Not all Sim Lim tenants are black sheep

Sim Lim Square has earnt itself a bad reputation because of recent reports of unscrupulous behaviour of some businesses there and this has had a visible effect on the crowd size.

During my past visits, the lifts would be crowded, but during recent visits on weekdays, I am easily the only one.

A week ago, a power supply unit for my desktop computer I bought last year at a shop in Bishan failed. It was still under warranty, but the shop owner said I would need to visit their branch at Sim Lim Square to get it changed.

My heart sank at the news. I went to Weng Cheong Com Tech on level 4 of Sim Lim Square like a warrior ready for battle.

I rehearsed many times what to say if the staff there were to refuse me a replacement. I was even prepared to buy another unit, hopefully at a discount.

To my surprise, the owner gave me a brand new one, no questions asked and without unreasonable conditions. Five minutes was all it took.

During my visit, there was a woman in the shop helping two young children with their homework, whom I assumed to be the owner’s family or related to the owner.

I am writing this to highlight that there are hardworking shopkeepers in Sim Lim too and we should give them a chance at making an honest living among the black sheep retailers.

Perhaps, Sim Lim Square as a whole is not that bad after all.