COMMUNITY opposition to the conversion of wet markets to air-conditioned supermarkets in places as far apart as Bukit Batok and Serangoon is a surprise. In a society raised on rapid change, the attitude seems counter-progressive. Wet markets are a relic of a raucous, insanitary pasar era. Supermarkets are a change process in daily food-shopping habits that has been evident from the 1970s. As untidy hawker pitches of old had given way to clean, well-lit foodcourts, so might wet markets eventually become obsolete. But while they still serve a community purpose, must they be rushed into oblivion? This is the core of the defenders' case. Politicians and the Housing Board (which leases these properties to operators under strict conditions of use) have taken the views seriously enough to reconsider their conversion or buyouts by the supermarket chains NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong and Shop N Save.

It is a tricky judgment to make. Equal account needs to be taken of societal progress that is desirable and the needs and habits of heartland communities. On balance it may be wiser to leave it to the forces of change. Over time, it is likely wet markets will atrophy simply because they will find it harder to compete on price and variety. They do not distinguish themselves sufficiently from the chains, which have the advantage of bulk buying. They are steadily losing sales. There are signs they are already a diminishing feature of community commerce. Records kept by the National Environment Agency, which manages wet markets, show a 17 per cent drop in the number of stalls since 2000. There are 11,000 stalls operating in 101 wet markets. The attrition rate of about 2,000 stallholders could be indicative of a trend. The trade of selling fresh meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables in HDB shops and produce markets will largely disappear when these stallholders retire or pass on.

What will be left are wholesale markets and stalls in more remote locations which heartland shoppers value for their personalised service and for stocking uncommon items not found in chain stores. One way wet markets can put off the day of reckoning is to upgrade in the manner that a subsidiary of the Kopitiam foodcourt chain is attempting in Sengkang. It plans to open a wet market that will have an air filtration system to expel fish and meat odours. Smells are a feature of 'wets' which market shoppers of the next generation are unlikely to tolerate. As much as the wets are emblematic of a way of life, like hawker food and neighbourhood Pools betting shops, operators owe it to their customers to adapt to changing wants.