SINGAPORE: Timbre Group has issued a detailed response to recent criticism by Singapore’s veteran food critic and hawker culture advocate KF Seetoh over its management of Yishun Park Hawker Centre, a Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre (SEHC).
The operator defended its rental structure, use of surveillance cameras, and contractual penalty clauses after Seetoh described the model as “exploitative” and in need of major reform.
Seetoh turns to Timbre in criticism over SEHC model: “Another rotten leaf in the forest”
On 23 August, Seetoh published a Facebook post criticising Singapore’s SEHC framework, singling out the management practices at Yishun Park Hawker Centre.
He shared contract documents and said clauses requiring hawkers to pay both fixed and turnover-based charges were “alarming”.
Seetoh argued that such conditions penalise successful stallholders by taking a percentage of their revenue in addition to base rental and service charges.
According to the agreement, Timbre collects 15% of a stall’s gross turnover, capped at S$2,550 or subject to a minimum base of S$1,750 for rental of the stall, service charges of S$900 (excluding GST), and additional administrative fees.
Seetoh claimed this model discourages growth, stating: “They collect rent, and conveniently take 15 per cent from successful hawkers.”
Hawkers must also use the operator’s approved point-of-sale (POS) system, pay for vector control services, subscribe to data packages, and use designated gas providers.
Some stallholders had previously raised concerns that these requirements increased operating costs compared with hawker centres run directly by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
Surveillance cameras in stalls
Seetoh said he was most disturbed by the installation of surveillance cameras in individual stalls, alleging they could record both audio and video.
Together with the POS system, these cameras allow real-time monitoring of every transaction, he claimed.
He described Timbre’s 25-page tenancy rules as “terrifying” and urged the operator to adopt a more supportive approach rather than penalising hawkers.
Penalty clauses and fines
The contracts include 18 categories of fines at S$100 each. Offences range from refusing to use the loyalty app to discussing internal matters publicly without authorisation.
Seetoh labelled the list “scary”, comparing it unfavourably with NEA-managed hawker centres, which he said allowed hawkers more flexibility to operate.
Timbre Group’s defence of gross turnover model
In response, Timbre said Yishun Park Hawker Centre operates under a gross turnover rental model designed to share both risks and rewards with stallholders.
“This better share the risks and rewards between the operator and the hawker,” the group added, claiming that this means that when earnings are low, a hawker pays lower rent, and vice versa.
It said the monthly rental cap of S$2,550 ensures that more successful stalls do not pay excessively high rents.
“For some of our popular stalls, the effective rent relative to their turnover is significantly lower than 15 per cent of their revenue,” the operator stated.
Revenue reinvested into hawker centre
Timbre added that rental revenue contributes to the running of the hawker centre, with 50 per cent of operating surpluses reinvested into stallholder support and community programming.
The funds also cover marketing campaigns and events aimed at boosting footfall to the centre.
Comparison with NEA figures
In February 2023, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu reported that 12 SEHCs were then in operation.
She said the median stall rent was S$1,700, compared with around S$1,250 for non-subsidised cooked food stalls in NEA-managed hawker centres between 2015 and 2023.
Operators are required to propose stall rents upfront in their NEA tender bids and cannot revise them during the tenancy term.
Cameras used for compliance on POS system use and safety
Addressing allegations on CCTV use, Timbre said the cameras were installed in August 2024 following repeated complaints about late-night noise from residents.
They were also used to verify cases where hawkers were observed “not to conduct their transactions using the point-of-sales system, ” making rental calculations difficult.
“The CCTVs enable us to identify potential sources of noise so that we can better address residents’ feedback,” the operator said.
Timbre added that the cameras helped with dispute resolution and maintaining overall safety in the centre.
Penalties as last resort
On the issue of fines, Timbre said charges were a “last resort” only after verbal reminders and written notices had been issued.
It said penalty clauses existed to ensure fairness and hygiene standards across all stalls, including rules for manpower management and food safety.
“Non-compliance charges have been part of our tenancy agreements since inception to ensure fairness to all stallholders,” the company said.
Gas supply and loyalty app discounts
Seetoh also questioned why Timbre insisted on a particular gas supplier despite hawkers suggesting cheaper alternatives.
The operator explained that gas was secured centrally through competitive procurement but acknowledged cost concerns.
It said discounts had been extended to stallholders earlier in 2025 to help offset rising expenses.
On the loyalty app, Timbre said the 10 per cent discount had been in place since 2017 and was fully funded by the company.
It argued that the scheme encouraged repeat business for hawkers.
Clarification on Timbre Pizza
Responding to Seetoh’s claim that Timbre operated its own pizza stall at Yishun Park Hawker Centre, the company clarified that the outlet was previously based at One Punggol Hawker Centre.
That outlet closed on 17 August 2025 as part of a “planned business and manpower restructuring exercise”.
Timbre assures commitment to support hawker culture
Timbre concluded its statement by affirming its commitment to Singapore’s hawker culture, which was added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2020.
“Timbre Group acknowledges the challenges faced by the hawker community and remains committed to supporting hawkers, addressing community concerns, and fostering open dialogue based on facts,” it said.
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