Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre visitors to register, scan ID soon

New system set to boost safety but vendors worry about effect on business, operations

- Kolette Lim

Visitors will soon have to register before entering the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre with the implementation of a new system, which vendors worry will result in a drop in footfall.

Under the new system, visitors will be required to register their visit online or via a kiosk at the compound's guardhouse.

They will also have to scan their identification documents before entering or exiting the premises, said the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in response to queries from The Straits Times.

Currently, visitors and vendors are not required to register or scan their IDs when visiting the centre, which is operated by the agency and is the main wholesale market and distribution point for imported fruits and vegetables in Singapore.

The new system is meant to enhance safety and security on the premises and "ensure future pandemic preparedness", learning from the Covid-19 pandemic when traceability was an important way to mitigate the spread of the virus, SFA said.

The agency said it will implement the system gradually "to give users time to adapt", but did not elaborate when asked about the stages of implementation.

Vendors told ST that they did not know how the system would work, and were worried it would compromise business and the efficiency of their operations.

Ms Prim Tina, manager at organic produce wholesaler Zenxin Organic, said the system would likely be inconvenient for customers.

She added: "Our location is already remote. The system just gives customers another reason not to visit, and we will lose a lot of business.