A roundup of the latest changes in Singapore, from mask-free public transport to rising hawker food prices.
February 13, 2023, marked a significant moment in Singapore’s ongoing COVID-19 journey as the country officially lifted the mask mandate for public transport. Gone are the days of wearing masks on crowded buses and MRT trains. The new ruling, which aligns with the government’s decision to lower the disease alert level to the lowest since 2020, signals a shift towards a new normal.
Despite the official end of the mandate, the reality of COVID-19 is far from over. Many people are still cautious, with some continuing to take precautionary measures like booster shots. Yet, the change has been celebrated by many commuters, especially those who’ve grown weary of the stifling conditions on public transport. The weather in Singapore is hot and humid, making mask-wearing on packed trains particularly uncomfortable. While the transition is welcome, some commuters remain vigilant, and others are still adjusting to the new rules.
Alongside this unmasking moment, Singaporeans are also grappling with rising hawker food prices. Inflation is taking its toll on everyday items, from meals at hawker centers to utility bills. The Straits Times investigated whether the increased food prices were due to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike or if hawkers were simply raising prices to cope with the economy. The results aren’t straightforward, but price hikes are evident, and smaller portions are also becoming more common. Although some hawkers continue to keep prices low, many are adjusting their prices in response to economic pressures. The increasing costs of running a hawker business have sparked concern that it’s not fair for hawkers to bear the full brunt of the rising prices.
Another headline that caught attention recently was the shift in Grab’s employment strategy. MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling, who was previously the Director of Affairs and Policy at Grab, has been reassigned to a corporate development role. The change comes after public backlash over a potential conflict of interest between her political career and her corporate role. The move has quieted critics, who were concerned about the alignment of her responsibilities in both sectors.
As Singapore continues to adjust to these changes, it’s clear that the new normal—unmasked trains, rising food prices, and shifting political roles—will shape the conversations of the coming months.
