The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has announced mandatory fire safety upgrades for Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre (PPWC) and Jurong Fishery Port (JFP) as part of their lease extensions to 2040. This decision comes as the current leases for PPWC, the largest wholesale centre in Singapore for fruits, vegetables, and dried goods, and JFP, the only fishery port in Singapore, approach expiry in 2026 and 2030, respectively.
Rectification Works to Ensure Safety
As part of the lease extension requirements, SFA has outlined that approximately 200 shops at PPWC must undertake rectification works to meet fire safety compliance by the end of 2026. These improvements are critical for ensuring the safety of tenants, workers, and the public visiting the centre.
- Installation of in-unit sprinkler systems.
- Rectification of past modifications made without SFA approval.
- Demolition of non-compliant assets to facilitate new installations.
SFA has been collaborating closely with tenants and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) since 2022 to progressively address these safety measures.
Financial Support for Tenants
To support the tenants during this transition, SFA will bear the costs of installing sprinklers in the shops and will provide:
- Three months’ rent and service and conservancy charge waivers for affected tenants.
- Temporary spaces to ensure business continuity.
- Co-funding support for those needing to reinstall chillers.
Tenants who wish to exit their leases may do so without reinstatement obligations.
Vision for a Resilient Food Supply Chain
In a statement, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad stressed the importance of a safe food supply for Singapore and indicated that the upgrades are essential to reinforce the resilience and sustainability of the nation’s food supply chain.
“Though there may be some inconveniences during the regularisation works at PPWC, SFA will continue to work closely with stakeholders involved and provide necessary assistance to ensure business continuity and minimise disruptions,” he assured.
As these safety measures take shape, SFA is committed to making sure that Singapore’s wholesale centres remain not just compliant but also future-ready.