Shopkeepers concerned about future at Army Market

SINGAPORE — Madam Jamilah Abdullah, 58, runs nine shops at the iconic Army Market at Beach Road. They have been there since the Golden Mile Food Centre was built in 1975. But leases in the building expire in December.

Speculation was rife that shops and hawker stalls will have to relocate. However, the National Environment Agency (NEA), which manages the building, said they can continue operations. Still, shop owners like Mdm Jamilah are concerned about the future.

"We don't know what is going to happen because the decision is not in our hands. Once we pay the rental, it's not our property, we're just a tenant. We'll see what's going to happen within the three years,” she said.

After the leases expire, ownership reverts to the Government. From January next year, shopkeepers will have to pay rent every month. NEA said rents will be kept affordable and comparable with those in nearby hawker centres. Those who formerly received subsidies when they bought over their stalls will continue to pay subsidised rent set by NEA.

Food stalls will pay a subsidised monthly rate of S$192 and other shops, at least S$96, for the next three years. After that, the rates might be adjusted. Those who do not qualify for subsidised rental will pay the prevailing market rate. This will be based on evaluation by professional valuers appointed by NEA. The expense is a worry, especially for shopkeepers in the army market, which has seen lower footfall since 2005.

“Fewer customers are coming in. Those days were much, much better. There were crowds during the weekends and a lot of army boys, they will come and buy things here," said Mdm Jamilah.

The army market has more than 111 shops, with most selling army supplies. In its heyday, it was the go-to place for National Servicemen, who formed the bulk of its customers.

Mdm Jamilah said she earned more than S$8,000 a month back then, but her income has since fallen by half. Owners said business has declined since the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) launched its eMarts in 1997. These outlets allow SAF personnel to buy army equipment using credits that they are allocated. As a result, fewer of them patronise the army market. Now, its customers comprise mostly students and adventure buffs, although there is the occasional serviceman.

Said 40-year-old entrepreneur Fahmy Ishak: "For most NSmen just like myself, I think this is an important place to buy your stuff, and it's pretty much like a rite of passage for every NSman. They have to come here, this is the place."

Mr Lim Yong Jun, a 22-year-old army regular, also said: "There's more variety. Whatever you need, they can just provide you with anything. At eMarts, I would say there is limited stuff."

Most of the shop owners are in their 60s. Even as they struggle to keep their businesses afloat, some hope to press on. “We've been here for years. Our foundation is here,” said Mdm Jamilah. “So, why go to another place when the people, the whole of Singapore, knows the army market.”

She added: “I think I can still work. I don't want to retire first. I don't want to just stay at home, eat and sleep.” So for now, Mdm Jamilah is playing a waiting game for customers. CHANNEL NEWSASIA