Rental hike at hawker centre not justified

As a frequent customer at the Aljunied Crescent hawker centre, I share the writer’s sentiments in “How does food centre renovation benefit diners?” (Sept 30).

Hawkers told me that food prices went up post-renovation because their rentals rose significantly, and cleaning charges are higher, with a further increase expected next year. I have not noticed any marked improvement to the hawker centre. Some seats were replaced, and while new lighting was installed, several of the lights have been flickering. The rental increase does not appear to be justifiable.

And possibly, only about half the stalls are now operating due to some hawkers giving up their stalls as a result of higher rentals.