The National Environment Agency has called for proposals to manage four existing hawker centres on a not-for-profit basis. These centres are at Block 117 Aljunied Ave 2, Block 20 Ghim Moh Road, Block 207 New Upper Changi Road and Block 503 West Coast Drive.

The NEA in a media statement on Friday said that the leases on these four centres will expire in May, and it noted that a panel convened by the Government had recommended in 2012 that new hawker centres be run on a not-for-profit basis.

"The selected parties will be appointed as master tenants. This will allow them to operate the hawker centres using new models...We believe that these innovations could widen the diversity of affordable food options and dining experiences, as well as provide employment opportunities for Singaporeans and permanent residents," it said.

In its call for proposals, the NEA added that the master tenants could take over the upkeep of the hawker centres from the respective town councils, "to achieve economies of scale as well as gain greater control of the entire hawker centre".