A traditional Chinese medicine shop at Bukit Timah Plaza suffered thousands of dollars in losses after floodwater entered the basement level of the mall for the second time within a week.
The flooding occurred around noon on Sept. 27, affecting at least four businesses on the same level, including a laundrette, beauty salon and piano school. Shop owners were seen moving water-damaged goods outside while workers cleared the affected premises.
The TCM shop’s owner said medicinal materials, equipment and other supplies were soaked by contaminated water and had to be discarded. He estimated the losses at several thousand dollars.
The same shop had already experienced flooding on Sept. 22. The owner said water had reached the entrance of the premises after he was alerted by a neighbouring business. Mall management was notified and sent staff to assist with the cleanup.
Five days later, the shop was flooded again, leaving the owner concerned about the impact of repeated incidents on his business and inventory.
The latest flooding came after heavy rain triggered flash floods in parts of Bukit Timah earlier in September. On Sept. 22, flash floods were reported around King’s Road and Coronation Road, with Singapore’s national water agency issuing warnings for several areas at risk.
Repeated flooding has previously affected businesses at Bukit Timah Plaza. Shopkeepers in the area have taken measures such as raising their stocks off the floor and using protective equipment to reduce the risk of water damage during periods of heavy rain.
The latest incident has again highlighted the difficulties faced by businesses operating in flood-prone areas, where even a short period of water ingress can damage stock, equipment and shop premises.
