Business Owners Stay Resilient Amid Declining Sales, Await Redevelopment of Estate
At Tanglin Halt, long-standing stallholders and shop owners are struggling with sluggish sales amid the redevelopment of the estate, which has been ongoing since 2021. Several business owners, such as Abdullah Latip, a 75-year-old barber, have seen their foot traffic drop drastically, with Abdullah’s Salon De Benzimen serving only 10 customers daily—down from 30 in 2019. Despite the decline, he continues to serve his loyal clients, some of whom return from different areas for his services.
While Abdullah plans to retire in 2027 when the estate is cleared, other business owners are similarly affected, with Madam Jiao Ah Mei, the owner of Ang Seng Mini Mart, reporting an 80% sales drop due to the relocation of her regular customers. However, some businesses like Tanglin Halt Original Peanut Pancake, run by Teng Kiong Seng, continue to thrive, with the stall selling out early each day.
The ongoing redevelopment, which includes redeveloping Tanglin Halt into an integrated complex, has left tenants uncertain about the future, though some, like Mohamed Zayan, who runs Roti Prata, find their businesses still bustling with regulars.
To support these stallholders, the National Environment Agency has been offering rental subsidies, while the Housing Development Board (HDB) has extended 50% rental rebates for tenants like Abdullah until 2027, alongside relocation assistance. However, for many, the emotional toll of watching their neighborhood change is significant, with some lamenting the loss of a sense of community.
As the estate transitions into a new phase with plans for up to 5,500 flats and new amenities, the mixed feelings of resilience and nostalgia underscore the challenges of balancing progress with preserving memories.
