Ease Up On My Gag-Reflex

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department wants to revamp its 82 wet markets as it feels they're outdated and having difficulties competing with supermarket chains Wellcome and Park 'N Shop.

The markets, often non-air conditioned and smelly, have wet floors speckled with poultry droppings. Not the cleanest place in the world. I have to hold my breath as I pass the market near my home, as the odor wafting from the entrance is so bad I feel I'm going to barf my breakfast, lose my lunch, or spew my supper.

Did I mention the rude smell? It's a combination of seafood, brine, hanging pork and beef, vegetation, live chickens, ducks and geese. It's repulsive; how people can shop in such a place, let alone work there, is a mystery.

Yet the little old Chinese ladies frequent the wet markets so they can choose the freshest-looking fish, or pick out the chicken to be killed and plucked for dinner. They like to be able to touch and handle the food they intend to serve, to ensure it's the best.

If adding air conditioning and making other improvements will remove that ungodly stink, I'm all for it.

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