Shortage of food

Sunken ships blocked the harbour. Why was this a problem?

Because ships carrying food could not sail to the port and supply food.

• Very few warehouses were left for use. So? This meant that they could not store food either

so it would be left to rot.

British cleared the harbour of sunken ships and explosives that were left behind by the Japanese. Why?

So that the ships carrying food could sail to the harbour

Wharves were repaired and new warehouses were built. Why?

So that they could store the food in the warehouses

British introduced food rationing. Where each person was allowed only a small amount of food. Why?

To resolve the shortage of food and to ensure that everyone has equal amount

The BMA also set control prices for essentials and imposed heavy penalties for profiteering. Why?

To prevent black market from thriving

People’s Restaurant were set up to provide meals at affordable prices that cost between 25-35 cents. Why?

So that the poor could have a decent meal

• Family Restaurants were set up to provide meals at 8-cents. Why?

• So that those who could not afford the 25-35 cents meals could afford a decent meal

Disruption of Electricity Streets were unsafe at night. WhyBecause the disruption of electricity resulted in

streets being dark

Chlorine was imported from other countries. Why?

So that water is made safe for drinkingBritish made use of the Japanese prisoners-of-

war. How? They made them do repair works for pipes and

electricity cables

Overcrowding because people were squeezed into small overcrowded buildings. Why?

They could not afford to pay rents so they were forced to live in small overcrowded buildings

Situation was so bad that some moved out of the city and became squatters. Why was squatters a problem?

Because they built homes illegally on land that was not theirs and did not pay any rent

Law on rent was introduced. Why? So that it protected those living in pre-war

houses and preventing landlords from raising rents and forcing tenants out

Government also built some flats. Why? To solve the housing shortage