Group helps Malaysians stranded in S’pore amidst control order

Malaysians stranded in Singapore due to the movement control order can reach out to the Malaysian Association in Singapore (Masis) for help with accommodation, transport and other needs.

This is especially for citizens who live in Malaysia but usually commute daily to Singapore for work.

Those affected can list their needs in this form and Masis will try to coordinate help at no charge.

The service is from now until the end of the order period on March 31.

Citizens are banned from leaving the country under the order but some Malaysian workers have chosen to remain in Singapore as they want to keep their jobs to send money home.

It was reported today that several Malaysians without temporary accommodation have resorted to sleeping on the floor at Mass Rail Transit (MRT) stations in the city-state.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Masis president Aarathi Arumugam explained that they are working with hotels, hostels and other accommodation facilities to secure preferential room rates for those in need.

“If they need to arrange an urgent passage back to Malaysia we will coordinate to try and help.

“We are in touch with the necessary authorities with the help of the Malaysian High Commission,” she said.

Masis is also offering to help with medical needs and whatever affected Malaysians require on a case-by-case basis.

Masis is a volunteer-run association for Malaysians who live and work in Singapore.

“I think we are particularly well placed with our vast network to help our fellow Malaysians so they are safe and can move forward with peace of mind in these times,” Aarathi said.

After the movement control order was announced, the Singapore government decided to step in to help Malaysian workers arrange short-term housing so they can remain and continue working in the city-state.

According to Singaporean news website TODAY Online, Singaporean employers are compensated SGD50 per worker per day to provide temporary accommodation. - Mkini