MP urges fair treatment and better living conditions, emphasizing lessons from COVID-19 response
During Monday’s parliamentary debate on Singapore’s COVID-19 White Paper, Workers’ Party MP Leon Perera (Aljunied GRC) highlighted the importance of enhancing protections for migrant workers, quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s adage: “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” He stressed that migrant workers play an essential role in Singapore and deserve respect and dignity, a principle that he believes resonates with most Singaporeans.
Mr. Perera acknowledged the White Paper’s recognition of challenges faced by migrant workers during the pandemic, especially in dormitories, and emphasized that health protocols must prioritize vulnerable communities in future crises. “They must not be an afterthought in the next health crisis,” he asserted. The White Paper had noted the severe impact of cramped and sometimes unsanitary dorm conditions, which exacerbated the spread of infections. It also recognized that some restrictions could have been eased sooner, as prolonged isolation took a toll on workers’ mental well-being.
Perera argued that the outbreak among migrant workers could have been mitigated with earlier intervention, noting that the NGO TWC2 issued warnings as early as March 2020. He also raised concerns about ongoing enforcement issues, pointing out that conditions remain inconsistent, particularly in smaller dormitories, despite government commitments to improved standards.
Addressing these challenges, he asked for a clear timeline for rolling out enhanced dormitory standards nationwide and urged the government to establish a comprehensive plan for managing future disease outbreaks in dormitories. He also emphasized the need for consistent enforcement on matters like food quality and access to bank accounts, proposing hotlines to assist workers in accessing support.
Mr. Perera’s remarks underscored the importance of dignity and fairness for migrant workers, hoping this experience will lead to lasting improvements in their welfare.
