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Singapore business groups urge Govt caution on possible changes to worker transportation regulations

Singapore business associations have expressed concerns over calls to ban the transportation of workers on lorries. The groups, in a collective response, urge ‘careful consideration’ and ‘responsible engagement’ as they highlight potential industry impacts and practical complexities.

The statement was issued in response to intensified demands for improved safety standards following recent lorry accidents.”

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1 year ago

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SINGAPORE: Over 20 business associations, including the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and entities under the Specialist Trade Alliance of Singapore, such as the Micro Builders Association and the Singapore Plumbing Society, have expressed concerns over potential regulatory changes regarding the transportation of workers on lorries.

This cautionary note comes in the wake of accidents involving lorries on July 18 and 19 that resulted in injuries to 37 individuals, including migrant workers. The mishaps have reignited public and civil society calls for improvements in safety standards.

In a joint statement delivered on 1 August to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, and Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor, the business groups pointed out the complexities in transitioning from lorry-based transportation of workers.

While many large companies have ceased this practice, the majority of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still face “real, practical and operational complexities”.

The statement highlighted that potential regulatory changes, such as a ban on transporting workers via lorries, could have substantial impacts on sectors traditionally reliant on this practice. The potential for project delays and jeopardized livelihoods of workers was underscored.

Additionally, the business groups pointed out the various factors including “geographic constraints, limited infrastructure, and economic realities that certain regions and industries face” that have necessitated the use of lorries to transport workers.

The statement warned of possible societal consequences such as increased traffic, commuter congestion, and infrastructure delays as workers transition to other modes of transportation, including public transport.

Despite this, the groups acknowledged the urgency of addressing worker safety and committed to finding effective solutions, expressing the aim to “create a future where worker safety is never compromised, and all stakeholders can thrive.”

The collective response from the business groups was elicited by public calls for the outright ban of lorries to transport workers and making it mandatory for passenger vehicles to have seats and seat belts.

These demands were led by over 40 organizations and individuals, including migrant worker welfare groups, in a joint statement to PM Lee, Mr Chee and Dr Khor, following the aforementioned lorry accidents in July.

26 taken to hospital after three-lorry pile-up on Kranji Expressway on 18 July

In a separate joint statement on 26 July, a coalition of 57 local civil society organizations and community groups criticized the government’s response to the situation, accusing it of “feeble steps” and distraction tactics.

The coalition emphasized that lorries, not designed for human transport, pose safety risks and compromise the dignity of the workers. They have urged the government to reallocate a portion of the foreign worker levy, which amounted to at least S$1.1 billion dollars in 2020, to assist smaller companies transitioning to safer transport options.

The statement decried the government’s approach, stating that instead of addressing the issue with the necessary seriousness and urgency, they engaged in handwringing and theatrics.

“We have no choice but to conclude that they simply do not care about workers’ lives, or the real, acute pain that injured workers and grieving families thousands of miles away experience every year because of our unconscionable choices.”

Alarming statistics reveal that between 2011 and 2020, 58 workers lost their lives and another 4,765 were injured while being transported on lorries.

The joint statement concluded by insisting that the safety and dignity of migrant workers should not be compromised for the sake of business profits.

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Civil Society

RSF condemns Malaysian court ruling against British journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown

Malaysia’s Federal Court rejected Clare Rewcastle Brown’s appeal against a defamation ruling, leaving her liable for damages over RM 435,000. RSF condemned the decision as an effort to silence the journalist, who is known for reporting on corruption scandals.

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10 hours ago

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19 September 2024

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Malaysia’s Federal Court has dismissed British journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown’s appeal against a defamation ruling, leaving her liable to pay damages exceeding RM 435,000 (US$103,325).

The defamation suit, which RSF (Reporters Without Borders) describes as part of a broader effort to silence journalists reporting on corruption, relates to a statement in Rewcastle Brown’s 2018 book, The Sarawak Report – The Inside Story of the 1MDB Expose.

The journalist has faced legal challenges ever since, including both civil and criminal cases.

Rewcastle Brown, known for exposing Malaysia’s 1MDB financial scandal, was accused of defaming the Sultanah of Terengganu, the wife of a senior political figure.

The defamation suit stems from a misidentification error in the book, which wrongly stated that the Sultanah, rather than the Sultan’s sister, was connected to a businessman involved in the scandal.

Rewcastle Brown quickly corrected the mistake and issued an apology in 2018. Her legal team has argued that the error does not constitute defamation or criminal libel.

The Sultanah had initially sought RM 100 million in general damages, but the court ultimately awarded a much smaller sum of RM 300,000 (US$71,230) in damages, along with RM 135,000 (US$32,095) in legal costs. Additional fees are expected.

The Federal Court’s decision on 10 September 2024 closes Rewcastle Brown’s legal avenues for appeal in the civil case.

Reporters Without Borders has condemned Malaysia’s handling of the case, asserting that it is intended to intimidate other journalists from reporting on corruption.

Fiona O’Brien, UK Bureau Director of RSF, commented: “This case should never have made it to court. The accusations of defamation are nonsensical. The underlying agenda appears to be to silence Rewcastle Brown and warn other Malaysian journalists away from reporting on corruption.”

In a separate criminal case, Rewcastle Brown was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison in February 2024. She continues to appeal the criminal charges but has faced significant challenges in defending herself. The British government has not commented publicly on her case.

RSF also noted that Malaysia, once ranked 73rd in the World Press Freedom Index, has dropped to 107th in 2024, amid rising political instability and a pattern of defamation suits against journalists.

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Civil Society

Three women to contest charges over pro-Palestinian procession outside Istana

Three Singaporean women, charged under the Public Order Act for organizing a pro-Palestinian procession on 2 February, will contest their charges at trial, a court heard on 18 September. About 70 people participated in the February event, carrying watermelon-adorned umbrellas as a symbol of Palestinian resistance while delivering letters to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

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1 day ago

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18 September 2024

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SINGAPORE: Three Singaporean women charged in connection with a pro-Palestinian procession to the Istana will contest their charges at trial, a court heard on Wednesday (18 September).

The defendants are Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 35, an activist with the Transformative Justice Collective (TJC); Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, 29, a social media influencer; and Mossamad Sobikun Nahar, 25, a community worker.

They were charged in June under the Public Order Act for organizing an unpermitted procession on 2 February.

During the court hearing on Wednesday, the trio, through their lawyer, indicated their intention to contest the charges and claim trial.

Siti Amirah and Mossamad are accused of organizing the procession that occurred between 2pm and 3pm along the perimeter of the Istana, a restricted area.

Kokila is charged with abetting the conspiracy by collaborating with Siti, Mossamad, Alysha Mohamed Rahmat Shah, Anystasha Mohamed Rahmat Shah, and other unnamed individuals to organize the event.

According to a previous police statement, around 70 people gathered outside a mall on Orchard Road at about 2pm on 2 February before marching towards the Istana.

They carried umbrellas painted with watermelon images, symbolizing support for Palestinians amidst the ongoing Israel- Palestinian conflict.

The watermelon, reflecting the colors of the Palestinian flag, has become a symbol of solidarity.

Social media posts indicate that participants of the Letters for Palestine event walked from Plaza Singapura to the Istana to deliver letters addressed to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The cases have been adjourned to October for pre-trial conferences.

If convicted under the Public Order Act, the women face a potential penalty of up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.

The police have reiterated their call for the public to avoid actions that could disrupt peace, public order, and social harmony in Singapore.

They advised that while strong feelings about the Israel-Hamas conflict are understandable, lawful means of expression, such as participating in organized forums, dialogues, and donation drives, are preferable to illegal protests.

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