Fists shaken and thumbs down as frustrated market stall holders show disgust over FEHD incompetence

Stall holders at Tui Min Hoi Market are shaking their fists over non-management. A quick tour reveals the mini-market is a bureaucratic disaster.
About three-quarters of the stalls are fenced off with blue and white Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) tape. Others are barred with metal gates and FEHD signs. At 10:30 am on a Thursday there are no customers. Just a handful of prospective stall holders standing around, by turns disconsolate, angry and then laughing at the FEHD for its apparent hopelessness.

SAI KUNG BUZZ spoke to Yum, Eddie and a lady who didn’t want to be named. But all three were happy to pose for photos into front of fenced-off stalls with raised fists and turned down thumbs to show what they think of FEHD.
Eddie said there was no power and no management. His disgust was obvious. Yum said he wanted to open a stall but was frustrated by FEHD. The lady just shook her fist over the incompetence.

These are people who are ready to work hard to support their families. If the FEHD would let them. The department should charge them peppercorn rents, ensure all stalls are filled with produce from local farms and fishermen, keep the place clean and get out of the way.

Tui Min Hoi Market is a well-built place in a suburban location with an limited catchment area. With some bureaucratic money, management and promotion it could be a little hive of activity benefiting the community.
BUZZ will ask for comments from George Ng, Chairman of Sai Kung District Council, Maureen Siu, District Officer, and the FEHD.