MOM shuts unsanitary foreign workers' hostel at Ama Keng

SINGAPORE — A foreign workers' dormitory has been shut down as a result of unsafe and unhygienic living conditions, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in a press statement on Monday (Oct 2).

The Ama Keng Hostel, operated by Yeo’s Brother Management Private Limited, housed 50 foreign workers living in quarters that had unsanitary toilet conditions, the MOM said.

There were signs of cockroach infestation and breeding of mosquitoes and flies, as well as fire hazards in the workers’ quarters at the purpose-built dormitory situated at 25 Ama Keng Road.

“Such unsafe and unhygienic living conditions severely undermined the safety and well-being of the foreign workers,” said the statement.

Following an inspection, the MOM immediately ordered the dormitory operator to relocate the affected foreign workers to other approved accommodation. The dormitory also ceased its operations.

“In view of the poor living conditions of the dormitory, the accused company was denied a licence under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act.”

The dormitory operator was charged on Sept 28 and faces a total of 50 charges under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA). It can be fined up to S$10,000 for each charge if convicted.

The case will be heard in the State Courts on Oct 19.

The MOM said that it will not hesitate to take strong enforcement actions against dormitory operators who provide poor accommodation to their resident workers. Employers who contravene any of the conditions of the work pass will also be guilty of an offence under the EFMA and will be debarred from hiring foreign workers, it added.

The MOM added that foreign workers who have issues with their housing conditions should bring the matter to the attention of their employer. If their employers fail to make improvements to living conditions, foreign workers are advised to seek assistance from the Migrant Workers’ Centre at 6536 2692 or report the matter to the authorities at 6438 5122.

Members of the public can also play a part by informing the authorities of persons or employers who contravene the EFMA, or refer foreign workers in distress to MOM at 6438 5122 or e-mail mom_fmmd [at] mom.gov.sg.

This is not the first time that a company has been found to have housed foreign workers in unsanitary conditions. In August, Kay Lim Construction and Trading was fined S$156,000 for housing 60 foreign workers in dirty, rat-infested living quarters. The firm had also been banned from employing foreign workers.