We’ve heard of healthcare workers being ostracised due to their close contact with COVID-19 cases.
We’ve also heard of places like Bukit Merah being avoided due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in the area.
Yet in a rare turn of events, we’re now hearing of a kind soul welcoming residents from Bukit Merah with open arms.
Getai-Star-Turned-FB-Streamer Wang Lei Offers 20% Discount to Bukit Merah Residents at His New Restaurant
Looks like there’s some news for residents of Bukit Merah—and for once, it isn’t the dreaded news about mandatory COVID-19 testing or more cases being discovered.
This time, it’s good news.
As reported by Shin Min Daily News, the Getai star Wang Lei is offering residents of Bukit Merah a 20 per cent discount at his newly opened Chinese restaurant, Royal Dragon Restaurant.
Wang Lei quickly became a hit on social media after he had to pivot to sell seafood and other products on live-stream to earn a living during the pandemic.
Wang, who was livestreaming at his restaurant with director Jack Neo to gain more publicity, was asked during his livestream if those from Bukit Merah would be welcomed, given that the area has had many COVID-19 cases.
As of 1 July, the Bukit Merah View Market and Food Centre remained the largest active cluster in Singapore with 93 cases.
As reported by The Straits Times, the business at Bukit Merah, especially hawkers and market stall holders, had been badly hit ever since the number of COVID-19 cases began rising in the area last month.
“When I heard the question, I was stunned. Just because there are many people infected in Bukit Merah, does that mean the residents are not welcome?” the 60-year-old star said in an interview with Shin Min Daily News on Sunday (4 July).
In a show of support, Wang decided on the spot to offer a 20% discount to residents of Bukit Merah instead of ostracising them.
This offer is valid until National Day on 9 August. Residents need only show their identity cards as proof of their address to get the discount.
Given the current restrictions on gatherings, Wang has not held an official opening for his restaurant. However, despite this, Wang said that his restaurant was full on Sunday.
The fine-dining restaurant is located in Chinatown, and has 25 tables and eight private rooms.
According to Wang, 20% of his customers were from Bukit Merah.
“I believe in the Singapore Government, so I’m not the least bit worried. As a Singaporean, we should not be prejudiced against those who live in Bukit Merah,” he added.
Featured Image: Facebook (Wang Lei 王雷)