On Tuesday, 12 October, an online article was published on Weixin, Singapore’s version of WeChat that is used in Singapore, regarding a dormitory at Jalan Tukang in Jurong.
The article alleged that the dormitory has breached COVID-19 health protocols, a lack of access to medical support, and poor quality of catered food.
This prompted an immediate response from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to investigate these claims.
On Wednesday, 13 October, officers from MOM’s Forward Assurance and Support Teams (FAST) were sent down to the dormitory to find out what was going on.
But that’s not all.
According to the ministry, the Singapore Police Force was also called down to the dormitory at about 12.55pm to assist.
Allegations of Breaches in COVID-19 Health Protocols
Through preliminary investigations, MOM has found that some delays were experienced when conveyancing workers who tested positive for COVID-19 from their rooms to a dormitory recovery facility or centralised recovery facility to recover.
MOM said that it is trying to transfer those who require more medical attention to healthcare facilities so that they can get the treatment they need. Those who are roommates of positive cases are allowed to return to work once they are able to test negative for the antigen rapid test (ART).
Allegations of Lack of Access to Medical Support
Refuting the claims that the dormitory workers do not have access to medical support, MOM explained that those who wanted to see a doctor would be brought to a regional medical centre. This occurs on a daily basis. Furthermore, workers have access to telemedicine.
In case this is not enough, MOM has arranged for mobile clinical teams to remain on standby at the dormitory to treat workers if necessary.
Allegations of Poor Quality of Catered Food
Through investigation, MOM found that the workers’ employer provides them with three meals a day. However, since the workers are giving feedback that the food is of poor quality, MOM has made this issue known to the employer.
The employer has since talked to the workers about it and has communicated with them more to see if they have any other issues that require resolving.
In order to ensure that the migrant workers are well taken care of by their employers, MOM will continue to work closely with all stakeholders. This includes both dormitory operators and employers.
Riot Police Spotted
According to CNA, at around 4pm on Wednesday afternoon, there were four Special Operations Command vehicles and a few other armoured police vehicles parked along the road outside the dormitory at Jurong.
There were many police officers donning protective gear, and some of them had red berets on.
Police personnel wearing personal protective equipment were also seen guarding the barricades that have been set up at the dormitory’s entrance. Riot shields leaned against these barricades.
At around 5.50pm, the police officers in protective gear made their leave in the armoured vehicles while the other police officers in personal protective equipment carried plastic bags of food packets into the dormitory.
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Featured Image: centurioncorp.com.sg