Tsang Kwong-wah has been running his business selling jade ornaments at the Lok Fu Shopping Centre's covered market for 21 years. Now he is not sure his shop can survive in the new business environment.
'I was here when the MTR opened. I brought up four children on the income of this business alone,' he said.
These days, the 62-year-old stall owner barely covers his costs. 'I would get more if I relied on CSSA payments. But I have been doing this for so long, if I don't carry on, what else will I do with my life?'
Mr Tsang pays about HK$3,600 rent a month for his stall, but Link Reit has asked him and other tenants to give up their stalls in June for renovation work.
The tenants will then have priority to bid for the stalls, but at a higher rent than they now pay.
Mr Tsang does not mind paying slightly more rent for central air conditioning, but he objects to making the place more upmarket.