Million Star Fried Banana hawker passes away 18 months after son dies of heart attack
Million Star Fried Banana is a well-loved stall at Changi Village Hawker Centre, serving fried fritters like its signature pisang goreng, nian gao, sweet potato and tapioca for over two decades. It was run by hawker Chan Fook Chee, who worked alongside his wife. In 2019, the couple passed their business to their son James, who became a second-gen hawker at the stall.
Last February, tragedy stuck when James suddenly died in his sleep. The healthy 49-year-old had suffered a fatal heart attack. Following his death, his parents took over the stall again.
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Elder Chan passed away
Netizen Amy Sim posted on Facebook group Hawkers United today (26 Jul) that the elder Chan had also passed away yesterday. He was 79.
She wrote: “Uncle Chan, the owner of Million Star Fried Banana @ Changi Village, has passed away peacefully on 25Jul’23. On behalf of Uncle Chan, a big THANK YOU to many whom have supported him over the years or even decades. The stall will be closed for awhile till further notice [sic].”
According to Amy, Uncle Chan, as he’s affectionately known, had been struggling with poor health in his advanced years.
Netizens shocked and confused
But netizens initially confused Uncle Chan’s passing with his son’s, as the two deaths had occurred just 18 months apart.
Facebook commenters took to the platform to mourn his death and praise his food, including two customers who recalled buying pisang goreng from Uncle Chan just a day before his passing.
Netizen Kelwin Koh also recalled Uncle Chan’s selflessness, sharing: “RIP uncle Chan. Thank you for being one of the first hawkers at CV to talk to me when I worked there in the wake of SARs. Condolences to his family.”
Facebook user Gerard Thomasz also expressed his condolences, adding that he was “gonna miss Uncle Chan n his quiet demeanour n cheerful smile [sic]. Aunty will be very sad n hope she will be strong n resilient to continue, love her banana bombs, so rich in banana always. Take care n stay safe.”
Million Star Fried Banana will be closed till further notice.
#01-49 Changi Village Hawker Centre, 2 Changi Village Rd, S500002. Tel: 9083-8388. Open daily except Mon, 11am-7pm. Facebook
Photos: Million Star Fried Banana
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