I REFER to the news report "Prepare to pay more for takeaway containers" (my paper, June 9).

First, I agree with the comments made by Mr Roland Lim, the president of the Singapore Plastic Industry Association, that manufacturers and hawkers need to factor in the increase of oil prices into their products and services.

I note that many hawkers, such as the dessert seller featured in the same news report, are caught between "pleasing" and "having to risk" losing their customers.

Perhaps, something could be done to provide assistance to this group of small manufacturers and hawkers, such as lowering their monthly rental temporarily, provide limited rebates in utilities, waive the Goods and Services Tax, or offer publicity for them.

On the hawkers' part, I hope that they can continue to attract the patronage of their customers by providing extra servings of rice or vegetables when requested, and most importantly, offer good service with a genuine smile.

Consumers, too, can play a part by bringing their own plastic containers when they take away their food. They would save on the charges for containers as well as help save the environment.

At the same time, I feel quite sad that some Singaporeans, especially those who are well-off, would complain about the small increase in prices of daily essentials such as food and public transport.

And this same group of people would not blink an eye when purchasing big-ticket, luxury items.

I would like to urge my fellow Singaporeans, especially those who are more well-off, to try and understand the rationale of the price increase.

Our hawkers and retailers are barely coping with the rising costs of living, so let's support them by continuing to patronise their stalls.

Mr Muhd Dzul Azhan Sahban

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