Fate of Malaysian workers in Singapore still unclear

CORONAVIRUS | The fate of more than 200,000 Malaysians who commute daily to Singapore for work is uncertain following the government's move to extend the movement control order (MCO) until April 14.

Although some employers in Singapore are taking the initiative to allow workers to work from home, many Malaysians feel that they may be out of work due to the strict conditions imposed by both countries to contain the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Most of them hope that both countries will be able to hold further talks to assist Malaysians who are stranded in Singapore since the implementation of the MCO on March 18.

They also hope they can be allowed to commute as usual.

“I feel sad because I have been here for a long time but I have to be strong. I just focus on continuing my work but, at the same time, I still hope everything will go back the way it was.

"I hope the Singapore and Malaysia governments can discuss and help us return to our homes (in Johor Baru) as soon as possible," said Teh Zu Wei, 25, when contacted by Bernama.

Teh opted to stay in Singapore during the MCO because she had just obtained a job as a nurse in the republic.

For Muhammad Hafiz Rusdi, 32, he hoped that both governments could discuss the matter comprehensively, and not just on measures to allow Malaysians to commute to Singapore and vice versa.

“If it (to commute) is not approved by Singapore, we hope the Malaysian government can assist in the form of accommodation and food (in Singapore).

“We want to go back to Malaysia, to our families, but what will happen to us if we go home? Who will help us when we are without a job?” asked the warehouse assistant who had been working in the republic for two years.

Muhammad Hafiz said his fate was still uncertain.

“My employer provides me with a place to stay and a little extra money. However, after the Malaysian government extended the MCO for another 14 days, the company has yet to decide on whether the Malaysian workers will continue to be given a place to stay,” he said.

Another nurse Mohd Hazrien Zainal, 28, said he was fortunate to be given a place to stay by his employer.

“The company provides a hotel room and gives me S$20 per day for food. Every day, I would make a video call to my children and my wife because I miss them,” he said. - Bernama