Hawkers help motorcyclists bypass carpark with gantry to keep business going

Marsiling Lane Food Centre at 20 Marsiling Lane is patronised largely by workers from across the Causeway, many of them on motorbikes.

From as early as 4am daily, these workers start their journey from Malaysia to Singapore and would make a pit stop at the hawker centre for breakfast.

Marsiling Lane Food Centre is a 10-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint.

"The carpark next to the hawker centre did not have a gantry," 18-21 Marsiling Merchants' & Hawkers' Association chairman Ricky Lim told Shin Min Daily News.

"People who cross the Causeway used to park their motorcycles here, and we were very happy. Business was good."

However, a gantry was put up at the carpark entrance in January and business at the hawker centre was greatly affected.

"The business of hawkers dropped sharply, and some saw their turnover drop by half," shared Mr Lim, who claimed that the motorcyclists had trouble accessing the carpark because the gantry does not have the facility for cards to be swiped.

In order to save their businesses, the hawkers decided to let the motorcyclists park at the space behind the food centre.

To get there, the motorcycles have to get on the pavement, go up the metal ramp set up by the hawkers, and follow the sign directing the riders to the parking space.

Mr Lim said talks are ongoing with the authorities to resolve the gantry issue. In the meantime, he seeks the understanding of pedestrians using the pavement.