An earlier study by the National University of Singapore indicated that a good way to improve thermal conditions in hawker centres is the use of mechanical ventilation systems, that is, an exhaust flue system in cooked food stalls complemented by wall fans properly sited in the refreshment area to allow greater air movement.

In a tropical climate like Singapore's, improved air speed induces a cooling effect in the hawker centre. Without the fans, thermal conditions in the hawker centre would be worse.

To minimise inconvenience to stallholders, fans and exhaust flue systems are usually installed during upgrading. Most upgraded hawker centres are already equipped with such systems. The exhaust flue system extracts hot air from the stalls and discharges it outside the hawker centre, while the fans circulate the air in the refreshment area to create greater air movement to induce a cooling effect. To conserve electricity, these fans are commonly controlled by a timer to operate only during stalls' opening hours.

As for Mr Tan's feedback on disposable crockery being blown by fans onto the floor, table cleaners have been reminded to clear used tables as soon as they are vacated. Notwithstanding this, patrons can help by clearing their used disposable crockery into the litterbins in the hawker centres.

Chan Wai San (Ms)
Director, Hawkers Department
National Environment Agency