Read More

Jalan Tukang dorm unrest the result of shortcomings from all parties: Koh Poh Koon

SINGAPORE - Shortcomings on the part of all parties involved in the well-being of foreign workers under their charge - including employer Sembcorp Marine, dormitory operator Westlite and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) - led to emotions boiling over at a dormitory in Jalan Tukang last month in an incident that drew riot police to the scene. Calm has since been restored to the dorm and its 3,000 residents, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon told Parliament on Monday (Nov 1), and MOM's Assurance, Care and Engagement (Ace) Group, which looks after migrant worker dorms here, has tightened up coordination and communication with dorm operators and employers when handling mass testing exercises and surges in Covid-19 cases. Dr Koh said the authorities have conducted a thorough review and tightened up testing and isolation processes in dorms. Meanwhile, investigations into failures to fulfil regulatory obligations, for example in the safety and hygiene of the food catered, are ongoing, Dr Koh added. The Singapore Food Agency said last month it is investigating catering firm Catering Solutions over the meals it had provided to Sembcorp Marine workers living in the Jalan Tukan...