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| A traffic junction opposite Joo Chiat Complex at end-April. The white awnings show where bazaar stalls are being prepared. |
In 2019, it costs 30% less to rent a stall, with the rent per stall capped at S$14,000, the SMCCI noted, quoting a CNA report. A survey* that the SMCCI conducted during the bazaar in 2018 had found that 38.8% respondents were dissatisfied with the amenities provided given the high rental cost.
Thirty percent of respondents also disagreed on the fact that the cultural identity and atmosphere of Geylang bazaar was strongly felt. Some felt that there was over-selling of hipster food with little emphasis on more traditional goodies.
"This year, SMCCI noted that 60% of the food stalls, and 80% of the non-food stalls, will focus on traditional Malay items. All food stalls must be either Muslim-owned or certified halal by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). This move was met with much positivity", the SMCCI stated in early April.
Shamir Rahim, President SMCCI said, “SMCCI welcomes this recent move as it provides more opportunities for businesses to partake in the bazaar while also increasing the value of its offerings to more patrons, thus creating a win-win for all. The chamber looks forward to working hand-in-hand with the different stakeholders to make this year's bazaar a success.”
As a form of assistance to vendors, SMCCI organises a regular Muslim-Owned Establishment (MOE) training course which aims to equip vendors of both temporary stalls as well as permanent establishments to be accredited as an Muslim-owned establishment. Among other things, participants will learn how to thoroughly check the status of every ingredient used in the food production kitchen, including meat supplies, sauces used, as well as mitigate against the threat of halal food production being contaminated with non-halal ingredients.
*In 2018, the chamber conducted a survey to poll sentiments and expectations of the vendors at Geylang bazaar. The survey was conducted in the first three weeks of Ramadhan. SMCCI secretariat members went to different parts of the Geylang bazaar including stalls at Joo Chiat Complex, Haig Road, Tanjong Katong Complex and along Onan Road. An e-survey was administered in person and a total of 130 valid responses were obtained. The survey focused on gathering sentiments with respect to the rental of the stalls at the bazaar, as well as the other key factors such as quality of stalls, location of stall and flow of human traffic to the stalls.