Hawkers at several Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres are questioning why they continue to shoulder the costs of budget meals and app-driven discounts, despite recent changes easing other obligations.

At Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, management recently scrapped a controversial clause requiring stallholders to provide free meals for the needy at their own expense, a move that was initially met with relief.

Yet many hawkers remain frustrated that they must still absorb costs tied to budget meals priced under $3.50 and 10 per cent discounts given through operator apps.

While operators frame such schemes as customer loyalty initiatives, hawkers argue that the discounts eat into already thin margins amid rising ingredient and utility costs. 

So, is it fair to treat social initiatives as a mandatory responsibility for hawkers?

On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks with KF Seetoh, Makansutra Founder, Street Food Advocate and Entrepreneur and George Wong, Assistant Professor of Sociology, SMU, to find out more.