Epigram Books, a major supporter of Singaporean literature, will close its Epigram Coffee Bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) on 26 January 2025.

The decision comes after years of struggling with low sales and foot traffic at the Tanjong Pagar Distripark location, marking the end of the bookstore’s three-year lease.

The announcement on 19 September follows Times Bookstores’ closure of its final outlet in Holland Road, highlighting the growing challenges faced by brick-and-mortar bookstores in Singapore.

Edmund Wee, publisher at Epigram Books, expressed disappointment, stating: “We tried everything to make this work. Over the past three years, we’ve often asked ourselves, how many people even knew our bookstore existed here, let alone visited?”

Despite efforts to boost traffic, including operating shuttles to increase accessibility, the bookstore struggled to attract visitors consistently.

Epigram Coffee Bookshop, previously located at the Urban Redevelopment Authority Centre on Maxwell Road and later in a pop-up at Beach Road, relocated to SAM in May 2022 in partnership with Balestier Market Collective.

The 20-seater store featured towering shelves showcasing local and Southeast Asian titles, including books from other independent publishers like Ethos Books and Math Paper Press.

However, the location’s industrial setting, which only saw spikes in visitors during major exhibitions like Olafur Eliasson’s, limited consistent footfall.

The closure coincides with the end of Eliasson’s exhibit on 22 September 2024. Although the exhibition provided a temporary boost to the bookshop’s sales, Epigram noted that the increased traffic was short-lived.

Epigram’s future in physical retail remains uncertain. Mr Wee indicated that high rental costs make reopening a physical store unlikely: “Unless rent prices relent, it’s unlikely we’ll move into another space.”

Epigram Books has been a significant presence in Singapore’s independent book scene, promoting local authors and holding literary events.

The bookshop was also a community hub for the literary arts, hosting numerous book launches and events supporting local writers. “These spaces are special to our literary arts community. They’re where book lovers gather, where literary events and book launches happen in support of our writers,” said Mr Wee.

Despite the closure of the SAM store, Epigram will continue to operate its online store. The publisher emphasized the need for continued support from readers: “We’ve come this far with everyone’s support, and we look forward to continued support from our readers as we transition to focus on online sales.”

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Singapore: A group of elderly men has reportedly been eating leftovers at in People’s Park Food Centre, as reported by Shin Min Daily News on Wednesday (18 September).

According to tips from readers, these elderly men have been spotted scavenging for food at the bustling food centre in Chinatown.

Witnesses noted that they not only take unfinished meals from tables but also search the dish return area for additional leftovers.

Several hawkers reported seeing multiple elderly individuals, including one specific man, frequently visiting the food centre to collect leftovers, although they were unaware of their identities and living situations.

A Chinese food hawker, who has worked there for over ten years, noted that at least three or four scavengers come daily, usually around 8 or 9 PM, and sometimes kind customers buy food for them.

Another stall assistant, Ms Ma, observed that diners often leave their tables, allowing the older man to sit down and eat the leftovers directly.

Cleaner Mr Quan mentioned that while he has seen the man taking food left by others, he has also witnessed him buying his own meals, suggesting he is not in dire financial need.

Additionally, Quan noted that these scavengers typically arrive around 10 AM and leave in the afternoon.

One Elderly Man Interviewed Attributes Leftover Eating Habit to Waste Prevention, Not Financial Struggles

Among the scavengers is Mr Wang, an 84-year-old resident of Bedok, who emphasised that he doesn’t want to waste food.

He told reporter, “I have a home and children, but it’s very lively here, so I come every day and go home in the evening.”

He acknowledged his habit of eating leftovers, stating, “It’s not because I lack money; I simply don’t want to waste food.”

He explained, “Some people order a lot and can’t finish it; sometimes a whole fish is left uneaten. ”

“When I see large plates of leftover food, I think it’s a waste, so I take it to eat, and it’s still warm,” he said, adding that other scavengers respect each other’s space and enjoy their own finds.

Not everyone supports the practice of scavenging for leftovers. Daniel Tay, a retired financial advisor and advocate for freeganism, expressed concerns about the potential dangers of consuming discarded food.

He pointed out that it’s often unclear how long the food has been left out or if it has been contaminated by animals or pests, which could lead to food poisoning.

“It’s extremely unhygienic. Diners might throw away food or toss used napkins into it, contaminating it further. If a diner gets sick, such as with the flu or COVID-19, they could pass the virus to someone eating the leftovers,” he warned.

Tay suggested a more proactive approach, encouraging people to ask diners if they can take home any uneaten food, which would help ensure the food is clean and raise awareness about food waste.

Netizens Urge Agencies to Address Challenges Faced by Elderly Amid Rising Living Costs

Comments on Shin Min’s Facebook page reveal that many netizens suspect the elderly men scavenging for food may be facing significant challenges and are urging relevant agencies to reach out to understand their situations.

Some are questioning whether the rising cost of living in Singapore is prompting individuals to resort to drastic measures to save money.

One netizen commented, “Every family has its own difficulties; who hasn’t faced storms and hardships? If you see an elderly person, please invite him to a meal. After all, we will all grow old one day. Whether it’s a blessing or a curse, only heaven and earth know. I believe that Singaporeans who see him will definitely invite him to a meal.”

Discussion on Singapore’s Hardwarezone forum also highlighted that many have witnessed similar situations, indicating that this issue is not new.

One netizen speculated that some elderly individuals might be facing mental health challenges. The user shared observation of an elderly woman in Little India who regularly collects cardboard and sells 4D lottery tickets. Despite receiving money from passersby, she continues her activities.

Another user recounted an experience of seeing an elderly woman eating directly from leftover plates and offered to buy her a plate of duck rice.

However, the hawker advised that it would be pointless, as the woman allegedly prefers eating leftovers to fresh food. The netizen expressed pity for her situation, noting that other customers had also tried to buy her a meal.

Not the First Time Elderly Individuals Spotted Scavenging for Leftovers at People’s Park Food Centre

This is not the first time elderly individuals have been spotted eating leftover food at People’s Park Food Centre.

In November 2022, 8World News reported that at least seven elderly people allegedly engage in such practice regularly at the hawker centre. These individuals typically search for unfinished food left on tables or at the tray return area.

At that time, in response to inquiries from 8World News, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) stated that they were collaborating with grassroots volunteers and hawkers to identify these elderly individuals and provide assistance if needed.

MSF encourages the public to report any elderly individuals in need of help by calling 1800-222-0000 or connecting them with local social service agencies through the OneService App.