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Simulated dormitory riot reinforced racist stereotypes of migrant workers, says NGO

SINGAPORE — A non-governmental organisation advocating for migrant workers has complained that a recent emergency exercise simulating a riot at a foreign workers’ dormitory reinforces racist stereotypes, and counters efforts to integrate migrant workers into Singapore.

TODAY file photo

TODAY file photo

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SINGAPORE — A non-governmental organisation advocating for migrant workers has complained that a recent emergency exercise simulating a riot at a foreign workers’ dormitory reinforces racist stereotypes, and counters efforts to integrate migrant workers into Singapore.

The exercise was highlighted by National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan on his Facebook page on Tuesday (Nov 11). Mr Khaw said the exercise was a “useful way to network up the various agencies and spread preventive messages”.

“We have a few foreign workers’ dormitories. What if some quarrels erupt, leading to fights or worse? These are possible scenarios, given the concentration of foreign workers in one locality. Little India riot was an extreme case, but minor scale fights could happen locally,” he wrote.

The exercise involved the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), grassroots organisations, dormitory operators and foreign worker ambassadors, who appeared to be mostly of South Asian origin. 

In a statement, Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics executive director Jolovan Wham said the photos posted reinforced the stereotype that foreign workers, especially those of South Asian origin, are more prone to violence and riots. “Not only does this encourage racism towards the community, it also de-humanising and marginalises migrant workers even further,” he said.

If the Government is concerned about fights and skirmishes, it should address the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of foreign workers. “This has to be reflected not just in our laws and policies but our attitudes and modes of engagement,” he said. “Investing in the well-being of migrant workers is an important part of building mutual respect, and upholding the dignity of those who are marginalised. Non-discrimination and equality are the key values of this approach, and absolutely necessary if we want a more cohesive society.”

At around 8pm today, Mr Khaw defended the exercise on Facebook, writing that it was "well received" by the various stakeholders involved.

"They found it to be a meaningful collaboration which bonded the residents and foreign workers. In fact, a buffet lunch was also organised for all who participated to celebrate the successful conclusion of the exercise," he wrote. "Our intent is to promote mutual understanding with the local community."

In response to media queries regarding Minister Khaw’s post, the Police explained that the exercise “is one of several regular exercises that SPF and SCDF conduct together with dormitory operators and stakeholders”.

 “These exercises are necessary to ensure that SPF, SCDF and the dormitory operators have the necessary protocols and processes in place to deal with a variety of incidents that could potentially take place in these premises,” said the Police.

The Police said that the exercises allow the officers to “to fine-tune their emergency response measures, and to reach out to their stakeholders to explain emergency procedures and share crime prevention messages”.

“In this case, the exercise on Oct 26 was meant to review agencies’ responses to a public order incident that had occurred within the dormitory premise. Participants of the exercise include SPF, SCDF, grassroots leaders, dormitory operator, foreign worker ambassadors, as well as residents of the dormitories who volunteered to participate so that the exercise could be carried out smoothly.”

The Police also added that the dormitory “currently houses only residents from South Asia”.

The Police underlined that the SPF and the SCDF will carry on with similar exercises in foreign worker dormitories around Singapore.

“Other than exercises, SPF and SCDF also hold engagement and public education sessions to impart knowledge on Singapore’s laws, crime prevention and fire safety information to foreign workers living in dormitories in Singapore,” the statement said.

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