By Eugene Yeo
After keeping the news under wraps for almost 3 weeks, NEA CEO Andrew Tan has finally let the cat out of the bag over the background of the Geylang Serai Market: it is built and managed by a PAP grassroots organization - Kampong Ubi Citizens Consultative Committee (CCC)!!
In a letter sent to the media, Mr Andrew Tan wrote:
“When markets and hawker centres are being upgraded, grassroot organisations and their advisers can choose to have a temporary market which is not provided for under the Government’s Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme.
If so, they also carry the responsibility of keeping the temporary market clean to meet NEA standards. However, NEA will intervene if it assesses the need to do so in the interest of public health.
In the case of Geylang Serai Market, the Kampong Ubi CCC decided to build and manage the temporary market. Despite the best of efforts put in by the Temporary Market Management Committee in implementing its cleaning regime and in tackling the rat infestation problem, the problem had persisted.”
I believe Mr Tan is trying to be diplomatic here so as not to offend the PAP.
The market management committee has been “managing” the market for 3 years. How can they fail to eradicate the rats which is easily accomplished by pest controllers in less than a week!
If this represents the “best” effort put in by the Kampong CCC, then I really worry about the other temporary markets which are run by these grassroots organizations.
The market management committee is guilty of negligence on at least three counts:
1. Failure to tackle the chronic rat problem.
2. Failure to call for spring-cleaning of the market when it should be done every four months.
3. Failure to maintain general cleanliness and environmental hygiene of the premises.
Why didn’t NEA take action against the management committee earlier since it claimed its officers conduct spot checks on temporary markets pretty often?
Who in the management committee should answer for the lapses of hygiene at the temporary market?
From what know, the management committee reports directly to its advisor PAP MP Dr Ong Seh Hong.
Is Dr Ong aware of the chronic hygiene problems in the Geylang Serai temporary market which is located in this ward? He should have detected the problem himself had he been conducting his walk-abouts in his constituency frequently.
It is most unfair and unjust that MOH and NEA found fit to haul the Indian Rojak stallholder to court on shaky grounds of “lapses in food and environmental hygiene” while they dare not even censure Kampong Ubi CCC and its advisor for failure to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the temporary market.
Each individual hawker at the Geylang Serai temporary market is in charge of only the food and environmental hygiene at their respect stalls.
Ultimately, the management committee is in charge of the overall cleanliness of the place. Cleaning of the premises as well as removing offending pests such as rats lies within the purview of the committee.
I sincerely implore NEA to prosecute the management committee of the Geylang Serai temporary market including its advisor PAP MP Dr Ong Seh Hong for dereliction of duties and gross negligence leading to castastrophic lapses in food and environmental hygiene which are of far greater proportion and significance compared to that of the Indian rojak man.
so its like, if the teacher is not teaching well, the students blame the principal?
yay. prosecute them for not keeping the place clean.
case closed.
I have no idea whether this story is true or not since it is not from a credible source.
Still it highlights the problems that cronyism and nepotism can cause. While this story might not be true, Singapore's economy is in such a mess because of cronyism and nepotism.
MR Andrew Tan, the National Environment Agency's (NEA) chief executive officer, also sent a reply to The Straits Times yesterday about the food poisoning incident at the Geylang Serai Temporary Market, which read:
In the case of Geylang Serai Market, the Kampong Ubi CCC decided to build and manage the temporary market. Despite the best of efforts put in by the Temporary Market Management Committee in implementing its cleaning regime and in tackling the rat infestation problem, the problem had persisted.
Originally posted by Ah Chia:MR Andrew Tan, the National Environment Agency's (NEA) chief executive officer, also sent a reply to The Straits Times yesterday about the food poisoning incident at the Geylang Serai Temporary Market, which read:
In the case of Geylang Serai Market, the Kampong Ubi CCC decided to build and manage the temporary market. Despite the best of efforts put in by the Temporary Market Management Committee in implementing its cleaning regime and in tackling the rat infestation problem, the problem had persisted.
FYI when I click on the the link you provided "http://www.straitstimes.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/"
I get
"Error 500: Error reported: 500" (Google Chrome)
Originally posted by AndrewPKYap:
I have no idea whether this story is true or not since it is not from a credible source.
Still it highlights the problems that cronyism and nepotism can cause. While this story might not be true, Singapore's economy is in such a mess because of cronyism and nepotism.
No idea, if got no idea, dun post lah. Go take yr medicines. And later to feed the dogs ya.
The South East Community Development Council (CDC) was set up on 24 November 2001. Spanning the scenic eastern Coast of Singapore, the South East District is home to more than 551,000 residents. The District includes some of the island’s most vibrant, historical and beautiful neighbourhoods, such as Geylang Serai, Joo Chiat, Bedok and Marine Parade.
The South East District comprises the Marine Parade Group Representative Constituency (GRC), East Coast GRC, Joo Chiat Single Member Constituency (SMC), MacPherson SMC and Potong Pasir SMC.
http://www.southeastcdc.org.sg/116347
Community Centres / Clubs A focal point for community bonding, these centres/clubs provide a communal place where recreational and social activities and courses are conducted to promote social cohesion, racial and religious harmony.
Marine Parade GRC
| Kampong Ubi Community Centre | Kampong Ubi | 10 Jalan Ubi Singapore 409073 |
Mr Daniel Foo Piew Yong (DCM) Tel: 67423564 / 67427281 Fax: 67472749 |
| Kampong Ubi Constituency Office | Mr Charles Kasmas Hariff Tel: 67459919 Fax: 67464122 |
fast fast lah, send in the piper
if CCC dun pay, then piper takes all the children
Originally posted by angel7030:
No idea, if got no idea, dun post lah. Go take yr medicines. And later to feed the dogs ya.
No need to remind us you are insane... we already know,
"After all, I am an Angel of God" 05 Feb `09, 6:04PM
"for God, Angel, on behalf of Gabriel" 16 Apr `09, 10:42AM
Originally posted by Ah Chia:MR Andrew Tan, the National Environment Agency's (NEA) chief executive officer, also sent a reply to The Straits Times yesterday about the food poisoning incident at the Geylang Serai Temporary Market, which read:
In the case of Geylang Serai Market, the Kampong Ubi CCC decided to build and manage the temporary market. Despite the best of efforts put in by the Temporary Market Management Committee in implementing its cleaning regime and in tackling the rat infestation problem, the problem had persisted.
Aiya, these one not breaking news lah, i got one breaking legs news,
"The CEO of APAPCC, Mr, AndrewPKYap had announced that he is not aware of such happening, and he dun believe it holds any credibility against anyone in particular, Mr. Andrew Yap also view his concern in nepotism and cronyism in his committee and hope that no such sentiment should occurs in his reign. Mr. Andrew Yap, a well renown cursing master had also give his view on his retirement due to mental illness sustain during his youth time with the ruling party, the baton will be pass to either Mr. Chia, editor of wayangparty.com or Miss Angel, his most love niece who is also chairman of AWARE."
Do i see similar stuff getting posted over and over?
just go and prosecute them loh. their fault that they never keep the place clean. If there were thousands of people who wrote in to tell them that the place needed to be cleaned, just dig up the letters and say "ah ha!"tell you not clean why you never take action."
Originally posted by AndrewPKYap:
No need to remind us you are insane... we already know,
"After all, I am an Angel of God" 05 Feb `09, 6:04PM
"for God, Angel, on behalf of Gabriel" 16 Apr `09, 10:42AM
the usual, kopi cau ping
Originally posted by Ah Chia:
The South East Community Development Council (CDC) was set up on 24 November 2001. Spanning the scenic eastern Coast of Singapore, the South East District is home to more than 551,000 residents. The District includes some of the island’s most vibrant, historical and beautiful neighbourhoods, such as Geylang Serai, Joo Chiat, Bedok and Marine Parade.
The South East District comprises the Marine Parade Group Representative Constituency (GRC), East Coast GRC, Joo Chiat Single Member Constituency (SMC), MacPherson SMC and Potong Pasir SMC.
http://www.southeastcdc.org.sg/116347
Community Centres / Clubs A focal point for community bonding, these centres/clubs provide a communal place where recreational and social activities and courses are conducted to promote social cohesion, racial and religious harmony.
Marine Parade GRC
Kampong Ubi Community Centre Kampong Ubi 10 Jalan Ubi
Singapore 409073 Mr Daniel Foo Piew Yong (DCM)
Tel: 67423564 / 67427281
Fax: 67472749 Kampong Ubi Constituency Office Mr Charles Kasmas Hariff
Tel: 67459919
Fax: 67464122
Can you provide independently verifiable links that your first post is credible? You need to show that "Geylang Serai market is run by PAP Kampong Ubi CCC" and the NEA officer said all that.
Originally posted by AndrewPKYap:
Can you provide independently verifiable links that your first post is credible? You need to show that "Geylang Serai market is run by PAP Kampong Ubi CCC" and the NEA officer said all that.
Uncle, he is trying hard to do some editing, you wait a while, he said he needs time to make sure that it look credible and independ ya.
CEO responds to public comments
MR Andrew Tan, the National Environment Agency's (NEA) chief executive officer, also sent a reply to The Straits Times yesterday about the food poisoning incident at the Geylang Serai Temporary Market, which read:
'I thank all letter-writers and journalists of The Straits Times who have commented on the importance of maintaining high standards of public hygiene in our hawker centres, following the severe incident of food poisoning traced to a stall at the Geylang Serai Temporary Market.
We, at NEA, are deeply saddened by this episode that is linked to more than 150 people falling ill, many acutely, with two losing their lives. Our hearts are with the affected people and the grieving families to whom we have extended our deepest condolences.
The outpouring of concern rightfully shows the widespread sympathy we share for them as well as the high standards expected of our markets and food centres.
Maintaining good hygiene standards
NEA has the overall responsibility for ensuring high standards of public health and hygiene in Singapore. We would like to assure the public that NEA will strive to uphold these high standards.
The current system for upholding public hygiene comprising legislation, surveillance, enforcement and public education has served us well.
The number of food poisoning cases in Singapore is very low. Over the last three years, there has been an average of only four food poisoning incidents a year even though we have 5,600 hawker stalls across 106 hawker centres.
Grading of stalls
The grading scheme, introduced in 1997, was intended to motivate licensees to improve on their personal and food hygiene and upkeep of their premises. All stalls that are graded and allowed to operate meet the basic hygiene requirements.
The grading scheme sought to differentiate and recognise those who made greater efforts to improve and sustain the cleanliness and hygiene of their operations. By making the grades public, it was hoped that consumers' choice could also lend pressure to encourage hawkers to strive for higher standards.
NEA, on its part, also actively worked with stallholders to encourage them to improve, by paying more attention to those with lower grades. NEA facilitates upgrading courses so that food handlers gain the knowledge to raise standards.
Food stalls in hawker centres that are graded 'A' and 'B' are inspected every eight weeks, while stalls graded 'C' and 'D' are inspected more frequently every six weeks. NEA uses a point demerit system to penalise food handlers for any lapses in maintaining good personal and food hygiene.
When a food handler accumulates 12 demerit points in a year, his licence will be suspended for two weeks. This is how NEA keeps unhygienic stalls from operating.
This regime has led to a significant improvement in food hygiene levels in Singapore. Over the years, the proportion of grade 'A' and 'B' stalls has increased from 46 per cent in 2002 to 86 per cent last year.
The remaining 14 per cent of stalls are graded 'C' and they meet hygiene requirements. The grading and point demerit system, together with a regime of regular inspections, have helped to keep food poisoning incidence low.
Notwithstanding, food poisoning incidents can occur in any food establishment, regardless of its grading, if there are lapses in personal hygiene.
Overall hygiene standards at hawker centres have also improved through the Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme.
Since 2001, a total of 72 centres have been upgraded with better facilities and toilets, among other improvements.
The remaining 30 or so centres will be upgraded by 2012.
Cleanliness of Geylang Serai Temporary Market
When markets and hawker centres are being upgraded, grassroot organisations and their advisers can choose to have a temporary market which is not provided for under the Government's Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme.
If so, they also carry the responsibility of keeping the temporary market clean to meet NEA standards. However, NEA will intervene if it assesses the need to do so in the interest of public health.
In the case of Geylang Serai Market, the Kampong Ubi CCC decided to build and manage the temporary market. Despite the best of efforts put in by the Temporary Market Management Committee in implementing its cleaning regime and in tackling the rat infestation problem, the problem had persisted.
NEA should have moved in firmly earlier to address this problem. Sustained efforts with NEA's assistance and enforcement have now led to a marked improvement.
NEA will continue to require the Management Committee to sustain ongoing cleaning and pest control efforts.
Greater vigilance
Going forward, NEA will step up its vigilance and enforce higher standards of public hygiene on all food outlets. NEA will also conduct more refresher training on food and personal hygiene for stallholders and food handlers.
We will further tighten up our own procedures to ensure the timely issuing and display of up-to-date grading labels.
To impress on the need for good hygiene practices by all and enhance understanding of the overall system, NEA will step up engagement of market managements and operators of food establishments.
Public awareness efforts so as to also involve consumers in maintaining high levels of public hygiene at all times are also being looked into.
NEA will further improve on the current system, taking into account the useful feedback and suggestions thus far. We thank everyone for the valuable feedback and suggestions. We continue to welcome views at [email protected] and 1800-CALL-NEA (1800-2255-632).'
http://www.straitstimes.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp
http://www.straitstimes.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=54495cdb0f4b0210VgnVCM100000430a0a0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=4e60758920e39010VgnVCM1000000a35010aRCRD
http://wayangparty.com/?p=7943
Good editing. ZZzzzz
yay.
i still don't see the point of this.
OK Let me help you with the links.
Click to link to Straits Times Online
"In the case of Geylang Serai Market, the Kampong Ubi CCC decided to build and manage the temporary market. Despite the best of efforts put in by the Temporary Market Management Committee in implementing its cleaning regime and in tackling the rat infestation problem, the problem had persisted."
Originally posted by AndrewPKYap:
OK Let me help you with the links.
Click to link to Straits Times Online
"In the case of Geylang Serai Market, the Kampong Ubi CCC decided to build and manage the temporary market. Despite the best of efforts put in by the Temporary Market Management Committee in implementing its cleaning regime and in tackling the rat infestation problem, the problem had persisted."
Since this is cleared up... It shows clearly what damage cronyism and nepotism can lead to. It can lead to death.
Sure, Singaporeans can continue to support the cursed despot with a zombie wife and a son suffering from cancer of the anus, and his political party until the the cronyism and nepotism destroy the country... I will just watch and laugh.
Ah! finally i see the link liao, the fox is out of the hole liao.
Originally posted by angel7030:
Ah! finally i see the link liao, the fox is out of the hole liao.
have fun with your unkers...
Damned Straits Times protected their articles....
New link...
"In the case of Geylang Serai Market, the Kampong Ubi CCC decided to build and manage the temporary market. Despite the best of efforts put in by the Temporary Market Management Committee in implementing its cleaning regime and in tackling the rat infestation problem, the problem had persisted."
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