SINGAPORE - Popular eatery ABC Nasi Kandar, which shut its chain of food stalls abruptly in the last few months, is under probe by the Manpower Ministry (MOM) for possible illegal employment offences.

In reply to queries from The Straits Times, a MOM spokesperson said it is investigating ABC Nasi Kandar and its personnel for possible illegal employment offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

Checks by ST found that over 10 stalls islandwide, located in areas like Little India, Lavender and Eunos, were either abandoned, boarded up with “under renovation” signs, or replaced by other businesses.

At its Serangoon Road outlet on a busy intersection opposite City Square Mall, the shop was haphazardly cordoned off with tarp. Cooking stations were stripped of equipment, with chairs stacked and stray sauce bottles lying around.

Its Desker Road outlet on the other hand, located adjacent to Mustafa Centre, was fully boarded up with a red notice saying: “Thank you for your patience as we revamp this space to serve you better. We look forward to welcoming you through our doors in Q4 2024”.

Workers at neighbouring shops and hotels said the stalls had been shut almost two months ago, with no sign of any work commencing.

ST did not receive a reply from the e-mail address listed on the notice.

A competitor restaurant chain also told ST they had recently been approached by the shop’s landlord to take over the Desker Road space with rental at $46,000 a month. They did not accept.

ST also visited ...