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Public member complains prices at FairPrice too high and questions its mission to serve working-class SGs

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4 years ago

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A member of the public, Harry Ong Heng Poh, wrote a complaint letter against NTUC FairPrice which was published on the Straits Times (ST) yesterday (‘Forum: FairPrice cafe prices seem too high for most customers‘, 25 Jan).

Mr Ong complained that the food prices at NTUC FairPrice cafe are too high for majority of Singaporeans. “Recently, I went to the newly opened FairPrice Xtra supermarket at Parkway Parade,” he wrote.

“There is a cafe inside the supermarket, and a piece of cake there can cost between $5.90 and $6.90. Even a simple doughnut can cost $2.50, as compared to a popular curry puff being sold in the same shopping centre for $1.80.”

“There are many elderly customers at the supermarket who may need to take a break but who may not be able to afford the prices at this cafe,” he added.

“FairPrice should set the trend and have hawker stalls instead at its supermarket cafe.”

“It should also not overlook its original mission to serve the working class and the fact that the majority of its customers are working-class people.”

First cocktail bar in a supermarket in Singapore

NTUC FairPrice outlet at Parkway Parade was officially opened last Friday (22 Jan) by the Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, who was previously the Group CEO and MD at IHH HealthCare Berhad. On PMO’s website, it praised Tan saying that during Tan’s tenure, IHH “doubled its revenue from RM 6 billion to RM 12 billion”.

NTUC FairPrice took over from Giant supermarket after it gave up its Parkway store. The new FairPrice outlet spans over 59,000 sq ft and is described as a “blended lifestyle retail space” that offers retail shopping with a dining experience. It also has a cocktail bar, a first for a supermarket in Singapore. The bar is a tie-up with top French spirits and wine producer Pernod Ricard.

ST wrote up a rosy review for the new NTUC FairPrice Parkway outlet last week. “FairPrice Xtra at Parkway Parade, newly opened, is not the same-old, same-old,” said ST. “Grocery shopping will no longer be a chore to endure with gritted teeth.”

ST went on to describe how a person can indulge himself the whole day at the newly opened FairPrice store. “Start the day with breakfast. Snag a table at the 50-seat eating area, then head to Tiong Hoe Coffee… to order a cappuccino ($5.40),” ST wrote.

“If caffeine makes you jumpy, get a bottle of Cold Brew Oat Zero ($8.50), made with single-origin Colombian beans and Oatly’s Barista edition oat milk. The beans are decaffeinated but, because of a unique process using sugarcane, retain their power and oomph.”

“Coffee in hand, go over to House Of Bakers, which has a big selection of Asian- and European-style breads and pastries… go for mini croissants filled with LNX Dried Scallop Hae Bee Hiam ($5 for three until Wednesday, usual price is $7.90 for three). The light, crisp croissants are filled with a good amount of hae bee hiam, which is made using actor Li Nanxing’s family recipe.”

The outlet’s delicatessen has been outsourced to Maxzi from the Indoguna group, which specialises in providing high-quality produce that is served in Singapore’s best dining establishments.

Italian prosciutto and truffles

“There are also Italian prosciutto and truffles. Check out the Japanese snow-aged beef from Niigata, aged in snow-packed rooms so it tastes sweet, mellow and rich,” shared ST.

By afternoon, “everybody must be ravenous,” continued ST. “Send the kids off to chope a table at the dining area while you shop for lunch.”

One can actually pick the produce at this FairPrice outlet and have the ingredients cooked on the spot. The cooking charge for seafood and meat is $8 for the first 500g and $2 for every additional 100g. For vegetables, the cooking charge is $4 for 500g.

ST suggested picking a simple garlic stirfry for the vegetables and grilling for the steak. To go with the meal, ST proposed choosing from two craft beers on tap ($6.90 for 473ml) at The Bar.

“For dessert, treat yourself to gelato from Alfero Gelato (from $6 a scoop),” ST added. “If feeling indulgent, get a giant macaron sandwich with gelato in the middle ($8 each).”

By late afternoon, ST went on to suggest hitting the bar inside the FairPrice supermarket. It wrote, “The beer, wine and spirits selection is staggering, with 700 varieties of wine from 15 countries, 100 types of spirits and liquor and more than 70 varieties of craft beer.”

“Unusual finds include Abashiri Okhotsk Blue Ryuhyo Draft ($7.50), a blue beer from Japan that gets its colour from flowers and seaweed,” it added.

“If you’re planning to drink wine with dinner, get a bottle and take it over to The Bar, where staff can chill it for you for free within 10 minutes. You won’t have to queue to pay for the wine either – you can pay at The Bar.”

“While you wait, have freshly shucked oysters ($15 for six) with a glass of sparkling wine ($7 a glass), a cocktail on tap ($12) or cocktails made to order ($15). The FairPrice Fizz – made with gin, lemon juice, strawberry syrup, soda water and egg-white foam – is light and delicious.”

The Bar at FairPrice Parkway (Source: ST)

In any case, the all-day indulgence at FairPrice Parkway as proposed by ST may be affordable to people like Minister Tan but certainly it would be a stretch for the working-class Singaporeans, as noted by forum writer Mr Ong.

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Community

Singapore performer impersonating Sivaji Ganesan dies after collapse during live show

Asokan S/O Muniyandy, a Singaporean performer famed for his impersonation of Indian actor Sivaji Ganesan, passed away on 12 October at the age of 60. Dubbed the “Singapore Sivaji,” he collapsed after a performance. His final rites will take place on 15 October at 5 pm.

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5 hours ago

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16 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: Singaporean performer Asokan S/O Muniyandy, renowned for his impersonation of Tamil cinema legend Sivaji Ganesan, passed away on Saturday (12 Oct) at the age of 60.

Known as “Singapore Sivaji” for his uncanny resemblance to the iconic actor, Asokan was a regular performer at cultural events in Singapore and Malaysia.

He reportedly collapsed and died at the end of a live performance, leaving the audience in shock.

Videos circulating on social media show Asokan dancing moments before he suddenly collapsed face-first as the emcee spoke to the crowd.

The sudden incident left onlookers stunned.

Seithi Mediacorp reported that Asokan’s final rites will take place on Tuesday (15 Oct) at 5 p.m.

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Animals

Controversy erupts as NParks sets traps for wild chickens following resident complaints

A video showing NParks contractors trapping wild chickens in Yio Chu Kang has sparked online controversy. Many netizens criticize the agency for targeting harmless chickens while ignoring more disruptive animals. They argue that chickens contribute to the local charm and should be preserved instead of culled, raising questions about the complaints received.

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2 days ago

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14 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: A video showing contractors hired by the National Parks Board (NParks) laying chicken traps has ignited controversy online.

The incident occurred in the Cactus estate, located in Yio Chu Kang.

The video, first uploaded on 9 October to the Facebook group Singapore Wildlife Sightings, shows two men in green vests kneeling on a grass patch and setting up what appeared to be traps for wild chickens.

According to the original post, the contractors were responding to complaints from local residents.

In response to media inquiries from MS News, Mr How Choon Beng, NParks’ Group Director of Wildlife Management, confirmed that both NParks and the Cheng San Grassroots Organisation had received numerous complaints about free-ranging chickens in the Cactus and Sunrise estates over the past year.

The complaints cited issues related to disturbances caused by the chickens, referred to as “dis-amenities.”

Mr How explained that NParks is currently conducting “population management measures” to address the growing number of chickens in the area.

He emphasized that NParks adopts a science- and community-based approach to managing animal populations, including free-ranging chickens.

These efforts include studying the birds’ population ecology, conducting biosurveillance programs, and implementing a variety of management strategies such as public education and habitat modification.

Mr How noted, “There is no one-size-fits-all management approach when it comes to addressing the multi-faceted issues related to free-ranging chickens.”

In addition, NParks collaborates with Grassroots Organisations to promote best practices in population control and engages residents by sharing tips on managing disturbances caused by the chickens, including the removal of eggs.

NParks also reminded the public to avoid feeding the chickens, as this contributes to their overpopulation and exacerbates the problem.

Netizens criticize NParks for trapping and culling wild chickens

Under an MS News Facebook post, many netizens expressed their opposition to the trapping and culling of wild chickens, arguing that they are harmless creatures.

Some users commented that they enjoy the presence of chickens, as they contribute to a “kampong” atmosphere in the neighbourhood.

One user mentioned that it is always nice to see chickens roaming around, helping to create that nostalgic vibe of home.

Another user shared their fondness for the sight of chickens, stating it feels reminiscent of the kampong days.

They suggested that instead of targeting chickens, NParks should focus on managing more disruptive animals like pigeons and otters, which can be a nuisance.

Several commenters questioned why NParks would catch harmless chickens while allowing other animals that pose more significant issues, like otters and pigeons, to remain unchecked.

One user criticized NParks for wasting time on chickens, emphasizing that they do not pose any threat to the public, unlike otters or wild boars that have attacked people.

Another commenter pointed out that chickens play a role in controlling harmful insects and pests, while otters contribute to the removal of pet fish in local ponds.

Others urged NParks to prioritize addressing the pressing issues posed by crows and pigeons rather than focusing on roaming chickens.

Many argued that NParks should aim to preserve nature by leaving harmless chickens alone and managing genuine pests instead.

A frustrated user criticized the authorities for succumbing to complaints rather than making decisions based on what is right.

They recalled a personal experience at Alexandra Village hawker centre, where they admired a group of wild chickens with a Malaysian worker, only to learn that authorities planned to cull them due to complaints.

One user questioned the nature of these complaints, urging NParks to clarify what is so problematic about having chickens in the neighbourhood.

They argued that these animals are harmless, self-sufficient, and do not bother humans.

As urban development continues to encroach on their natural habitats, many believe it is unjust to deny them the right to coexist with people in their own neighbourhoods.

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