The market is likely to retain its halal characteristic, said Dr Ong Seh Hong, because not only does the Government have 'no intention of planting a pork stall' there, no pork seller was likely to set up shop there either.

"Businessmen are smart. They know most of the market's customers are Malays," he said.

He noted that all the 365 stalls at the market have already been taken up, so even if a businessman wanted to set up a non-halal stall, he would have 'no chance to move in'.

According to The Straits Times, Dr Ong was speaking during a media briefing ahead of a community visit by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Hwee Hua to his ward on 28 March.

His remarks address a brouhaha that erupted within the Malay community in January following the appearance of a bread shop in Geylang Serai market which did not display a halal certificate.