Data on Construction Temporary Quarters

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the number of Construction Temporary Quarters in each of the past five years; and (b) of these, what percentage (i) was inspected to ensure they met the requirements under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act (FEDA) and (ii) did not meet the requirements under FEDA.

There was an average of 200 Construction Temporary Quarters (CTQs) in each of the past five years. With effect from 1 April 2023, all CTQs with seven or more beds are regulated under the expanded Foreign Employees Dormitory Act (FEDA). Since then, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has completed inspections on 60 CTQs to ensure they comply with the FEDA licensing conditions. Around half of them were found to have minor lapses and they have been promptly rectified by the operators. No major lapses have been uncovered. MOM will complete the inspection of all the remaining CTQs by end 2023.

Prior to the expansion of FEDA, all CTQs were inspected when they were approved to be set up to ensure that they meet the regulations of the various agencies, such as fire safety and proper sanitation. Subsequent inspections were also conducted to ensure that the living conditions, safety and well-being of residents in the CTQs continue to be satisfactory under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. In recent years, all CTQs have been inspected at least twice per year. MOM had taken enforcement action against 28 CTQ operators in the past five years for failing to meet requirements.