S'pore govt watching cost of food prices closely, ready to assist hawkers if needed: Grace Fu

The government is closely monitoring the rising costs of food prices, especially for hawkers, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu.

Speaking to the media during a community visit to the Canberra ward of Sembawang GRC on Jun. 6, Fu shared that the authorities have been in close contact with hawkers and food distributors.

She added that the worry about the cost of living is "real and pressing" and is a priority for the government.

"So far, we know that from a wholesaling point of view, wholesale prices have remained stable. But obviously, all the sectors are impacted by logistics costs, so if you are further down the distribution chain into retail, you will find that the cost of moving goods has impacted the cost of food prices," said Fu.

"So we are watching that very carefully, particularly with our hawkers. We understand that the cost of food is a big part of their expenses, and we stand ready to assist them if needed."

Fu further emphasised that sustaining hawkers and their livelihoods is a priority for the government.

Community help

Beyond government assistance like CDC vouchers and one-time cost-of-living payments, Fu shared that the community can also help manage the rising cost of living.

"We have various schemes that the Canberra Division is putting out, whether it is cheaper drinks or cheaper groceries at discounted prices. I think all these little bits help to keep (the) cost of living in control, so we hope that more communities and businesses can step forward also to address these issues."

Fu added that households can help as well by being more adaptable and flexible with their food choices, such as purchasing essential groceries whose prices are frozen by supermarkets to manage their expenses.

"Together with the government, with the businesses, with the community, and households, we can weather this together," said Fu.