As part of the Government's efforts to support local companies with workers affected by Malaysia's Movement Control Order, MSF provided immediate temporary accommodation to affected workers at SportSG's Jurong East Sport Hall. Since 17 March 2020, MSF, in partnership with MOM and SportSG, had provided relief to 33Malaysian workers. During this period, MOM and SPF have also stepped up patrols to check on Malaysians who have not secured accommodation. For anyone found without a place to stay, MOM has contacted their employer to ensure that they arrange for accommodation immediately.
For Singaporean and Permanent Resident rough sleepers who walked in, we have redirected them to a new shelter, Transit Point @ Margaret Drive, which can accommodate up to 100 local rough sleepers. The shelter is operated by New Hope Community Services, one of our community partners in the Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers Network (PEERS Network).
There has been an outpouring of assistance for affected workers from the community, including MSF's community partners from our PEERS Network and transitional shelters. We are proud to partner with our fellow Singaporeans to reach out and care for these Malaysian workers who help ensure that our daily lives can continue as normally as possible.
Given the low number of Malaysian workers who have required use of the facility, coupled with the groundswell of community support to house these workers, and MOM's involvement in assisting employers to secure accommodation for their employees, the temporary relief centre has ceased operations as of 23 March 2020.
MOM would like to remind employers of their obligation to ensure their workers are housed in acceptable accommodation. Employers who fail to do so will be taken to task and may be barred from hiring foreign workers. Any Malaysian worker who is still without accommodation should contact MOM at mom_qops@mom.gov.sg.
Members of the public who wish to support affected workers (e.g. through in-kind donations, volunteering to house them) can refer to the SGUnited portal (www.sgunited.gov.sg) or approach the Migrant Workers' Centre (www.mwc.org.sg, 6536-2692).