Singapore won't extend temporary housing for stranded Malaysian workers

CORONAVIRUS | Singaporean employers whose workers ordinarily commute to work from Malaysia have been urged to find "more sustainable" housing solutions for their workers.

In light of Malaysia’s decision to extend the movement control order until April 14, the Singapore Manpower Ministry said it would not be extending its temporary housing support beyond the current expiry date of March 31.

“As a result (of the extension), workers usually housed in Malaysia will be affected.

“Given the uncertainty over border controls, the Ministry of Manpower strongly encourages all affected employers to look for more sustainable housing options in Singapore for these workers,” it said in a statement today.

The ministry said it would work with employers to facilitate the transfer, but employers would have to decide on how best to house the affected workers and share the additional costs with the workers.

The movement control order beginning March 18 entailed the closure of Malaysia’s border crossings, no Malaysian is allowed to leave, whereas returning Malaysians must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

The sudden implementation of the order has left many Malaysian workers stranded in Singapore without a place to live, prompting the Singapore government and NGOs to step in and provide temporary accommodation.

According to the Manpower Ministry statement, the ministry and other agencies have helped about 2,000 firms accommodate over 10,000 affected workers.

Other firms have also made accommodation arrangements for its workers, the ministry said.

The movement control order was originally slated to expire on March 31, but earlier today, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that it would be extended by two weeks until April 14 as the number of new Covid-19 cases is still rising.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement today, the ministry said it would be taking measures to prevent congregations of foreign workers and foreign domestic workers.

“Workers are strongly advised to remain in their residence on their rest days. If they have important errands to attend to, they are advised to minimise time spent outside.

“Employers should be aware of where their workers will be going and to have them return home upon completion of their errands.

“Workers should also observe good personal hygiene and minimise physical contact by not shaking hands or sharing food, and maintaining a safe distance from one another,” it said.

It also urged workers to observe the latest restrictions banning gatherings of more than ten people. - Star