In a recent statement to Parliament, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi clarified that the closure of the iconic nasi padang eatery Warong Nasi Pariaman was not attributed to rising rental costs. The treasured establishment, which had been operating for 78 years, officially closed its doors on 31 January 2024, marking a significant loss to the Kampong Glam heritage district.
Understanding the Rental Situation
Dr Syed Harun addressed concerns raised by MPs regarding the impact of rising rents on long-standing businesses in heritage areas such as Chinatown and Kampong Glam. He emphasized that the government closely monitors retail rents across the nation.
- According to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), median rents in Kampong Glam rose by approximately 1-2.5% over the past two years.
- This growth is significantly lower than the nominal GDP increase, which was about 6.7% for the same period.
- Many leases in the area experienced moderate increases, remaining 20-60% below rates for conventional retail spaces in central Singapore.
He also noted some leases, particularly in high footfall areas like Haji Lane and Bali Lane, saw spikes of 25% or more, often due to previously low contracted market rates normalising.
Support for Heritage Businesses
Amidst all the debate around rental increases, Dr Syed Harun reassured that the government remains committed to preserving heritage businesses. The inter-agency task force initiated the SG Heritage Business Scheme, which provides:
- Marketing and business consultancy support.
- Enhanced place management to promote heritage trades.
As of now, 42 businesses have been designated under this scheme, with 21 located in the heritage-rich areas of Kampong Glam and Chinatown.
A Collective Effort
Dr Syed Harun remarked, “It takes an entire village to be able to raise the awareness of heritage and value for our society.” The government acknowledges the importance of a collaborative approach across various ministries to support heritage and cultural initiatives.
As the community mourns the loss of Warong Nasi Pariaman, efforts continue to ensure that Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry remains intact for future generations.