Singapore heat and haze keep diners away: Hawker centres see drop in crowds due to weather

Singapore is experiencing a decline in foot traffic at public hawker centres due to the hot weather and haze. According to Shin Min Daily News, stall owners have reported a decrease in business by around 20%. One 59-year-old food stall owner from Newton Food Centre attributed the poor sales to the combination of high temperatures and reduced air quality, which is linked to fewer customers dining out.

He mentioned that he and his employees would wear masks to mitigate the impact of the haze. The air pollution index in the country ranged from 70 to 88, classified as moderate, and the local haze situation has slightly improved. However, hawker centres are still being affected by these weather conditions. Another food stall owner, a 70-year-old, noted that parents, who typically bring their children to the food centre after school, have recently started going home directly due to the poor air quality.

The vendor explained that the recent hot weather, combined with the haze, has led to a reduction in customers by 20% to 30%. Some diners now prefer establishments with air conditioning and better ventilation. If the number of people visiting the hawker centres continues to decline, vendors will need to adjust their ingredient usage to minimize losses from unsold products.

The public is advised to wear N95 masks if they must spend extended periods outdoors, and to seek medical help if they experience symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or eye irritation. For more information on protecting oneself from the haze in Singapore, readers can refer to a provided resource. This report on the decline in hawker center crowds due to heat and haze first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.