In late April, authorities announced mandatory tuberculosis screening for tenants and workers at three Bedok Central locations – Heartbeat@Bedok, Block 216 Bedok Food Centre and Market, and the Singapore Pools Bedok betting centre – after investigations found 13 genetically similar cases across three clusters between January 2023 and February this year.
Hawkers told CNA the days immediately following the announcement were the most difficult.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung visited the food centre earlier this month and reassured the public that dining there remains safe.
“Tuberculosis does not get transmitted casually through one, two or even three meetings, or sharing of plates, or shaking of hands. It requires very prolonged close exposure,” he told reporters.
“Coming to a hawker centre and eating is perfectly safe.”
Mr Abdul Wahib, who has operated a clothing stall at the market for 14 years, estimated that business has dropped between 40 and 50 per cent.
