2 days ago
Maids set up illegal side hustle outside mall, draws ire from nearby business owners
To make some extra cash on their rest day, a number of Indonesian maids gathered to set up a small food market outside City Plaza in Paya Lebar, despite knowing it is illegal.
"Many maids gather for a few hours, and some of them sell food and beverages, so the others will not come to patronise us," said a nearby shop owner.
Every weekend, the group of Indonesian maids seize the opportunity for a side hustle by selling food such as chicken rice, fruits and drinks outside the mall.
Shin Min Daily News reported that a group of women carried reusable bags containing food items while walking around the area. Business was decent, as occasionally, people would pay to buy the food.
Another group with a different strategy was also spotted nearby. Rather than approaching the public, these women placed their offerings in the open space for passers-by to choose from.
Some maids placed their foods in the open. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS
When offered a $3 cup of lemon tea by a vendor, the reporter attempted to ask about her business. However, the woman was unwilling to respond and quickly packed the food before leaving.
A maid who wished to remain anonymous told the Chinese daily that she was from Indonesia and knew touting was illegal.
Every fortnight, she would sell food she and her friends prepared.
However, she admitted that her employer was not aware of her business.
Maids would gather outside the mall on their rest day, and some would come prepared with food for sale. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS
A chicken rice stall owner said that even though the maids' food prices were slightly higher, people still bought from them. "Our business was affected by about 20 per cent."
The Singapore Food Agency told Shin Min Daily News that the authorities had begun investigating the case and will take action against food vendors without a licence.
Under the Environmental Public Health Act 1987, a person must not hawk for sale any food or goods in a public place without first obtaining a licence.
A spokesperson said that unregulated street food hawking not only poses environmental problems, but also may pose risks to public health. Illegally sold food may be unsafe for consumption as it does not meet the safety requirements of SFA.
SFA will take appropriate action against illegal hawkers, and those with financial difficulties will be referred to social service agencies for assistance.
The public can report the unlicensed sale of food on
