'Never thought of selling': Pulau Ubin provision shop owner refuses to give up despite $6,000 loss last yearPHOTO: Shin Min Daily NewsWith fewer residents and a dip in the number of visitors to the island over the years, Ng Ngak Heng's business has taken a hit.
In an interview with CNA in 2022, she shared that Yak Hong used to supply Pulau Ubin residents with basic necessities and feed for their farm animals.From the 1950s to 1970s, about 2,000 people lived on the island. Only about 30 remain today, reported CNA. After factoring in electricity bills, labour costs, taxes and the cost of her goods, there's barely any profit left. In fact, Ng said she actually made a loss of $6,000 last year.
One of them is nature lover Bing Ling, whose friend used to own another provision shop on Pulau Ubin, "just a few steps from Yak Hong". The shop closed down when his friend died.