The National Environment Agency (NEA) has urged the public not to purchase items, like party novelties, food or drinks from illegal hawkers who usually peddle their wares in crowded areas such as Orchard Road and the Esplanade.

In the last Christmas and New Year's Day countdown celebrations, NEA ticketed 90 persons for illegal hawking in addition to seizing their wares.

Illegal hawkers, if convicted, may be fined up to $1,000 and; in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, fined up to $4,000 or jailed up to 3 months or to both.

NEA officers will continue to work with the Police to curb illegal hawking for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.