'Never thought of selling': Pulau Ubin provision shop owner refuses to give up despite $6,000 loss last year
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With 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. Last year, the 74-year-old, who owns Yak Hong provision shop in Pulau Ubin, chalked up a loss of $6,000. But throwing in the t'Never thought of selling': Pulau Ubin provision shop owner refuses to give up despite $6,000 loss last year
With 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. Last year, the 74-year-old, who owns Yak Hong provision shop in Pulau Ubin, chalked up a loss of $6,000. But throwing in the towel has never crossed her mind. The shop is located just a stone's throw away from the jetty. Ng told Shin Min Daily News that she moved to the island in 1975 after marrying her husband Law Kuing Liak. He inherited the provision shop from his father, who started it in the 1920s. «The shop now has a history of almost 100 years,» said Ng, adding that it is open all year round, from 7am to 7.30pm. 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. However, the demand for such goods has plunged with the dwindling number of residents. From the 1950s to 1970s, about 2,000 people lived on the island. Only about 30 remain today, reported CNA. Even Ng's two sons live and work on the mainland, and visit her over the weekends and during Chinese New Year. Read more