Hawker couple attacks S’pore family
A portion of anchovies, better known to locals as "ikan bilis", sparked off a brawl between a Singaporean family and a hawker couple at Food Loft along Clementi Ave 3 on Thursday.
According to local news website, AsiaOne, the dispute started after Julia, a STOMP contributor, took an extra portion of anchovies from a container placed outside the hawker stall after paying for her noodles.
The female stall holder, who according to Julia was from China, then raised her voice and said, "You Singaporeans who are paying so little money want to have so much of everything." She continued to complain to passers-by and her husband.
Julia's husband then approached the female hawker to ask why she was making a big fuss out of an extra portion of anchovies. Agitated, the female stall holder slammed the plastic container of anchovies that he was holding onto the table.
Julia's husband later revealed that they had also tried to take photos of the food from the stall. They had planned to make a report to National Environment Agency as the food did not seem clean.
This incurred the wrath of the male hawker, who stepped out of the stall and demanded to know why he was taking pictures. The hawker couple then started to attack Julia and her husband. Their 14 year-old son was punched in the process. The male hawker also hit Julia's husband's head with an object.
Julia's husband could not retaliate as Julia and the coffee shop owner had stopped him from doing so.
Even after the family ran away in defence, the hawker woman stood in front of Julia's car to prevent the family from driving off, allowing her husband to continue attacking the car from behind.
Julia sustained injuries on her back and head after falling while trying to stop her husband from retaliating during the attack. Both her husband's eyes were swollen and her son also suffered a bruised eye. The family's medical bills amounted to S$180. They also made a police report later that night.
The coffee shop owner later revealed that the hawker couple they encountered was known for their bad temper.
A police report has been lodged against the hawkers. The police have classified it as mischief and voluntarily causing hurt and are currently looking into the matter.
