Debated in Parliament on 20 Jan 2014.
Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Acting Minister for Manpower in light of the recent Little India riot, if he will ensure (i) the effective deployment of a high-level inter-agency team to resolve the root causes of public disorder and security risks in areas with higher concentration of transient workers; and (ii) that the key interests and needs of both Singaporeans and the workers are articulated and addressed.
Mr Alex Yam asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) where are the main areas where migrant workers congregate on their rest days; (b) whether the conditions and facilities in worker dormitories are sufficient for their social activities so that the need to congregate is reduced; (c) what plans does the Ministry have to engage migrant workers on issues related to their congregation; and (d) whether the Ministry will review future plans to congregate large number of workers in fixed locations.
Ms Mary Liew asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what are the current measures to manage areas where foreign workers congregate; (b) when and how are foreign workers formally informed of the criminal laws and penalties that they have to abide by during their employment in Singapore; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider intensifying support and efforts in partnership with Migrant Workers Centre to assimilate and educate foreign workers on basic employment, criminal regulations, culture and way of life in Singapore.
Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Acting Minister for Manpower how is the Ministry strengthening existing measures to ensure proper and acceptable housing of foreign workers, especially those who live in factories and commercial properties, near residential areas or even rent units in residential areas and live in overcrowded situations.
Mr Alex Yam asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry regulates security management at worker dormitories and, if so, what are the current requirements and whether they are sufficient; and (b) what further measures have been taken with regard to security management at worker dormitories and at areas with a high volume of migrant workers since the riot in Little India.
Ms Tan Su Shan asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether he will consider setting industry standards for the management of foreign workers
Page: 17
such as in the provision of amenities in foreign worker dormitories, management of facilities and conduct of awareness programmes, for firms which hire a significant number of low skilled foreign workers.
Mr Teo Siong Seng asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Government can look into providing social and recreational facilities at the dormitories of migrant workers for their use after working hours and on rest days in addition to those provided by companies.
Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what are the measures taken to ensure that foreign workers have adequate access to public amenities and public spaces to socialise and gather; (b) whether the plan for dormitories to organise weekend activities for foreign workers so that they do not leave the dormitories is sustainable and effective; (c) whether the focus on foreign workers in approved dormitories is disproportionate and misplaced since the majority of foreign workers in Singapore do not reside in approved dormitories.
Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked the Acting Minister for Manpower given the significant increase in the number of foreign construction workers from 180,000 in December 2007 to more than 300,000 in 2013 (a) whether the rate of growth is sustainable; (b) whether their numbers should be capped at an optimum number; and (c) whether the Ministry should conduct a comprehensive review of their recruitment and employment terms, living conditions and leisure issues, so that potential problems arising from a large number of foreign construction workers can be better anticipated.
Ms Janice Koh asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what is the duty of care owed to foreign workers who contribute to the economic development of Singapore; and (b) how may the approach and treatment of foreign workers be reframed such that it promotes greater respect, understanding and acceptance of their presence amongst Singapore residents.
Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Acting Minister for Manpower if he will consider requiring and coordinating companies to have off-days on different days of the week for foreign workers so as to reduce the concentration of foreign workers on specific day(s) in certain areas.
Ms Tan Su Shan asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) if the Ministry will consider a review of employment practices with regard to foreign workers; and (b) whether more effort can be made to improve their working and
Page: 18
living conditions and to better understand their needs and mindset in order to integrate them better.
Mr Teo Siong Seng asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry can consider specifying flexi-arrangements for migrant workers' rest days by allowing lighter work on weekends in order to ease congestion in Little India, Chinatown, Golden Mile and Orchard Road on weekends.
Mr R Dhinakaran asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Little India riot will have any material impact on the Government's foreign manpower policies.
Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what course of action will be executed to enhance the safety and security in areas throughout Singapore where foreign workers congregate; and (b) if the Ministry will be working with the relevant agencies on further guidelines and code of conduct that are acceptable for such public congregation.
Mdm Speaker, may I have your permission to take Question Nos 22 to 36 later, following the Ministerial Statement to be made by the Deputy Prime Minister?
Yes, please. Mr Pritam Singh.
PAPERCUTS