affected more."

Ending off with this: "Consumers need to understand this logic before they blast the hawkers."

CNA recently reported on the increased challenges faced by hawkers in this situation.

They also focused on the higher delivery fees, caused mainly by fuel surcharges.

Cornelius Tan, chairman of the Chinatown Complex Hawkers' Association, told CNA that operating costs have increased by another 10 per cent, while higher delivery fees are further "squeezing margins".

Image from Google Maps and Canva