AMK hawker centre vendors use laser pointers to chase birds away from diners

After patrons and stall vendors were disturbed by crows, pigeons and mynas, hawkers and cleaners at Ang Mo Kio's 409 Market and Food Centre resorted to using laser pointers to ward off the birds.

The hawker centre at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 was closed on Jun. 8 to undergo a two-month revamp, according to a Facebook post by Ang Mo Kio Town Council.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the renovations will include the installation of tables and chairs, the upgrading of toilets and the enhancement of bird-proofing measures.

Bird issue

Vendors and cleaners told Shin Min that they hoped the upgrades would solve the longstanding bird issue at the hawker centre.

According to them, mynas, pigeons, and crows frequently excreted on the floor and tables.

Many also gathered near dish return areas, trash bins and beams and pillars, where installed spikes have proven to have limited effectiveness.

As a result, multiple vendors have armed themselves with laser pointers to scare away birds that fly above customers, one hawker said.

An operator told Shin Min that the bird problem has been difficult to completely resolve, with the only solution being a faster cleanup of leftover food by cleaners.

With the installation of ceiling fans in the future, he added, he hoped it would alleviate the issue.

Don't feed the birds

Ang Mo Kio Town Council has urged the public not to feed the birds, which is a main reason for birds to gather.

In a Jun. 8 Facebook post, it reiterated new laws doubling maximum fines for wilding feeding, which will take effect in the second half of 2026.

Under the new rules, first-time offenders will be fined up to S$10,000, while repeat offenders will be fined up to S$20,000, up to 12 months' jail, or both.

The Town Council also told the media that it is aware of the bird issue and will install more bird-proofing facilities across various locations, including bird spikes, to reduce bird gathering and nesting.

Bird-catching operations are also regularly conducted at hawker centres.