Straits Times, Published on Dec 24, 2011
THE driver of a cement mixer that hit and killed a Bangladeshi construction worker in Tuas was fined $5,000 yesterday.
Mok Nyeong Lock (right), 60, a Malaysian, was also banned from driving all vehicles for three years over the April 15 accident.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by failing to keep a proper lookout for Mr Rahman Kadar Sarder, 21, near Tuas South Avenue 16.
Assistant Public Prosecutor Lydia Goh said Mok left a work site at Zhen Hua Engineering in Tuas South Avenue 5 at about midnight after delivering cement.
He was driving along an unnamed road without street lights that led to the main road when he spotted a man walking by the side, about 20m to 30m ahead.
The man was talking on a phone.
Mok claimed that when he drove past the man, the latter acted as if he wanted to hitch a ride.
The court heard that Mok then accelerated and continued driving when he felt a bump, as if the left rear tyre had gone over something.
Fearing that he might have knocked down someone, he drove to a Tuas police gantry to report the incident.
Mr Rahman was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic at 1.15am. He died from multiple injuries.
Pleading for leniency, Mok, who has two school-going children, said he was his family's sole breadwinner.
He could have been jailed for up to two years and/or fined for causing death by committing a negligent act.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Veteran to head workplace safety and health centre
Straits Times, Published on Dec 23, 2011
THE Ministry of Manpower has appointed Dr Jukka Takala as the first executive director of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Institute.
He will assume his position next Wednesday, the ministry said in a statement yesterday.
The institute was established by the ministry in partnership with the WSH Council in April this year. It aims to improve workplace health and safety measures in Singapore.
Dr Takala brings with him more than 35 years of experience in the international workplace health and safety arena.
As executive director of the institute, he will set strategic directions in two areas - raising workplace safety and health standards in Singapore, and supporting the ministry and the WSH Council in drawing up informed policies and programmes.
He will also lead efforts in improving applied research programmes and giving continued education to health and safety professionals and business leaders.
The institute aims to deepen stakeholders' understanding of current and emerging work environments and processes. Using an evidenced-based approach, it will determine the best ways to shape workplace health and safety practices in Singapore.
Dr Takala said Singapore has made significant progress in its workplace safety and health standards over the past few years, and is on track to become a leading centre of excellence in the region.
He said he will be working closely with his counterparts in the ministry and the WSH Council.
'Together, we hope to bring the institute to new heights in achieving its vision of being a leading think-tank for WSH knowledge, innovations and solutions,' he said.
THE Ministry of Manpower has appointed Dr Jukka Takala as the first executive director of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Institute.
He will assume his position next Wednesday, the ministry said in a statement yesterday.
The institute was established by the ministry in partnership with the WSH Council in April this year. It aims to improve workplace health and safety measures in Singapore.
Dr Takala brings with him more than 35 years of experience in the international workplace health and safety arena.
As executive director of the institute, he will set strategic directions in two areas - raising workplace safety and health standards in Singapore, and supporting the ministry and the WSH Council in drawing up informed policies and programmes.
He will also lead efforts in improving applied research programmes and giving continued education to health and safety professionals and business leaders.
The institute aims to deepen stakeholders' understanding of current and emerging work environments and processes. Using an evidenced-based approach, it will determine the best ways to shape workplace health and safety practices in Singapore.
Dr Takala said Singapore has made significant progress in its workplace safety and health standards over the past few years, and is on track to become a leading centre of excellence in the region.
He said he will be working closely with his counterparts in the ministry and the WSH Council.
'Together, we hope to bring the institute to new heights in achieving its vision of being a leading think-tank for WSH knowledge, innovations and solutions,' he said.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Crane topples, worker injured
Straits Times, Published on Dec 22, 2011
--ST PHOTOS: LAU FOOK KONG
A cement hoist crane toppled onto its side at a construction site in Grange Road yesterday.
The arm of the crane crashed into a window on the fourth floor of a condominium block at 72 Grange Road which is next to the site.
Police received a call about an industrial accident in Grange Road at 5.35pm. They said a man was taken to Singapore General Hospital. He was conscious.
The Straits Times understands the man is a worker from the construction site and he suffered injuries to his left leg.
Residents from the block said they heard glass shattering when the crane fell and smashed the kitchen window of the flat.
It is understood residents from the affected block were not evacuated.
--ST PHOTOS: LAU FOOK KONGA cement hoist crane toppled onto its side at a construction site in Grange Road yesterday.
The arm of the crane crashed into a window on the fourth floor of a condominium block at 72 Grange Road which is next to the site.
Police received a call about an industrial accident in Grange Road at 5.35pm. They said a man was taken to Singapore General Hospital. He was conscious.
The Straits Times understands the man is a worker from the construction site and he suffered injuries to his left leg.
Residents from the block said they heard glass shattering when the crane fell and smashed the kitchen window of the flat.
It is understood residents from the affected block were not evacuated.
Bosses, treat your migrant workers fairly
MOM to amend Act to hold employers more accountable
Straits Times, Published on Dec 22, 2011
By Lin Wenjian
EMPLOYERS should continue to look after the welfare of migrant workers and treat them fairly, even as they tighten their belts in anticipation of an economic slowdown, Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin said yesterday.
The Manpower Ministry (MOM) plans to amend the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act next year to hold employers more accountable for the basic rights and welfare of migrant workers under their charge, he said.
The amended Act will also strengthen the ministry's hand in dealing with errant employers, he added.
He made the comments in an entry on the MOM's blog to mark International Migrants Day last Sunday.
'I urge employers to continue to look after the welfare of the migrant workers under your charge, and to treat them fairly,' said Mr Tan, in the blog entry which paid tribute to migrant workers. 'We should show our appreciation to them as they are an integral part of our society and play an important role at that.'
The ministry had said earlier that changes will be made to the Act, but no timeframe was given.
Mr Tan did not give details about the amendments. But he said the ministry will be consulting key stakeholders on this, including non-governmental organisations.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, the ministry would say only that the review of the Act is under way, and more details will be revealed later.
The Act is a wide-ranging one that encompasses issues concerning foreign workers - including maids - such as their salaries and accommodation here.
The main Act was last amended in 2007.
Local migrant workers' welfare group, Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), said it sent a proposal to the ministry in June, detailing the changes it would like to see.
Among them are tougher penalties for employers or employment agents who accept kickbacks from workers, or those who apply for work passes for these workers using false documents.
TWC2's vice-president, Dr Noorashikin Abdul Rahman, said her group is also calling for the ministry to make it mandatory for employers to give a notice period of up to 30 days to workers before cancelling their work permits.
Currently, companies can cancel a work permit immediately and repatriate workers within seven days of the cancellation. Dr Noorashikin said having this rule in place ensures workers are not forcefully repatriated.
She added: 'The additional time will also allow them to sort out any outstanding issues they have or to seek alternative employment here.'
TWC2 would also like to see the Act amended to give foreign domestic workers 'more detailed protection'.
In particular, Dr Noorashikin is calling for a weekly day off, stipulated maximum daily work hours and a formula to calculate overtime pay for the approximately 196,000 maids here.
Currently, the Act states that employers must bear the costs of their maids' upkeep in Singapore and ensure that they receive adequate rest, among others.
Ms Bridget Tan, president of the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home), said she wants maids to be covered under the Work Injury Compensation Act, just like other migrant workers.
'We want to see equality in treatment for both migrant workers and foreign domestic workers, and in our view, the exclusion is discriminatory,' added Ms Tan, who said the ministry's intention to amend the Act is a positive move.
Employers and labour MPs, too, lauded the MOM's move.
Mr Zainudin Nordin, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Manpower, said migrant workers should be treated with respect and employers who ill-treat them should be punished accordingly.
'Happy and skilled workers are always good for the companies, industries and the economy as a whole,' he noted.
Mr Edwin Pang, executive director of the Migrant Workers Centre, proposed that the amendments should address incidents where employers try to get out of providing housing, meals and medical leave to their workers.
'We also hope to see action being taken against errant employers who make unauthorised salary deductions from their workers or who collude with unscrupulous employment agents.'
Straits Times, Published on Dec 22, 2011
By Lin Wenjian
EMPLOYERS should continue to look after the welfare of migrant workers and treat them fairly, even as they tighten their belts in anticipation of an economic slowdown, Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin said yesterday.
The Manpower Ministry (MOM) plans to amend the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act next year to hold employers more accountable for the basic rights and welfare of migrant workers under their charge, he said.
The amended Act will also strengthen the ministry's hand in dealing with errant employers, he added.
He made the comments in an entry on the MOM's blog to mark International Migrants Day last Sunday.
'I urge employers to continue to look after the welfare of the migrant workers under your charge, and to treat them fairly,' said Mr Tan, in the blog entry which paid tribute to migrant workers. 'We should show our appreciation to them as they are an integral part of our society and play an important role at that.'
The ministry had said earlier that changes will be made to the Act, but no timeframe was given.
Mr Tan did not give details about the amendments. But he said the ministry will be consulting key stakeholders on this, including non-governmental organisations.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, the ministry would say only that the review of the Act is under way, and more details will be revealed later.
The Act is a wide-ranging one that encompasses issues concerning foreign workers - including maids - such as their salaries and accommodation here.
The main Act was last amended in 2007.
Local migrant workers' welfare group, Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), said it sent a proposal to the ministry in June, detailing the changes it would like to see.
Among them are tougher penalties for employers or employment agents who accept kickbacks from workers, or those who apply for work passes for these workers using false documents.
TWC2's vice-president, Dr Noorashikin Abdul Rahman, said her group is also calling for the ministry to make it mandatory for employers to give a notice period of up to 30 days to workers before cancelling their work permits.
Currently, companies can cancel a work permit immediately and repatriate workers within seven days of the cancellation. Dr Noorashikin said having this rule in place ensures workers are not forcefully repatriated.
She added: 'The additional time will also allow them to sort out any outstanding issues they have or to seek alternative employment here.'
TWC2 would also like to see the Act amended to give foreign domestic workers 'more detailed protection'.
In particular, Dr Noorashikin is calling for a weekly day off, stipulated maximum daily work hours and a formula to calculate overtime pay for the approximately 196,000 maids here.
Currently, the Act states that employers must bear the costs of their maids' upkeep in Singapore and ensure that they receive adequate rest, among others.
Ms Bridget Tan, president of the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home), said she wants maids to be covered under the Work Injury Compensation Act, just like other migrant workers.
'We want to see equality in treatment for both migrant workers and foreign domestic workers, and in our view, the exclusion is discriminatory,' added Ms Tan, who said the ministry's intention to amend the Act is a positive move.
Employers and labour MPs, too, lauded the MOM's move.
Mr Zainudin Nordin, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Manpower, said migrant workers should be treated with respect and employers who ill-treat them should be punished accordingly.
'Happy and skilled workers are always good for the companies, industries and the economy as a whole,' he noted.
Mr Edwin Pang, executive director of the Migrant Workers Centre, proposed that the amendments should address incidents where employers try to get out of providing housing, meals and medical leave to their workers.
'We also hope to see action being taken against errant employers who make unauthorised salary deductions from their workers or who collude with unscrupulous employment agents.'
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Maid swops 92-year-old's gold with fakes
Filipino jailed for pawning jewellery given for cleaning after replacing them with fakes
Straits Times, Published on Dec 21, 2011
By Khushwant Singh & Fiona Low
A FILIPINO maid offered to clean her 92-year-old employer's gold jewellery but instead pawned the two items and replaced them with fakes.
Her dishonest act was discovered two months later and yesterday Glenda Dayrit Alabado, 40, was jailed for three months. She pleaded guilty to cheating and stealing three gold bangles from Madam Tan Tou.
A district court heard that some time in October, the maid convinced her employer that the jewellery she was wearing was 'dirty'. Instead of cleaning them as she promised, Alabado pawned the gold bangle for $900 and the gold chain for $750.
She handed back counterfeits to Madam Tan who was none the wiser until her daughter pointed it out in December. The family then discovered that the maid had also stolen three gold bangles kept in a jewellery box in Madam Tan's room in July.
Alabado had pawned these for $4,600 and spent the money. Police were called in and she was charged in court two days later.
Asking the court for a second chance, she said through a Tagalog interpreter that she regretted cheating her employer. She had worked for the family for about four years.
District Judge Jasvender Kaur noted that what the Filipina did was grossly dishonest and it was fortunate that Madam Tan managed to recover the jewellery from the pawnshop. No restitution had been made. The three-month jail term was backdated to the date of her remand on Dec 12.
At their Toa Payoh home, one of Madam Tan's sons, taxi driver Thomas Ong, 54, said the family suspected the maid had been stealing from as early as June this year, when they noticed that she had a lot of expensive cosmetics and clothes.
They tried to make a police report then but the case was dismissed because there was no proof. It was only this month when Mr Ong and his siblings confronted the maid that she admitted to stealing the jewellery and showed them pawnshop receipts.
Mr Ong said the family had trusted her because she had been working for them for a long time. She took care of Madam Tan's needs, including taking the latter to the doctor and the bank.
Alabado also had access to Madam Tan's safe in the house. Madam Tan had trouble opening it so the maid would often retrieve jewellery from the safe when her employer wanted to wear them.
Mr Ong, who lives with his mother, said the family had considered not reporting the theft to give the maid a second chance. But after extensive discussions, they decided the matter was too severe.
Mr Ong estimates the value of the stolen jewellery at about $10,000. The family has since hired a new maid. He said since he works the night shift and spends the day sleeping, he cannot care for his mother alone.
For cheating, Alabado could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $10,000. The maximum penalty for stealing is a seven-year jail term and a $10,000 fine.
Last month, Kirandeep Kaur was jailed for four years and two months for stealing more than $400,000 in cash and jewellery from her employer Vandana Gupta. The 25-year-old maid, an Indian national who had worked for the family since 2009, committed the offence while Mrs Gupta, 34, was in Australia for a family holiday.
Kirandeep fled to India but was tracked down and about $300,000 of the loot was recovered. She was arrested when she returned to Singapore to work.
Straits Times, Published on Dec 21, 2011
By Khushwant Singh & Fiona Low
A FILIPINO maid offered to clean her 92-year-old employer's gold jewellery but instead pawned the two items and replaced them with fakes.
Her dishonest act was discovered two months later and yesterday Glenda Dayrit Alabado, 40, was jailed for three months. She pleaded guilty to cheating and stealing three gold bangles from Madam Tan Tou.
A district court heard that some time in October, the maid convinced her employer that the jewellery she was wearing was 'dirty'. Instead of cleaning them as she promised, Alabado pawned the gold bangle for $900 and the gold chain for $750.
She handed back counterfeits to Madam Tan who was none the wiser until her daughter pointed it out in December. The family then discovered that the maid had also stolen three gold bangles kept in a jewellery box in Madam Tan's room in July.
Alabado had pawned these for $4,600 and spent the money. Police were called in and she was charged in court two days later.
Asking the court for a second chance, she said through a Tagalog interpreter that she regretted cheating her employer. She had worked for the family for about four years.
District Judge Jasvender Kaur noted that what the Filipina did was grossly dishonest and it was fortunate that Madam Tan managed to recover the jewellery from the pawnshop. No restitution had been made. The three-month jail term was backdated to the date of her remand on Dec 12.
At their Toa Payoh home, one of Madam Tan's sons, taxi driver Thomas Ong, 54, said the family suspected the maid had been stealing from as early as June this year, when they noticed that she had a lot of expensive cosmetics and clothes.
They tried to make a police report then but the case was dismissed because there was no proof. It was only this month when Mr Ong and his siblings confronted the maid that she admitted to stealing the jewellery and showed them pawnshop receipts.
Mr Ong said the family had trusted her because she had been working for them for a long time. She took care of Madam Tan's needs, including taking the latter to the doctor and the bank.
Alabado also had access to Madam Tan's safe in the house. Madam Tan had trouble opening it so the maid would often retrieve jewellery from the safe when her employer wanted to wear them.
Mr Ong, who lives with his mother, said the family had considered not reporting the theft to give the maid a second chance. But after extensive discussions, they decided the matter was too severe.
Mr Ong estimates the value of the stolen jewellery at about $10,000. The family has since hired a new maid. He said since he works the night shift and spends the day sleeping, he cannot care for his mother alone.
For cheating, Alabado could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $10,000. The maximum penalty for stealing is a seven-year jail term and a $10,000 fine.
Last month, Kirandeep Kaur was jailed for four years and two months for stealing more than $400,000 in cash and jewellery from her employer Vandana Gupta. The 25-year-old maid, an Indian national who had worked for the family since 2009, committed the offence while Mrs Gupta, 34, was in Australia for a family holiday.
Kirandeep fled to India but was tracked down and about $300,000 of the loot was recovered. She was arrested when she returned to Singapore to work.
Details given on new maids scheme
SIP course providers told it can last one to 11/2 days and cost up to $120
Straits Times, Published on Dec 21, 2011
By Amanda Tan
THE new compulsory Settling-In Programme (SIP) for first-time maids who come to Singapore is likely to be conducted over one or 11/2 days.
Employers here can also expect to pay between $50 and $100 for a one-day course, and between $70 and $120 for the longer course.
The Straits Times understands that this information was given to potential course providers at a briefing conducted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) yesterday.
It was attended by representatives from more than 20 interested companies, including employment agencies and private training centres.
Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the ministry said it plans to appoint two training providers for a start. Interested parties have up to Jan6 to submit their proposals.
It is also understood that the appointed training providers will be expected to play a role in helping the ministry sieve out underage and under-qualified maids. Details, however, are still unclear.
Currently, maids who want to work here must be at least 23 years old and have eight years of formal schooling.
The ministry announced earlier this month that the SIP will replace a compulsory English entry test introduced in 2005.
The entry test is a bugbear for many first-time maids, especially those from Indonesia, as they find it hard to pass because of the language barrier.
The SIP, which will be introduced by the middle of next year, aims to help maids cope with living and working in Singapore. New maids will be required to attend the programme within three days of their arrival here, before their work permits are issued.
Previously, employers paid $7 for their maids to sit the written entry test and $28 for the Safety Awareness Course, which will now be included in the new programme.
But the SIP will cost more because of its longer duration. MOM, however, has said it will keep costs manageable. It will provide the course content, which will cover topics such as coping with life and work in Singapore, conditions of employment and the responsibilities of a domestic helper.
The ministry said it is 'currently in the process of refining the programme content and duration to ensure maximum benefit for all'.
'We will be seeking input from stakeholders, such as employment agencies, non-governmental organisations, voluntary welfare organisations and employers,' said a ministry spokesman.
Maid employer Carolyn Seet said she does not mind paying more to send her maid to the programme, as long as the training is useful. She hopes the course will teach maids practical household management skills, as well as how to communicate better.
Said Ms Seet, a manager with an IT firm: 'They should learn to express themselves if they're not happy. They can also learn some negotiation skills... to know that they don't always have to say 'yes'.'
She added: 'I don't mind paying more, but the question is, will they learn something they can put into practice later.'
Several centres and companies, such as NTUC LearningHub and the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training (Fast), a non-governmental organisation, said they will consider running the programme. They were among those who attended yesterday's MOM briefing.
But some smaller agencies are concerned about requirements they have to meet, such as having the facilities to hold classes for 45,000 maids each year, and showing proof that they have at least $300,000 in paid-up capital.
They must also be able to offer the course in four languages: English, Bahasa Indonesia, Myanmar and Tagalog.
Migrant welfare groups hope the course content will meet the needs of maids and not just the demands of employers. Said Dr Noorashikin Abdul Rahman, vice-president of Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2): 'We urge the ministry to emphasise the rights and dignity of the workers... We don't want the helpers to be trained just to always say 'yes' to their employers.'
Straits Times, Published on Dec 21, 2011
By Amanda Tan
THE new compulsory Settling-In Programme (SIP) for first-time maids who come to Singapore is likely to be conducted over one or 11/2 days.
Employers here can also expect to pay between $50 and $100 for a one-day course, and between $70 and $120 for the longer course.
The Straits Times understands that this information was given to potential course providers at a briefing conducted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) yesterday.
It was attended by representatives from more than 20 interested companies, including employment agencies and private training centres.
Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the ministry said it plans to appoint two training providers for a start. Interested parties have up to Jan6 to submit their proposals.
It is also understood that the appointed training providers will be expected to play a role in helping the ministry sieve out underage and under-qualified maids. Details, however, are still unclear.
Currently, maids who want to work here must be at least 23 years old and have eight years of formal schooling.
The ministry announced earlier this month that the SIP will replace a compulsory English entry test introduced in 2005.
The entry test is a bugbear for many first-time maids, especially those from Indonesia, as they find it hard to pass because of the language barrier.
The SIP, which will be introduced by the middle of next year, aims to help maids cope with living and working in Singapore. New maids will be required to attend the programme within three days of their arrival here, before their work permits are issued.
Previously, employers paid $7 for their maids to sit the written entry test and $28 for the Safety Awareness Course, which will now be included in the new programme.
But the SIP will cost more because of its longer duration. MOM, however, has said it will keep costs manageable. It will provide the course content, which will cover topics such as coping with life and work in Singapore, conditions of employment and the responsibilities of a domestic helper.
The ministry said it is 'currently in the process of refining the programme content and duration to ensure maximum benefit for all'.
'We will be seeking input from stakeholders, such as employment agencies, non-governmental organisations, voluntary welfare organisations and employers,' said a ministry spokesman.
Maid employer Carolyn Seet said she does not mind paying more to send her maid to the programme, as long as the training is useful. She hopes the course will teach maids practical household management skills, as well as how to communicate better.
Said Ms Seet, a manager with an IT firm: 'They should learn to express themselves if they're not happy. They can also learn some negotiation skills... to know that they don't always have to say 'yes'.'
She added: 'I don't mind paying more, but the question is, will they learn something they can put into practice later.'
Several centres and companies, such as NTUC LearningHub and the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training (Fast), a non-governmental organisation, said they will consider running the programme. They were among those who attended yesterday's MOM briefing.
But some smaller agencies are concerned about requirements they have to meet, such as having the facilities to hold classes for 45,000 maids each year, and showing proof that they have at least $300,000 in paid-up capital.
They must also be able to offer the course in four languages: English, Bahasa Indonesia, Myanmar and Tagalog.
Migrant welfare groups hope the course content will meet the needs of maids and not just the demands of employers. Said Dr Noorashikin Abdul Rahman, vice-president of Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2): 'We urge the ministry to emphasise the rights and dignity of the workers... We don't want the helpers to be trained just to always say 'yes' to their employers.'
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Lorry crane operators to undergo mandatory certification
Straits Times, Published on Dec 20, 2011
By Jermyn Chow
AROUND 5,000 lorry crane operators will have to take a training course and pass a test if they want to continue in their jobs after September 2013.
Under new rules that come into effect then, they must be certified before they can operate Singapore's 3,500-plus lorry cranes, which are frequently used to lift heavy equipment during construction and road works.
In the past five years, there have been more than 40 accidents involving lorry cranes, resulting in four people being killed on the job.
There are currently no formal training and certification courses available in Singapore, apart from classes conducted by the handful of lorry crane suppliers or manufacturers here.
The Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) chief training officer, Mr Paul Yap, said the new course - which starts next month - is aimed at plugging the gaps in knowledge and skills of current crane operators.
'They don't know how to estimate the load and lifting capacity of the cranes, and tend to overload the cranes, which can be very risky,' he said.
Mr Ismadi Mohd, deputy director of equipment safety at the Manpower Ministry's Occupational Safety and Health Division, said the current courses are 'not very well-regulated'.
'We want a more structured and consistent course that is applied across the board,' he said.
The 21/2-day Lorry Crane Operator Course, offered by the BCA, was designed by the Workplace Safety and Health Council and the National Crane Safety Taskforce. It consists of classroom and on-site lessons that will teach trainees how to follow safety guidelines, spot hazards and respond to emergencies.
The course will apply to all lorry crane operators. Those who have operated lorry cranes for at least three years will just have to sit, and pass, the test. Should they fail, they will then have to attend the course.
The latest move follows the implementation of new rules that took effect in September.
Under the new regulations, operators have to go through a checklist before lifting anything with cranes.
Crane operations are a concern for safety officials here.
The number of crane-related fatalities has declined from 10 in 2009 to two last year.
However, the number of dangerous incidents involving cranes went up from 21 in 2009 to 26 last year. A total of 14 such dangerous incidents were reported in the first half of this year.
Mr Kelvin Tan, 39, who has operated lorry cranes for six years, was one of five who took the pilot course at the BCA in July.
'Previously, the lessons were more to familiarise workers with the lorry cranes. But now, there is a lot more focus on safety procedures and regulations,' he said.
By Jermyn Chow
AROUND 5,000 lorry crane operators will have to take a training course and pass a test if they want to continue in their jobs after September 2013.
Under new rules that come into effect then, they must be certified before they can operate Singapore's 3,500-plus lorry cranes, which are frequently used to lift heavy equipment during construction and road works.
In the past five years, there have been more than 40 accidents involving lorry cranes, resulting in four people being killed on the job.
There are currently no formal training and certification courses available in Singapore, apart from classes conducted by the handful of lorry crane suppliers or manufacturers here.
The Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) chief training officer, Mr Paul Yap, said the new course - which starts next month - is aimed at plugging the gaps in knowledge and skills of current crane operators.
'They don't know how to estimate the load and lifting capacity of the cranes, and tend to overload the cranes, which can be very risky,' he said.
Mr Ismadi Mohd, deputy director of equipment safety at the Manpower Ministry's Occupational Safety and Health Division, said the current courses are 'not very well-regulated'.
'We want a more structured and consistent course that is applied across the board,' he said.
The 21/2-day Lorry Crane Operator Course, offered by the BCA, was designed by the Workplace Safety and Health Council and the National Crane Safety Taskforce. It consists of classroom and on-site lessons that will teach trainees how to follow safety guidelines, spot hazards and respond to emergencies.
The course will apply to all lorry crane operators. Those who have operated lorry cranes for at least three years will just have to sit, and pass, the test. Should they fail, they will then have to attend the course.
The latest move follows the implementation of new rules that took effect in September.
Under the new regulations, operators have to go through a checklist before lifting anything with cranes.
Crane operations are a concern for safety officials here.
The number of crane-related fatalities has declined from 10 in 2009 to two last year.
However, the number of dangerous incidents involving cranes went up from 21 in 2009 to 26 last year. A total of 14 such dangerous incidents were reported in the first half of this year.
Mr Kelvin Tan, 39, who has operated lorry cranes for six years, was one of five who took the pilot course at the BCA in July.
'Previously, the lessons were more to familiarise workers with the lorry cranes. But now, there is a lot more focus on safety procedures and regulations,' he said.
MWC gears up to house migrant workers affected by slowdown
CNA, By Nurul Syuhaida | Posted: 20 December 2011 1821 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) is gearing up to help migrant workers who may be affected by the economic slowdown next year.
It wants to increase the number of beds at foreign workers' dormitories to house homeless migrant workers.
MWC's Executive Director Edwin Pang said: "Migrant workers might be bearing the brunt of companies winding up or employers not having enough money to pay for the shelter or food.
"As a result, what the Migrant Workers' Centre is doing is that we are gearing up for this possibility by ensuring that for next year, we will have a ready supply of beds. So that should there be any migrant workers (who are) unable to have a roof over their heads, we are able to provide them with one."
Currently, there are 20 beds on standby to house homeless migrant workers. Next year, this figure will go up to 50.
From April 2009 till date, MWC has provided shelter for over 240 homeless migrant workers.
MWC said it is making progress in helping migrant workers integrate into the Singapore society and workplaces.
To mark International Migrant's Day, a special three-day photo exhibition on the lifestyles of migrants was launched on Tuesday.
It aims to promote greater understanding between Singaporeans and migrant workers.
The MWC is a joint effort between the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), aiming to improve the welfare of migrant workers in Singapore.
-CNA/ac
URL:
SINGAPORE: The Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) is gearing up to help migrant workers who may be affected by the economic slowdown next year.
It wants to increase the number of beds at foreign workers' dormitories to house homeless migrant workers.
MWC's Executive Director Edwin Pang said: "Migrant workers might be bearing the brunt of companies winding up or employers not having enough money to pay for the shelter or food.
"As a result, what the Migrant Workers' Centre is doing is that we are gearing up for this possibility by ensuring that for next year, we will have a ready supply of beds. So that should there be any migrant workers (who are) unable to have a roof over their heads, we are able to provide them with one."
Currently, there are 20 beds on standby to house homeless migrant workers. Next year, this figure will go up to 50.
From April 2009 till date, MWC has provided shelter for over 240 homeless migrant workers.
MWC said it is making progress in helping migrant workers integrate into the Singapore society and workplaces.
To mark International Migrant's Day, a special three-day photo exhibition on the lifestyles of migrants was launched on Tuesday.
It aims to promote greater understanding between Singaporeans and migrant workers.
The MWC is a joint effort between the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), aiming to improve the welfare of migrant workers in Singapore.
-CNA/ac
URL:
Monday, December 19, 2011
Lorry driver 'should not have been on barge'
Passengers not allowed on barges being towed, state MPA regulations
Straits Times, Published on Dec 19, 2011
By Elizabeth Soh and Royston Sim & Tham Yuen-C
Photo caption: Nine out of 10 barges here must be secured to a tug and towed, with no proper safety features to secure vehicles. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM
DRIVER Jason Lim Wei Kwan, who died after his lorry slipped into the sea from a barge, should not have been on the barge.
Under Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) regulations, passengers should not be on board barges being towed by tugboats.
All lorry drivers and attendants are required by law to be in the tugboats towing the barges, or in other passenger craft.
But in reality, many operators of barges, especially those that ferry vehicles to nearby offshore islands, allow the drivers to remain on board.
Seven out of 10 barge companies The Straits Times spoke to said they were not aware that passengers were not allowed on barges being towed.
They added that it was more convenient for the drivers to remain in their vehicles, as they are often transported to offshore islands without any proper ferry service or arrival point.
'It really does not make sense for the driver to travel separately to an island - there are no ferries or other forms of transport there,' said a manager of a barge company, who declined to be named as it continues to allow drivers to travel on board vehicles on barges.
The Straits Times understands that hundreds of barges traverse Singapore's waters each day with all kinds of cargo, from raw materials and sand to chemicals and heavy vehicles. Many of these barges ferry cargo as part of land reclamation work.
In Mr Lim's case, he had just delivered a load of chemicals to Pulau Sebarok, the site of Singapore's first 'megafloat', a pilot project to store oil on large floating structures.
He was using the barge to return to the mainland's Pasir Panjang Terminal when the accident occurred on Dec 10.
Mr Lim, 37, drowned, while the lorry attendant, who got off the lorry in time, survived.
There are two main types of barges, with one kind that is permanently attached to its own tugboat. The second kind, which makes up nine out of 10 of the barges in operation here, is known as a 'dumb' barge. It needs to be secured to a tug and towed.
According to marine safety specialists, most of these 'dumb' barges do not have proper safety features needed to secure vehicles.
Barges to ferry vehicles should at least have a raised grid to provide some friction for the lorry's wheels, said one specialist.
'Unfortunately, most of these barges were simply converted from being used for ferrying sand to ferrying vehicles, and are not properly equipped,' he added.
He also noted that sometimes remnants of sand are left on the barge, resulting in an even weaker grip when vehicles come on board.
Some barge companies have resorted to equipping drivers with life jackets or flotation devices in case of an emergency.
However, safety specialists said a life jacket is of little use, unless it is worn at all times on the trip.
Barge owners or operators face having their licences revoked and being fined up to $5,000 should they fail to comply with the MPA's licensing conditions.
These include failing to secure vehicles to the barge.
Straits Times, Published on Dec 19, 2011
By Elizabeth Soh and Royston Sim & Tham Yuen-C
Photo caption: Nine out of 10 barges here must be secured to a tug and towed, with no proper safety features to secure vehicles. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIMDRIVER Jason Lim Wei Kwan, who died after his lorry slipped into the sea from a barge, should not have been on the barge.
Under Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) regulations, passengers should not be on board barges being towed by tugboats.
All lorry drivers and attendants are required by law to be in the tugboats towing the barges, or in other passenger craft.
But in reality, many operators of barges, especially those that ferry vehicles to nearby offshore islands, allow the drivers to remain on board.
Seven out of 10 barge companies The Straits Times spoke to said they were not aware that passengers were not allowed on barges being towed.
They added that it was more convenient for the drivers to remain in their vehicles, as they are often transported to offshore islands without any proper ferry service or arrival point.
'It really does not make sense for the driver to travel separately to an island - there are no ferries or other forms of transport there,' said a manager of a barge company, who declined to be named as it continues to allow drivers to travel on board vehicles on barges.
The Straits Times understands that hundreds of barges traverse Singapore's waters each day with all kinds of cargo, from raw materials and sand to chemicals and heavy vehicles. Many of these barges ferry cargo as part of land reclamation work.
In Mr Lim's case, he had just delivered a load of chemicals to Pulau Sebarok, the site of Singapore's first 'megafloat', a pilot project to store oil on large floating structures.
He was using the barge to return to the mainland's Pasir Panjang Terminal when the accident occurred on Dec 10.
Mr Lim, 37, drowned, while the lorry attendant, who got off the lorry in time, survived.
There are two main types of barges, with one kind that is permanently attached to its own tugboat. The second kind, which makes up nine out of 10 of the barges in operation here, is known as a 'dumb' barge. It needs to be secured to a tug and towed.
According to marine safety specialists, most of these 'dumb' barges do not have proper safety features needed to secure vehicles.
Barges to ferry vehicles should at least have a raised grid to provide some friction for the lorry's wheels, said one specialist.
'Unfortunately, most of these barges were simply converted from being used for ferrying sand to ferrying vehicles, and are not properly equipped,' he added.
He also noted that sometimes remnants of sand are left on the barge, resulting in an even weaker grip when vehicles come on board.
Some barge companies have resorted to equipping drivers with life jackets or flotation devices in case of an emergency.
However, safety specialists said a life jacket is of little use, unless it is worn at all times on the trip.
Barge owners or operators face having their licences revoked and being fined up to $5,000 should they fail to comply with the MPA's licensing conditions.
These include failing to secure vehicles to the barge.
Govt urged to ratify UN treaty on trafficking
Straits Times, Published on Dec 19, 2011
By Amanda Tan
Photo caption: Domestic worker Nur Abidah, 33, who has been working in Singapore for 14 years, was one of the migrant workers at the Pigeonhole cafe to mark International Migrants Day yesterday. -- PHOTO: DESMOND LUI FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
A MIGRANT welfare group has urged Singapore to sign and ratify a United Nations protocol to prevent and punish human trafficking.
The group - Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) - also urged the Government to, among other things, put in place a 'specialised anti-human trafficking law' in its statement yesterday to mark International Migrants Day.
'We urge the state to make our laws work effectively for the protection of migrant labour against exploitative practices and unjust working conditions,' said Home president Bridget Tan in the statement.
The statement was issued as part of Home's celebration lunch, which was attended by more than 500 migrant workers.
In its statement, Home said it was glad that an Inter-Agency Trafficking-in-Persons task force has been set up. Last month, Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran said a national plan to deal with human trafficking in Singapore and overseas will be ready next year.
Singapore does not have a specific human trafficking law but the Penal Code and Women's Charter criminalise various aspects of sex trafficking.
Trafficking in children is prohibited under the Children and Young Persons Act.
Since 2004, Singapore has been mentioned in the United States' annual Trafficking in Persons report though the Government has disputed the accuracy of the findings.
Separately, welfare group Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) has called on the state to, among others, treat migrant workers better.
Their right of stay is wholly dependent on the sponsorship of an employer who is given the unilateral right to cancel the work permit and repatriate the worker without notice, its statement to the media yesterday read.
It added: 'Migrant workers are not allowed to seek work and transfer to another employer without the permission of their existing employer thus having no job mobility unlike other workers.'
This gives employers 'opportunities to exploit' them, TWC2 said.
Last Saturday, it held discussions on migrant workers' issues at an event to promote awareness of the lives of migrant workers through the arts. Over the weekend, performances, poetry recitals and a photo exhibition were also held at Pigeonhole, a cafe in Duxton Road.
Filipino maid Davy Animas, 41, who recited a self-penned poem yesterday, said: 'I love to read and write... This is a chance for us to show our talents and the good work we do.'
Tomorrow, another non-governmental organisation, the Migrant Workers Centre, will be launching a photo exhibition at NTUC Centre. The exhibition will run until Friday and is open to the public.
By Amanda Tan
Photo caption: Domestic worker Nur Abidah, 33, who has been working in Singapore for 14 years, was one of the migrant workers at the Pigeonhole cafe to mark International Migrants Day yesterday. -- PHOTO: DESMOND LUI FOR THE STRAITS TIMESA MIGRANT welfare group has urged Singapore to sign and ratify a United Nations protocol to prevent and punish human trafficking.
The group - Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) - also urged the Government to, among other things, put in place a 'specialised anti-human trafficking law' in its statement yesterday to mark International Migrants Day.
'We urge the state to make our laws work effectively for the protection of migrant labour against exploitative practices and unjust working conditions,' said Home president Bridget Tan in the statement.
The statement was issued as part of Home's celebration lunch, which was attended by more than 500 migrant workers.
In its statement, Home said it was glad that an Inter-Agency Trafficking-in-Persons task force has been set up. Last month, Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran said a national plan to deal with human trafficking in Singapore and overseas will be ready next year.
Singapore does not have a specific human trafficking law but the Penal Code and Women's Charter criminalise various aspects of sex trafficking.
Trafficking in children is prohibited under the Children and Young Persons Act.
Since 2004, Singapore has been mentioned in the United States' annual Trafficking in Persons report though the Government has disputed the accuracy of the findings.
Separately, welfare group Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) has called on the state to, among others, treat migrant workers better.
Their right of stay is wholly dependent on the sponsorship of an employer who is given the unilateral right to cancel the work permit and repatriate the worker without notice, its statement to the media yesterday read.
It added: 'Migrant workers are not allowed to seek work and transfer to another employer without the permission of their existing employer thus having no job mobility unlike other workers.'
This gives employers 'opportunities to exploit' them, TWC2 said.
Last Saturday, it held discussions on migrant workers' issues at an event to promote awareness of the lives of migrant workers through the arts. Over the weekend, performances, poetry recitals and a photo exhibition were also held at Pigeonhole, a cafe in Duxton Road.
Filipino maid Davy Animas, 41, who recited a self-penned poem yesterday, said: 'I love to read and write... This is a chance for us to show our talents and the good work we do.'
Tomorrow, another non-governmental organisation, the Migrant Workers Centre, will be launching a photo exhibition at NTUC Centre. The exhibition will run until Friday and is open to the public.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Man falls from height near Sengkang station
Straits Times, Published on Dec 18, 2011
By Stacey Chia
A man fell from a height while cleaning near Sengkang MRT station yesterday.
He was sprawled on the floor covered in blood. It is not known how he fell or whom he was working for.
Netizens speculate that part of the ceiling may have collapsed and hit him, or he could have lost his balance and grabbed a metal piece that appeared to be attached to the ceiling.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to the incident after receiving a call at 2.15pm.
According to the SCDF, the man had multiple fractures to his chest but was conscious and subsequently taken to the nearby Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
The SCDF said he is probably in his 20s and is not a Singaporean.
SBS Transit, which manages the North-East Line, has clarified that he is not its employee.
By Stacey Chia
A man fell from a height while cleaning near Sengkang MRT station yesterday.
He was sprawled on the floor covered in blood. It is not known how he fell or whom he was working for.
Netizens speculate that part of the ceiling may have collapsed and hit him, or he could have lost his balance and grabbed a metal piece that appeared to be attached to the ceiling.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to the incident after receiving a call at 2.15pm.
According to the SCDF, the man had multiple fractures to his chest but was conscious and subsequently taken to the nearby Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
The SCDF said he is probably in his 20s and is not a Singaporean.
SBS Transit, which manages the North-East Line, has clarified that he is not its employee.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Lorry driver's widow may have to leave S'pore
Thai national here on visit pass, but 3 of 4 kids are Singaporeans
Straits Times, Published on Dec 17, 2011
By Tham Yuen-C & Elizabeth Soh
Photo caption: Mr Lim's hearse (above) departing for Mandai Crematorium yesterday, followed by his relatives and children. Three of his children are Singaporeans aged between four and nine and are unable to speak Thai. -- PHOTOS: LIANHE WANBAO
AS GRIEVING relatives held a funeral for lorry driver Jason Lim Wei Kwan yesterday, his widow's problems were only just beginning.
Thai national Samai Chatthahan - whose husband drowned when his vehicle slid off a barge into the sea on Saturday - is facing the prospect of being sent back to her home country when her long-term social visit pass expires.
She fears that unless she can get a job that allows her to stay here, she could end up being separated from their three youngest children.
Aged between four and nine, they are all Singapore citizens and cannot speak Thai. The 27-year-old, who has failed three times to become a permanent resident, is concerned that without Thai passports, they may be unable to stay long-term in her hometown, Hatyai.
'I can't just abandon my kids and leave them behind,' she said in Mandarin. 'I gave birth to them.' She would, however, be able to take her 11-year-old son Itthiphat, who is a Thai national.
Yesterday, Mr Lim was given a simple Buddhist funeral, with the hearse taking his body from his mother's home in Choa Chu Kang to Mandai Crematorium.
Saturday's accident happened off Pasir Panjang Terminal. The barge was on its way back to the mainland after Mr Lim had delivered a batch of chemicals when a lorry attendant in the cabin with him felt the back of the vehicle shifting. He ran out and saw that the lorry had started sliding into the water. Although he tried to warn Mr Lim, the 37-year-old did not make it out in time.
The colleague, who was not at Mr Lim's funeral, met the family on Wednesday to tell them what had happened. 'I have even more questions after listening to what he told me,' said Madam Samai.
She added that the man had told her that her husband had wanted to save the lorry, something she could not understand.
'He loves me and our children so much. There is no way he would have sacrificed his life for the lorry,' she said.
Just two years before the accident, Mr Lim had successfully applied for a four-room build-to-order flat in Choa Chu Kang.
The family had been living a nomadic existence up to that point, shuttling to and fro between his mother's flat in Choa Chu Kang and his father's home in Commonwealth Crescent.
He had wanted to get a bigger flat for the family as the children had grown up and wanted rooms of their own, said Madam Samai.
Now, without Mr Lim's income from driving a lorry, Madam Samai does not know how she can afford the flat. She also has a more immediate problem - figuring out how she can find work to support her children.
School reopens in two weeks, but they have yet to buy books, shoes or uniforms.
'My husband would usually take me to buy all their books and help me carry them,' she said. 'Now that he's gone, I just don't know how we will cope.'
Straits Times, Published on Dec 17, 2011
By Tham Yuen-C & Elizabeth Soh
Photo caption: Mr Lim's hearse (above) departing for Mandai Crematorium yesterday, followed by his relatives and children. Three of his children are Singaporeans aged between four and nine and are unable to speak Thai. -- PHOTOS: LIANHE WANBAOAS GRIEVING relatives held a funeral for lorry driver Jason Lim Wei Kwan yesterday, his widow's problems were only just beginning.
Thai national Samai Chatthahan - whose husband drowned when his vehicle slid off a barge into the sea on Saturday - is facing the prospect of being sent back to her home country when her long-term social visit pass expires.
She fears that unless she can get a job that allows her to stay here, she could end up being separated from their three youngest children.
Aged between four and nine, they are all Singapore citizens and cannot speak Thai. The 27-year-old, who has failed three times to become a permanent resident, is concerned that without Thai passports, they may be unable to stay long-term in her hometown, Hatyai.
'I can't just abandon my kids and leave them behind,' she said in Mandarin. 'I gave birth to them.' She would, however, be able to take her 11-year-old son Itthiphat, who is a Thai national.
Yesterday, Mr Lim was given a simple Buddhist funeral, with the hearse taking his body from his mother's home in Choa Chu Kang to Mandai Crematorium.
Saturday's accident happened off Pasir Panjang Terminal. The barge was on its way back to the mainland after Mr Lim had delivered a batch of chemicals when a lorry attendant in the cabin with him felt the back of the vehicle shifting. He ran out and saw that the lorry had started sliding into the water. Although he tried to warn Mr Lim, the 37-year-old did not make it out in time.
The colleague, who was not at Mr Lim's funeral, met the family on Wednesday to tell them what had happened. 'I have even more questions after listening to what he told me,' said Madam Samai.
She added that the man had told her that her husband had wanted to save the lorry, something she could not understand.
'He loves me and our children so much. There is no way he would have sacrificed his life for the lorry,' she said.
Just two years before the accident, Mr Lim had successfully applied for a four-room build-to-order flat in Choa Chu Kang.
The family had been living a nomadic existence up to that point, shuttling to and fro between his mother's flat in Choa Chu Kang and his father's home in Commonwealth Crescent.
He had wanted to get a bigger flat for the family as the children had grown up and wanted rooms of their own, said Madam Samai.
Now, without Mr Lim's income from driving a lorry, Madam Samai does not know how she can afford the flat. She also has a more immediate problem - figuring out how she can find work to support her children.
School reopens in two weeks, but they have yet to buy books, shoes or uniforms.
'My husband would usually take me to buy all their books and help me carry them,' she said. 'Now that he's gone, I just don't know how we will cope.'
Friday, December 16, 2011
Maid fell trying to bring in laundry
Death fall from flat on 13th storey an accident, court heard
Straits Times, Published on Dec 16, 2011
By Elena Chong & Fiona Low
YET another maid has fallen to her death from a Housing Board flat, a coroner's court heard yesterday.
Ms Suryatiningsih, 28, an Indonesian, died on July 23 after falling 13 floors while trying to bring in laundry. She was just four days into her job at Block 47, Jalan Tiga.
Between 2006 and last year, 27 maids died from 'fall from height'. The figure includes accidental falls and suicides.
Ms Suryatiningsih, married with a nine-year-old child, had worked here for four years from 2006 before going home.
She returned to Singapore and worked from May until early July this year before asking for a transfer.
She was deployed as a replacement maid for Mr Voo Kai Seng, 41, whose maid was leaving.
The latter, Ms Dede Mursaeni, 36, guided Ms Suryatiningsih on household chores from July 19 to 23.
Investigation showed that a second-floor resident heard a loud noise at about 5.50pm that day and saw the deceased lying on the ground. She called the police.
Ms Suryatiningsih was found with multiple abrasions and cuts on her legs, body and arms. Broken bamboo poles and clothing were lying around her. A paramedic pronounced her dead at 6.06pm.
Mr Voo's kitchen windows were found wide open, with a brown plastic chair placed there.
The employer's 13-year-old son and the maid were the only ones at home during the incident. The boy last saw her at about 5.50pm after which he went to watch television in the living room.
Ms Suryatiningsih was believed to have fallen while trying to collect her denim pants hanging on the bamboo pole.
Ms Mursaeni had seen her wash the item and other clothing the night before. The next day, she noticed that the pants were still hanging on the pole but the other items had been put away.
In his findings, State Coroner Victor Yeo said the evidence did not suggest that the deceased had intended to carry out any acts of self-harm but clearly showed that she was in the process of bringing in the bamboo pole with her clothing when she fell.
He found that she had probably lost her footing and accidentally fallen to her death.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had conducted its own investigation and an advisory was sent to the employer.
Speaking to The Straits Times, Mr Voo's wife Lim Kim Hoon, 37, a hawker, said she was working at her noodle stall in a nearby hawker centre at the time of the incident.
Her husband, also a hawker, was out with friends and their 14-year-old daughter was in school.
'I was traumatised after the incident. For about two weeks, I did not dare walk into my kitchen or look out the window,' said Madam Lim who has not hired a new maid since.
Mr Ang Koon Hoe, 50, a sales manager at United Home Employment Agency which placed Ms Suryatiningsih, said all its maids undergo the necessary training courses as stipulated by the Manpower Ministry's guidelines.
He added that United had also taken out an insurance policy for Ms Suryatiningsih with a maximum coverage of $40,000.
The Indonesian Embassy is handling the insurance claims for the family.
There were about 200,000 maids here as of last December.
MOM introduced a safety awareness course for new maids in 2004, following a spate of fatal falls.
At least an hour of the four-hour class is dedicated to educating them on how to work safely in a high-rise apartment.
Since 2006, MOM has also taken 15 employers to task for failing to ensure that their maids perform their work in a safe manner.
Twelve were prosecuted and fined between $2,500 and $10,000 while the rest were issued composition fines of up to $2,000.
Straits Times, Published on Dec 16, 2011
By Elena Chong & Fiona Low
YET another maid has fallen to her death from a Housing Board flat, a coroner's court heard yesterday.
Ms Suryatiningsih, 28, an Indonesian, died on July 23 after falling 13 floors while trying to bring in laundry. She was just four days into her job at Block 47, Jalan Tiga.
Between 2006 and last year, 27 maids died from 'fall from height'. The figure includes accidental falls and suicides.
Ms Suryatiningsih, married with a nine-year-old child, had worked here for four years from 2006 before going home.
She returned to Singapore and worked from May until early July this year before asking for a transfer.
She was deployed as a replacement maid for Mr Voo Kai Seng, 41, whose maid was leaving.
The latter, Ms Dede Mursaeni, 36, guided Ms Suryatiningsih on household chores from July 19 to 23.
Investigation showed that a second-floor resident heard a loud noise at about 5.50pm that day and saw the deceased lying on the ground. She called the police.
Ms Suryatiningsih was found with multiple abrasions and cuts on her legs, body and arms. Broken bamboo poles and clothing were lying around her. A paramedic pronounced her dead at 6.06pm.
Mr Voo's kitchen windows were found wide open, with a brown plastic chair placed there.
The employer's 13-year-old son and the maid were the only ones at home during the incident. The boy last saw her at about 5.50pm after which he went to watch television in the living room.
Ms Suryatiningsih was believed to have fallen while trying to collect her denim pants hanging on the bamboo pole.
Ms Mursaeni had seen her wash the item and other clothing the night before. The next day, she noticed that the pants were still hanging on the pole but the other items had been put away.
In his findings, State Coroner Victor Yeo said the evidence did not suggest that the deceased had intended to carry out any acts of self-harm but clearly showed that she was in the process of bringing in the bamboo pole with her clothing when she fell.
He found that she had probably lost her footing and accidentally fallen to her death.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had conducted its own investigation and an advisory was sent to the employer.
Speaking to The Straits Times, Mr Voo's wife Lim Kim Hoon, 37, a hawker, said she was working at her noodle stall in a nearby hawker centre at the time of the incident.
Her husband, also a hawker, was out with friends and their 14-year-old daughter was in school.
'I was traumatised after the incident. For about two weeks, I did not dare walk into my kitchen or look out the window,' said Madam Lim who has not hired a new maid since.
Mr Ang Koon Hoe, 50, a sales manager at United Home Employment Agency which placed Ms Suryatiningsih, said all its maids undergo the necessary training courses as stipulated by the Manpower Ministry's guidelines.
He added that United had also taken out an insurance policy for Ms Suryatiningsih with a maximum coverage of $40,000.
The Indonesian Embassy is handling the insurance claims for the family.
There were about 200,000 maids here as of last December.
MOM introduced a safety awareness course for new maids in 2004, following a spate of fatal falls.
At least an hour of the four-hour class is dedicated to educating them on how to work safely in a high-rise apartment.
Since 2006, MOM has also taken 15 employers to task for failing to ensure that their maids perform their work in a safe manner.
Twelve were prosecuted and fined between $2,500 and $10,000 while the rest were issued composition fines of up to $2,000.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
MOM warns 2 repatriation companies
Ministry issues letters regarding wrongful confinement of workers
Straits Times, Published on Dec 15, 2011
By Lin Wenjian
Photo caption: Mr V. Jiang (right), owner of 1 Ace Repatriation, at the airport seeing off a worker whose contract had been terminated by his employer. -- ST PHOTO: NURIA LING
THE Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is coming down on companies which repatriate foreign workers, warning them against wrongful confinement, following a raid it conducted on some of them last month.
It sent a letter to two repatriation companies on Nov 18, making it clear they cannot keep the property of foreign workers, including passports, work permit cards, special passes, mobile phones and wallets.
The letter also reminded the firms not to abet any employer to avoid payment of wages and other allowances owed to workers, or prevent the workers making claims under the Work Injury Compensation Act or the Employment Act.
1 Ace Repatriation, one of the firms involved, told The Straits Times yesterday it would wind up its business by the end of the month to avoid getting into legal trouble.
The letter was also issued to UTR Services, which said it will continue its operations.
The reminders came after officers from MOM, the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force inspected the premises of these companies. Migrant workers found in their premises were interviewed but did not complain of ill-treatment.
Migrant worker rights groups, however, have long complained about the controversial practice of such firms which are engaged by employers to repatriate - forcefully, in some cases - workers they no longer wish to hire.
Some employers also seek their help to track down missing foreign workers.
These firms were again thrust into the spotlight after Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin warned in July that his ministry will not put up with illegal practices, such as repatriating workers without settling their pay.
There are at least four registered repatriation firms here, which charge fees ranging between $300 and $500 to send home each worker.
An MOM spokesman confirmed yesterday that 'while no infringements were detected, the two repatriation companies inspected were issued with a joint advisory letter to advise them to operate within the ambits of all Singapore legislation'.
Mr V. Jiang, who set up 1 Ace in 2006, insisted that his company is not involved in shady practices. But he said he will close his company, which repatriates about 30 workers each month, by the end of the month to avoid trouble.
'To repatriate a worker properly, we need to bring him to our office and keep him with us. But now, if he calls the police and claims he is being confined, then we'll get into trouble.'
But Mr J. Ravi, director of UTR Services, which was started in 2005, said: 'The letter is not an issue as we have always followed the rules.'
His company handles about 1,600 repatriations a year.
Mr Edwin Pang, executive director of the Migrant Workers Centre, said the estimated 871,000 work-permit holders here - the prime 'targets' of repatriation firms - can feel more assured now that their welfare is being looked after.
Ms Noor Ashikin, vice-president of Transient Workers Count Too, described the move as 'a step in the right direction' but called for repatriation firms to be outlawed.
She said: 'The fact that repatriation services are legal leaves foreign workers vulnerable to being repatriated even when they have valid reasons to remain in Singapore.'
Foreign workers in Singapore, like Mr Md Shakien, 28, from Bangladesh, are happy with the ministry's actions.
'I heard of workers being caught and kept by these repatriation companies. I think the police should stop them,' he said.
But Mr Richard Leong, 40, manager of a landscaping firm that hires workers from India, China and Bangladesh, pointed out: 'Some of the foreign workers are troublemakers and we have no choice but to send them back. So repatriation firms actually help us do that.'
Straits Times, Published on Dec 15, 2011
By Lin Wenjian
Photo caption: Mr V. Jiang (right), owner of 1 Ace Repatriation, at the airport seeing off a worker whose contract had been terminated by his employer. -- ST PHOTO: NURIA LINGTHE Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is coming down on companies which repatriate foreign workers, warning them against wrongful confinement, following a raid it conducted on some of them last month.
It sent a letter to two repatriation companies on Nov 18, making it clear they cannot keep the property of foreign workers, including passports, work permit cards, special passes, mobile phones and wallets.
The letter also reminded the firms not to abet any employer to avoid payment of wages and other allowances owed to workers, or prevent the workers making claims under the Work Injury Compensation Act or the Employment Act.
1 Ace Repatriation, one of the firms involved, told The Straits Times yesterday it would wind up its business by the end of the month to avoid getting into legal trouble.
The letter was also issued to UTR Services, which said it will continue its operations.
The reminders came after officers from MOM, the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force inspected the premises of these companies. Migrant workers found in their premises were interviewed but did not complain of ill-treatment.
Migrant worker rights groups, however, have long complained about the controversial practice of such firms which are engaged by employers to repatriate - forcefully, in some cases - workers they no longer wish to hire.
Some employers also seek their help to track down missing foreign workers.
These firms were again thrust into the spotlight after Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin warned in July that his ministry will not put up with illegal practices, such as repatriating workers without settling their pay.
There are at least four registered repatriation firms here, which charge fees ranging between $300 and $500 to send home each worker.
An MOM spokesman confirmed yesterday that 'while no infringements were detected, the two repatriation companies inspected were issued with a joint advisory letter to advise them to operate within the ambits of all Singapore legislation'.
Mr V. Jiang, who set up 1 Ace in 2006, insisted that his company is not involved in shady practices. But he said he will close his company, which repatriates about 30 workers each month, by the end of the month to avoid trouble.
'To repatriate a worker properly, we need to bring him to our office and keep him with us. But now, if he calls the police and claims he is being confined, then we'll get into trouble.'
But Mr J. Ravi, director of UTR Services, which was started in 2005, said: 'The letter is not an issue as we have always followed the rules.'
His company handles about 1,600 repatriations a year.
Mr Edwin Pang, executive director of the Migrant Workers Centre, said the estimated 871,000 work-permit holders here - the prime 'targets' of repatriation firms - can feel more assured now that their welfare is being looked after.
Ms Noor Ashikin, vice-president of Transient Workers Count Too, described the move as 'a step in the right direction' but called for repatriation firms to be outlawed.
She said: 'The fact that repatriation services are legal leaves foreign workers vulnerable to being repatriated even when they have valid reasons to remain in Singapore.'
Foreign workers in Singapore, like Mr Md Shakien, 28, from Bangladesh, are happy with the ministry's actions.
'I heard of workers being caught and kept by these repatriation companies. I think the police should stop them,' he said.
But Mr Richard Leong, 40, manager of a landscaping firm that hires workers from India, China and Bangladesh, pointed out: 'Some of the foreign workers are troublemakers and we have no choice but to send them back. So repatriation firms actually help us do that.'
Same face behind troubled schools
Straits Times, Published on Dec 15, 2011
By Sandra Davie, Senior Writer
Photo caption: Tyndale is the third private educational institute operated by Guo Qiao Li that has run into trouble. She is facing charges of breaking private school regulations. -- ST PHOTO: ASHLEIGH SIM
ABOUT 200 students risk having their studies disrupted now that their private school is set to close.
Tyndale Institute is run by Guo Qiao Li, who is facing charges of breaking education regulations and operated two other schools that ran into trouble.
Tyndale has told the Council for Private Education, which regulates the sector, that it is winding down its business. Its registration is valid until next month, after which it must close.
The school, off Tanglin Road, offers diploma-level courses from a British examination board called Edexcel and a one-year degree programme accredited by the University of Sunderland in England.
More than half its students are believed to be foreigners. Six students interviewed by The Straits Times said they had paid between $10,000 and $20,000 each in fees.
The school has told the council that it is working to ensure that all students will get to complete their courses or get places at other private schools.
'We would like to assure students that they will be given the opportunity to complete their studies with minimal disruption,' said a spokesman.
But several of those enrolled there claimed they were still owed fees. They were worried about losing their money and having their studies disrupted.
Two students from China - Ms Liu Zuo Jun, 31, and Ms Xu Man, 25 - said they had transferred to Tyndale from other schools owned by Guo and had paid thousands in fees.
Over the last two days, they had part of the money refunded and are now in the midst of transferring again.
They and several other students were surprised that Guo was allowed to manage Tyndale despite being charged with breaking private school regulations.
The attractive 49-year-old from China became a Singapore citizen earlier this year. She lives in a bungalow in exclusive Sentosa Cove.
In 2008, a school she ran called Shines College made the news for offering unaccredited degree courses.
In July, she and two managers at Cambridge Business School were charged with running a pre-master's course without written permission from the Council for Private Education, and failing to keep proper records.
If found guilty, the trio could each be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for up to a year, and be barred from running a private school.
Ms Xu said: 'Surely if she was charged in court, she could be guilty of the charges. Should they not have suspended her from running a school?'
A spokesman for the council told The Straits Times it had no right to remove Guo as her case was still pending.
The Private Education Act allows it to direct schools to suspend or remove a manager who 'is deemed not a fit and proper person', for example, if he or she has been convicted of a crime.
When The Straits Times tried to interview the school's officials, including Guo, it was turned away. A staff member who gave his name only as Harry denied the school was shutting down.
He said it was in the process of renewing its registration.
The University of Sunderland told The Straits Times that it no longer offers its degree courses through Tyndale. The remaining 100 or so students will be allowed to complete their courses.
New laws governing private education came into effect in June. Schools now have to be registered, which means they need to meet higher standards such as having independent examination boards, transparent finances and adequately qualified teachers.
Those that want to enrol foreigners must earn the EduTrust mark, which sets even higher standards, including making sure that foreign universities linked to them are up to scratch.
The more stringent regulations have whittled down the number of private schools from more than 1,000 to 350. Several had to shut because they were unable to meet the new standards.
By Sandra Davie, Senior Writer
Photo caption: Tyndale is the third private educational institute operated by Guo Qiao Li that has run into trouble. She is facing charges of breaking private school regulations. -- ST PHOTO: ASHLEIGH SIM ABOUT 200 students risk having their studies disrupted now that their private school is set to close.
Tyndale Institute is run by Guo Qiao Li, who is facing charges of breaking education regulations and operated two other schools that ran into trouble.
Tyndale has told the Council for Private Education, which regulates the sector, that it is winding down its business. Its registration is valid until next month, after which it must close.
The school, off Tanglin Road, offers diploma-level courses from a British examination board called Edexcel and a one-year degree programme accredited by the University of Sunderland in England.
More than half its students are believed to be foreigners. Six students interviewed by The Straits Times said they had paid between $10,000 and $20,000 each in fees.
The school has told the council that it is working to ensure that all students will get to complete their courses or get places at other private schools.
'We would like to assure students that they will be given the opportunity to complete their studies with minimal disruption,' said a spokesman.
But several of those enrolled there claimed they were still owed fees. They were worried about losing their money and having their studies disrupted.
Two students from China - Ms Liu Zuo Jun, 31, and Ms Xu Man, 25 - said they had transferred to Tyndale from other schools owned by Guo and had paid thousands in fees.
Over the last two days, they had part of the money refunded and are now in the midst of transferring again.
They and several other students were surprised that Guo was allowed to manage Tyndale despite being charged with breaking private school regulations.
The attractive 49-year-old from China became a Singapore citizen earlier this year. She lives in a bungalow in exclusive Sentosa Cove.
In 2008, a school she ran called Shines College made the news for offering unaccredited degree courses.
In July, she and two managers at Cambridge Business School were charged with running a pre-master's course without written permission from the Council for Private Education, and failing to keep proper records.
If found guilty, the trio could each be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for up to a year, and be barred from running a private school.
Ms Xu said: 'Surely if she was charged in court, she could be guilty of the charges. Should they not have suspended her from running a school?'
A spokesman for the council told The Straits Times it had no right to remove Guo as her case was still pending.
The Private Education Act allows it to direct schools to suspend or remove a manager who 'is deemed not a fit and proper person', for example, if he or she has been convicted of a crime.
When The Straits Times tried to interview the school's officials, including Guo, it was turned away. A staff member who gave his name only as Harry denied the school was shutting down.
He said it was in the process of renewing its registration.
The University of Sunderland told The Straits Times that it no longer offers its degree courses through Tyndale. The remaining 100 or so students will be allowed to complete their courses.
New laws governing private education came into effect in June. Schools now have to be registered, which means they need to meet higher standards such as having independent examination boards, transparent finances and adequately qualified teachers.
Those that want to enrol foreigners must earn the EduTrust mark, which sets even higher standards, including making sure that foreign universities linked to them are up to scratch.
The more stringent regulations have whittled down the number of private schools from more than 1,000 to 350. Several had to shut because they were unable to meet the new standards.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
8 weeks' jail for false declarations on workers
TODAY, Dec 14, 2011
SINGAPORE - A company director was jailed eight weeks for making false declarations in work permit applications.
Lim Seong Ong, director of Asia Link Marine Industries, had stated in his applications that his company was making Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions to local workers in active employment.
But investigations by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed that the seven Singaporeans who received CPF contributions amounting to S$200 monthly were never employed by the company. Lim had provided these "phantom worker" figures to inflate the foreign worker entitlement of his company in relation to the company's local workforce.
Lim faced 100 charges under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), of which 10 were proceeded with. The offence is punishable with a fine not exceeding S$15,000 and/or up to 12 months' jail, or both.
Lim's company, Asia Link Marine Industries, also faced 10 charges under the Employment Act for failing to pay the salary and overtime payments due to its employees. The company was fined S$8,000, with another 44 charges taken into consideration during sentencing.
The MOM said yesterday it would continue to "aggressively investigate and enforce against employers who make use of 'phantom workers'".
"Employers who fraudulently inflate their companies' foreign worker entitlement bypass the Ministry's policies and regulations and disadvantage employers who play by the rules," said Mr Aw Kum Cheong, MOM's divisional director, Foreign Manpower Management Division.
"We will also take action against employers like Asia Link Marine who fail to comply with the provisions on salary payment, working hours and other employment conditions stipulated in the Employment Act." Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE - A company director was jailed eight weeks for making false declarations in work permit applications.
Lim Seong Ong, director of Asia Link Marine Industries, had stated in his applications that his company was making Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions to local workers in active employment.
But investigations by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed that the seven Singaporeans who received CPF contributions amounting to S$200 monthly were never employed by the company. Lim had provided these "phantom worker" figures to inflate the foreign worker entitlement of his company in relation to the company's local workforce.
Lim faced 100 charges under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), of which 10 were proceeded with. The offence is punishable with a fine not exceeding S$15,000 and/or up to 12 months' jail, or both.
Lim's company, Asia Link Marine Industries, also faced 10 charges under the Employment Act for failing to pay the salary and overtime payments due to its employees. The company was fined S$8,000, with another 44 charges taken into consideration during sentencing.
The MOM said yesterday it would continue to "aggressively investigate and enforce against employers who make use of 'phantom workers'".
"Employers who fraudulently inflate their companies' foreign worker entitlement bypass the Ministry's policies and regulations and disadvantage employers who play by the rules," said Mr Aw Kum Cheong, MOM's divisional director, Foreign Manpower Management Division.
"We will also take action against employers like Asia Link Marine who fail to comply with the provisions on salary payment, working hours and other employment conditions stipulated in the Employment Act." Channel NewsAsia
Director jailed over 'phantom workers'
Straits Times, Published on Dec 14, 2011
By ROYSTON SIM
A COMPANY director has been jailed for eight weeks for fraudulently inflating his company's foreign employee entitlement through the use of 'phantom workers'.
Lim Seong Ong, 50, the director of Asia Link Marine Industries, falsely declared on work permit application forms that his company's Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts only included contributions to people it actively employed.
He did so knowing that the company's foreign workforce entitlement was determined from its CPF contributions to local employees, the Manpower Ministry said.
Investigations found that seven Singaporeans had received CPF contributions of $200 a month, even though they had not been employed by the company.
The ministry said Lim had put money into their CPF accounts to increase the size on paper of Asia Link Marine's local workforce, thereby allowing it to employ more foreign workers.
Asia Link Marine also faced 10 charges under the Employment Act of failing to pay salary and overtime payments due to its employees. It was fined $8,000 for these offences.
Mr Aw Kum Cheong, divisional director of the Manpower Ministry's Foreign Manpower Management Division, said the ministry will continue to aggressively investigate and take action against employers who make use of 'phantom workers'.
'Employers who fraudulently inflate their companies' foreign worker entitlement bypass the ministry's policies and regulations, and disadvantage employers who play by the rules.'
Mr Aw added that the Manpower Ministry will also take action against employers such as Asia Link Marine which fail to comply with the provisions on salary payment, working hours and other employment conditions stipulated in the Employment Act.
Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, making a false declaration in a work permit application is punishable with a fine not exceeding $15,000 and up to 12 months' jail, or both.
By ROYSTON SIM
A COMPANY director has been jailed for eight weeks for fraudulently inflating his company's foreign employee entitlement through the use of 'phantom workers'.
Lim Seong Ong, 50, the director of Asia Link Marine Industries, falsely declared on work permit application forms that his company's Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts only included contributions to people it actively employed.
He did so knowing that the company's foreign workforce entitlement was determined from its CPF contributions to local employees, the Manpower Ministry said.
Investigations found that seven Singaporeans had received CPF contributions of $200 a month, even though they had not been employed by the company.
The ministry said Lim had put money into their CPF accounts to increase the size on paper of Asia Link Marine's local workforce, thereby allowing it to employ more foreign workers.
Asia Link Marine also faced 10 charges under the Employment Act of failing to pay salary and overtime payments due to its employees. It was fined $8,000 for these offences.
Mr Aw Kum Cheong, divisional director of the Manpower Ministry's Foreign Manpower Management Division, said the ministry will continue to aggressively investigate and take action against employers who make use of 'phantom workers'.
'Employers who fraudulently inflate their companies' foreign worker entitlement bypass the ministry's policies and regulations, and disadvantage employers who play by the rules.'
Mr Aw added that the Manpower Ministry will also take action against employers such as Asia Link Marine which fail to comply with the provisions on salary payment, working hours and other employment conditions stipulated in the Employment Act.
Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, making a false declaration in a work permit application is punishable with a fine not exceeding $15,000 and up to 12 months' jail, or both.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
EMPLOYMENT PASS RULES - Foreigners, firms gear up for changes
Some opt for passes with less pay, while others apply before stricter criteria kick in
Straits Times, Published on Dec 13, 2011
By Lin Wenjian
Photo caption: The Employment Pass Services Centre, where newly arrived foreigners can collect their passes and register with the Ministry of Manpower. -- PHOTO: MINISTRY OF MANPOWER
WITH less than three weeks before stricter qualifying criteria for the Employment Pass (EP) kick in, some foreign job-seekers are prepared to settle for lower-level permits which come with less pay.
Some current EP holders are also feeling jittery about their chances of renewing their passes when they expire.
Some recruitment agencies have noticed a dip in approval rates for renewals before the new requirements take effect.
From next year, the minimum salary level for Q1 pass-holders, the lowest rung of EP, will be raised to $3,000, from $2,800. Older applicants will have to earn even more to qualify.
Ms Carol Chen, senior manager at Horizon Management Services, said current EP holders working in manufacturing are likely to be the most affected.
She said: 'The salaries of those working as engineers in manufacturing firms don't move up so fast. So their applications for renewals may not be approved.'
The changes, announced by the Manpower Ministry in August, are aimed at making sure the salaries of young foreign graduates will keep pace with the starting pay of Singaporean graduates, which was about $2,900 last year.
The new rules are expected to affect about a fifth of some 142,000 EP holders here, as of December last year.
Mr Josh Goh, assistant director of corporate services at the GMP Group, said EP renewals in support function jobs, particularly in finance or administration, are not coming in. 'These candidates' salaries are usually near the cut-off mark. It is apparent that the Government wants to keep foreign manpower at a manageable level and improve the overall quality of foreigners in Singapore,' he added.
Malaysian Chia Teck Guan, 32, who left Singapore in 2009, rates his chances of getting another EP as 50-50 and said he does not mind working on an S Pass instead. The minimum qualifying monthly salary for this mid-skilled pass was raised to $2,000 in July, from $1,800.
He worked as an assistant engineer, earning $2,600 a month for two years before going home to get married.
Graphic designer Kevin Almagro, 29, also does not mind taking the S-Pass route. The Filipino said a local firm is applying for an EP for him but added: 'The human resource manager told me she indicated in the forms that the company is willing to let me join them on an S Pass if I don't get the EP.'
But recruitment consultant Satish Bakhda of corporate solutions firm Rikvin said some foreigners are unwilling to settle for an S Pass.
'It's a downgrade. You can't apply for family members to join you and you can't apply for permanent residence,' he said.
Some companies may also find it hard to 'downgrade' them to an S Pass. While there is no cap on how many EP holders a company can hire, there is a quota for S-Pass holders.
In the run-up to next Jan 1, some companies are in a rush to apply for EPs. Of the 10 agencies The Straits Times called, three reported such a spike.
Mr Satish has noted a 26 per cent rise in applications in the past three months.
'Human resource departments are taking pre-emptive action because they are worried that the EP quota will be lowered next year,' he said.
Ms Chen expects applications to increase by 10 per cent in the last two weeks of this month, compared with last month. 'Usually, applications in December will fall because of the holidays, but because of the changes in January, companies will expedite the cases so they can apply under the old criteria and keep to this year's budget,' she said.
The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, while noting the Government's good intention behind the changes, warned that the move could drive up business costs.
Said Mr Kurt Wee, its vice-president: 'To comply with the new rules, companies will have to make a wage adjustment for foreign employees. But after doing that, they will then face pressure to do the same from the local employees.'
Labour economist Tan Khee Giap of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy said implementing the changes now makes sense. 'Going forward, the economy is going to be uncertain so the Government has to be stringent to make sure the foreigners really have special skills and are doing jobs that Singaporeans can't fill.'
Singaporeans like Mr Gerald Tan, 38, welcome the move. Said the assistant production manager at a printing company, who earns $3,000 a month: 'I hope my company will promote from within instead of hiring foreigners.'
***
BACKGROUND STORY:
Changes to framework from Jan 1
Q1 PASS: Applicants will have to earn a minimum monthly salary of $3,000, up from $2,800
* To qualify, young graduates must be from good institutions and earn at least $3,000, among other conditions.
* Older applicants will have to command higher salaries to qualify, commensurate with the work experience and quality they are expected to bring.
P2 PASS: The qualifying salary will be bumped up to $4,500, from $4,000
P1 PASS: No change in the qualifying salary, which remains at $8,000
EXISTING EP HOLDERS WHOSE PASSES EXPIRE:
* Before next Jan 1: They will get a one-time renewal of up to two years based on the pre-July EP criteria (in which the lowest qualifying salary was $2,500).
* Between next Jan 1 and June 30: They will get a one-time renewal of up to one year on the existing EP criteria.
* On or after next July 1: The new EP criteria will apply.
Straits Times, Published on Dec 13, 2011
By Lin Wenjian
Photo caption: The Employment Pass Services Centre, where newly arrived foreigners can collect their passes and register with the Ministry of Manpower. -- PHOTO: MINISTRY OF MANPOWERWITH less than three weeks before stricter qualifying criteria for the Employment Pass (EP) kick in, some foreign job-seekers are prepared to settle for lower-level permits which come with less pay.
Some current EP holders are also feeling jittery about their chances of renewing their passes when they expire.
Some recruitment agencies have noticed a dip in approval rates for renewals before the new requirements take effect.
From next year, the minimum salary level for Q1 pass-holders, the lowest rung of EP, will be raised to $3,000, from $2,800. Older applicants will have to earn even more to qualify.
Ms Carol Chen, senior manager at Horizon Management Services, said current EP holders working in manufacturing are likely to be the most affected.
She said: 'The salaries of those working as engineers in manufacturing firms don't move up so fast. So their applications for renewals may not be approved.'
The changes, announced by the Manpower Ministry in August, are aimed at making sure the salaries of young foreign graduates will keep pace with the starting pay of Singaporean graduates, which was about $2,900 last year.
The new rules are expected to affect about a fifth of some 142,000 EP holders here, as of December last year.
Mr Josh Goh, assistant director of corporate services at the GMP Group, said EP renewals in support function jobs, particularly in finance or administration, are not coming in. 'These candidates' salaries are usually near the cut-off mark. It is apparent that the Government wants to keep foreign manpower at a manageable level and improve the overall quality of foreigners in Singapore,' he added.
Malaysian Chia Teck Guan, 32, who left Singapore in 2009, rates his chances of getting another EP as 50-50 and said he does not mind working on an S Pass instead. The minimum qualifying monthly salary for this mid-skilled pass was raised to $2,000 in July, from $1,800.
He worked as an assistant engineer, earning $2,600 a month for two years before going home to get married.
Graphic designer Kevin Almagro, 29, also does not mind taking the S-Pass route. The Filipino said a local firm is applying for an EP for him but added: 'The human resource manager told me she indicated in the forms that the company is willing to let me join them on an S Pass if I don't get the EP.'
But recruitment consultant Satish Bakhda of corporate solutions firm Rikvin said some foreigners are unwilling to settle for an S Pass.
'It's a downgrade. You can't apply for family members to join you and you can't apply for permanent residence,' he said.
Some companies may also find it hard to 'downgrade' them to an S Pass. While there is no cap on how many EP holders a company can hire, there is a quota for S-Pass holders.
In the run-up to next Jan 1, some companies are in a rush to apply for EPs. Of the 10 agencies The Straits Times called, three reported such a spike.
Mr Satish has noted a 26 per cent rise in applications in the past three months.
'Human resource departments are taking pre-emptive action because they are worried that the EP quota will be lowered next year,' he said.
Ms Chen expects applications to increase by 10 per cent in the last two weeks of this month, compared with last month. 'Usually, applications in December will fall because of the holidays, but because of the changes in January, companies will expedite the cases so they can apply under the old criteria and keep to this year's budget,' she said.
The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, while noting the Government's good intention behind the changes, warned that the move could drive up business costs.
Said Mr Kurt Wee, its vice-president: 'To comply with the new rules, companies will have to make a wage adjustment for foreign employees. But after doing that, they will then face pressure to do the same from the local employees.'
Labour economist Tan Khee Giap of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy said implementing the changes now makes sense. 'Going forward, the economy is going to be uncertain so the Government has to be stringent to make sure the foreigners really have special skills and are doing jobs that Singaporeans can't fill.'
Singaporeans like Mr Gerald Tan, 38, welcome the move. Said the assistant production manager at a printing company, who earns $3,000 a month: 'I hope my company will promote from within instead of hiring foreigners.'
***
BACKGROUND STORY:
Changes to framework from Jan 1
Q1 PASS: Applicants will have to earn a minimum monthly salary of $3,000, up from $2,800
* To qualify, young graduates must be from good institutions and earn at least $3,000, among other conditions.
* Older applicants will have to command higher salaries to qualify, commensurate with the work experience and quality they are expected to bring.
P2 PASS: The qualifying salary will be bumped up to $4,500, from $4,000
P1 PASS: No change in the qualifying salary, which remains at $8,000
EXISTING EP HOLDERS WHOSE PASSES EXPIRE:
* Before next Jan 1: They will get a one-time renewal of up to two years based on the pre-July EP criteria (in which the lowest qualifying salary was $2,500).
* Between next Jan 1 and June 30: They will get a one-time renewal of up to one year on the existing EP criteria.
* On or after next July 1: The new EP criteria will apply.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Woman who fell onto KPE a runaway maid
Straits Times, Published on Dec 12, 2011
THE woman who fell off an overhead bridge last Saturday onto the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) is a run-away maid from Myanmar.
The Straits Times understands that the 27-year-old had run away from the United Channel Employment Agency at Katong Shopping Centre, and was found face down at the KPE at about 11am last Saturday.
Clad in blue top and blue jeans, the woman had been seen perched on a flower bed of the pedestrian overhead bridge minutes before she fell.
She landed on the stretch of the KPE near the Pan-Island Expressway exit and was spotted by a taxi driver who called the police, reported Lianhe Wanbao.
Witnesses told the Chinese-language evening newspaper that the impact of the fall caused her shoes to come off and her jeans to tear.
A spokesman from the Singapore Civil Defence Force said her right arm and left leg were broken.
She was later taken unconscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital's emergency department.
Yesterday, she was still in the hospital's high dependency unit.
When The Straits Times visited the maid agency at Katong Shopping Centre yesterday, the staff there denied the maid was from the agency, saying they were not aware of the incident.
THE woman who fell off an overhead bridge last Saturday onto the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) is a run-away maid from Myanmar.
The Straits Times understands that the 27-year-old had run away from the United Channel Employment Agency at Katong Shopping Centre, and was found face down at the KPE at about 11am last Saturday.
Clad in blue top and blue jeans, the woman had been seen perched on a flower bed of the pedestrian overhead bridge minutes before she fell.
She landed on the stretch of the KPE near the Pan-Island Expressway exit and was spotted by a taxi driver who called the police, reported Lianhe Wanbao.
Witnesses told the Chinese-language evening newspaper that the impact of the fall caused her shoes to come off and her jeans to tear.
A spokesman from the Singapore Civil Defence Force said her right arm and left leg were broken.
She was later taken unconscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital's emergency department.
Yesterday, she was still in the hospital's high dependency unit.
When The Straits Times visited the maid agency at Katong Shopping Centre yesterday, the staff there denied the maid was from the agency, saying they were not aware of the incident.
Woman found on KPE a runaway maid
The following story was published by AsiaOne on Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 and updated on Dec 12.
A woman was believed to have fallen from an overhead bridge onto the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) near the Pan-Island Expressway exit on Saturday morning, local media reported.
She has since been identified as a runaway maid from Myanmar, The Straits Times reported today.
The maid, believed to be 27 years old, had allegedly escaped her employment agency.
She was believed to be under the employment of United Channel Employment Agency located at Katong Shopping Centre.
However, the staff there had denied the maid was from the agency, the report said.
She was clad in a blue T-shirt and jeans when witnesses found her lying still conscious on the road.
Witnesses told Chinese-language evening daily Shin Min that she struggled to turn over her body after her fall from the bridge that was about 4.5m high.
However, when the ambulance arrived, she was already unconscious with face down on the road.
The force of the fall from the height had dislodged her shoes and tore her jeans. Leaves from the overhead bridge's flower bed were also found beside the woman.
One driver told Lianhe Wanbao that the woman was on the flower bed of the pedestrian overhead bridge before she fell.
A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) spokesman said they received a call at 11.05am and sent an ambulance to the scene. They found her right arm and left leg broken.
She was taken unconscious to the Tan Tock Seng hospital.
TRIED TO HELP
A lorry which was ferrying workers passed by the scene and stopped, according to the report.
The workers alighted carrying a first-aid box and offered to help. However a highway patrol officer who was already at the scene advised the workers not to shift the woman and wait for paramedics.
The report also added that a taxi which was on its way out of the KPE tunnel had narrowly missed hitting the woman.
Luckily the taxi driver was quick-witted enough to brake and stop in time. The taxi driver then got out to check on the woman and called for the police and an ambulance.
As of yesterday, the maid was still hospitalised in Tan Tock Seng.
URL: http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20111211-315558.html
A woman was believed to have fallen from an overhead bridge onto the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) near the Pan-Island Expressway exit on Saturday morning, local media reported.
She has since been identified as a runaway maid from Myanmar, The Straits Times reported today.
The maid, believed to be 27 years old, had allegedly escaped her employment agency.
She was believed to be under the employment of United Channel Employment Agency located at Katong Shopping Centre.
However, the staff there had denied the maid was from the agency, the report said.
She was clad in a blue T-shirt and jeans when witnesses found her lying still conscious on the road.
Witnesses told Chinese-language evening daily Shin Min that she struggled to turn over her body after her fall from the bridge that was about 4.5m high.
However, when the ambulance arrived, she was already unconscious with face down on the road.
The force of the fall from the height had dislodged her shoes and tore her jeans. Leaves from the overhead bridge's flower bed were also found beside the woman.
One driver told Lianhe Wanbao that the woman was on the flower bed of the pedestrian overhead bridge before she fell.
A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) spokesman said they received a call at 11.05am and sent an ambulance to the scene. They found her right arm and left leg broken.
She was taken unconscious to the Tan Tock Seng hospital.
TRIED TO HELP
A lorry which was ferrying workers passed by the scene and stopped, according to the report.
The workers alighted carrying a first-aid box and offered to help. However a highway patrol officer who was already at the scene advised the workers not to shift the woman and wait for paramedics.
The report also added that a taxi which was on its way out of the KPE tunnel had narrowly missed hitting the woman.
Luckily the taxi driver was quick-witted enough to brake and stop in time. The taxi driver then got out to check on the woman and called for the police and an ambulance.
As of yesterday, the maid was still hospitalised in Tan Tock Seng.
URL: http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20111211-315558.html
Sunday, December 11, 2011
UK intern spends 2 weeks as a foreign worker
Straits Times, Published on Dec 11, 2011
By Samuel He
Photo caption: Mr Ian Napier riding in the lorry with his colleagues. -- PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
Photo caption: Mr Ian Napier sharing a light moment with his fellow foreign workers from China and Thailand as they wait for their ride back to the dormitory. -- PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
Photo caption: Mr Ian Napier, 22, helping to unload equipment from a lorry before heading back to the dormitory with other workers after a day's work at the South Beach mixed development project. -- PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
Photo caption: Mr Ian Napier relaxing at a party last night in the dormitory with his six Chinese bunk mates, who are all from Jiangsu province. Mr Napier's stint ends on Tuesday. He was inspired to do a stint as a construction worker after reading a Saturday Special report by Straits Times photojournalist Samuel He in 2009. Mr He had spent five weeks with foreign workers, documenting how they lived while they are here. -- PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
Covered in cement dust, a young Englishman removes ceiling parts with a pneumatic drill in a Beach Road colonial building - the only other British feature at this location.
Apart from his safety helmet and boots, blond Ian Napier looks nothing like a typical construction worker.
But for the past two weeks, the 22-year-old has been trying his hand at being one, working and sleeping alongside his Thai and Chinese colleagues 24 hours a day.
'The only thing you create with demolition is a mess,' said the Manchester native, adding that his toughest task at work was carrying 20kg bags of debris out to be disposed of.
This immersive experience is part of an internship project, Made By Migrants, started by Mr Napier and two of his fellow interns at advertising agency BBH Asia Pacific.
The three were tasked by their company to come up with a campaign that will 'do something good, famously'.
They called more than 50 construction companies before one - KC Construction - agreed to take him in. He had to work for free, and take the mandatory Construction Safety Orientation Course, which orientates foreign workers to aspects like safety requirements and the dangers at worksites.
The digital media student, who is doing his internship at BBH's office here, records his interactions with his colleagues in words, pictures and videos, and posts them as daily blog updates to the site at www.madebymigrants.com
'I hope the experience will allow me to share their motivations, their dreams and their stories with other Singaporeans here,' he said.
By Samuel He
Photo caption: Mr Ian Napier riding in the lorry with his colleagues. -- PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
Photo caption: Mr Ian Napier sharing a light moment with his fellow foreign workers from China and Thailand as they wait for their ride back to the dormitory. -- PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
Photo caption: Mr Ian Napier, 22, helping to unload equipment from a lorry before heading back to the dormitory with other workers after a day's work at the South Beach mixed development project. -- PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
Photo caption: Mr Ian Napier relaxing at a party last night in the dormitory with his six Chinese bunk mates, who are all from Jiangsu province. Mr Napier's stint ends on Tuesday. He was inspired to do a stint as a construction worker after reading a Saturday Special report by Straits Times photojournalist Samuel He in 2009. Mr He had spent five weeks with foreign workers, documenting how they lived while they are here. -- PHOTO: SAMUEL HECovered in cement dust, a young Englishman removes ceiling parts with a pneumatic drill in a Beach Road colonial building - the only other British feature at this location.
Apart from his safety helmet and boots, blond Ian Napier looks nothing like a typical construction worker.
But for the past two weeks, the 22-year-old has been trying his hand at being one, working and sleeping alongside his Thai and Chinese colleagues 24 hours a day.
'The only thing you create with demolition is a mess,' said the Manchester native, adding that his toughest task at work was carrying 20kg bags of debris out to be disposed of.
This immersive experience is part of an internship project, Made By Migrants, started by Mr Napier and two of his fellow interns at advertising agency BBH Asia Pacific.
The three were tasked by their company to come up with a campaign that will 'do something good, famously'.
They called more than 50 construction companies before one - KC Construction - agreed to take him in. He had to work for free, and take the mandatory Construction Safety Orientation Course, which orientates foreign workers to aspects like safety requirements and the dangers at worksites.
The digital media student, who is doing his internship at BBH's office here, records his interactions with his colleagues in words, pictures and videos, and posts them as daily blog updates to the site at www.madebymigrants.com
'I hope the experience will allow me to share their motivations, their dreams and their stories with other Singaporeans here,' he said.
Immigrant caregivers protest in Taiwan for weekly day off
The following article was published by AFP and republished by AsiaOne on Sunday, Dec 11, 2011.
TAIPEI - Almost a thousand protesters took to the streets of Taipei on Sunday demanding that the government make a weekly day off a legal right for Taiwan's 200,000 foreign live-in carers.
The demonstrators - mostly caregivers from Southeast Asia backed by local labour group activists - chanted slogans and unfurled huge banners as they marched through the capital.
"A weekly day off is the minimum standard... It is not negotiable," said an official from the Taiwan International Workers' Association, which organised the protest.
An AFP photographer estimated that almost 1,000 people took part.
Labour laws entitle immigrant factory and construction workers to a day off each week but caregivers for the sick and elderly - who make up about half of the island's overseas workers - are not included in the entitlement.
Many receive extra pay instead of a day off work.
"Taking weekly days off is a fundamental right of caregivers. It's not right to ask people to work seven days a week," said Wang Ying-chien, an official at the National Federation of Independent Trade Unions.
Government figures show that a record 421,000 foreign workers are employed in Taiwan, where demand for live-in carers has surged due to an ageing population.
These include 172,000 workers from Indonesia, 93,000 from Vietnam, 82,000 from the Philippines and 72,000 from Thailand, according to the Council of Labour Affairs.
Days off have become a political issue in Singapore, where foreign domestic workers are excluded from a law that requires a day off for workers each week. Hong Kong's domestic helpers receive a weekly rest day under the law.
URL: http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Asia/Story/A1Story20111211-315654.html
TAIPEI - Almost a thousand protesters took to the streets of Taipei on Sunday demanding that the government make a weekly day off a legal right for Taiwan's 200,000 foreign live-in carers.
The demonstrators - mostly caregivers from Southeast Asia backed by local labour group activists - chanted slogans and unfurled huge banners as they marched through the capital.
"A weekly day off is the minimum standard... It is not negotiable," said an official from the Taiwan International Workers' Association, which organised the protest.
An AFP photographer estimated that almost 1,000 people took part.
Labour laws entitle immigrant factory and construction workers to a day off each week but caregivers for the sick and elderly - who make up about half of the island's overseas workers - are not included in the entitlement.
Many receive extra pay instead of a day off work.
"Taking weekly days off is a fundamental right of caregivers. It's not right to ask people to work seven days a week," said Wang Ying-chien, an official at the National Federation of Independent Trade Unions.
Government figures show that a record 421,000 foreign workers are employed in Taiwan, where demand for live-in carers has surged due to an ageing population.
These include 172,000 workers from Indonesia, 93,000 from Vietnam, 82,000 from the Philippines and 72,000 from Thailand, according to the Council of Labour Affairs.
Days off have become a political issue in Singapore, where foreign domestic workers are excluded from a law that requires a day off for workers each week. Hong Kong's domestic helpers receive a weekly rest day under the law.
URL: http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Asia/Story/A1Story20111211-315654.html
Friday, December 9, 2011
Firm, director fined $154k for acid spill that killed 4
Straits Times, Published on Dec 9, 2011
By Elizabeth Soh
Photo caption: Negligence was blamed for the death of four workers and the injury of their supervisor in the chemical explosion at a factory in Tuas on Feb 27, 2009. -- FILE PHOTO
A CHEMICAL cleaning company and one of its directors were fined a total of $154,000 yesterday, for negligence that led to the deaths of four workers from chemical burns and serious injuries sustained by their supervisor.
The court heard that insufficient care had been taken on Feb 27, 2009 in the handling of chemicals used during a routine cleaning of two heat exchangers at Chemic Industries Pte Ltd, a chemical cleaning company in Tuas.
The four workers and their supervisor, employees of Chemic Industries, had to be rushed to hospital with burns from an acidic chemical solution.
The exchangers being cleaned were used to manufacture lycra at Invista Singapore Fibres, a fibre and polymer manufacturer. A previous cleaning of the exchangers by another company using water jets had been unsuccessful, resulting in some lycra polymer solution being left in the exchangers.
This residue reacted with Chemic Industries' acidic cleaning solution. In half an hour, a white substance started spewing from the gaps and onto the workers, releasing brown fumes.
The four workers - Indian nationals Chinnapillai Soundarajan, Santhana Pitchai Amirtham, Subrayan Renga and Arumugam Mahadevan - died of multiple organ failure and other complications from the extensive chemical burns.
Their supervisor, a Singaporean, survived, but required skin grafts for the burns on his limbs.
A Ministry of Manpower investigation found that gases and pressure had built up in the exchanger, leading to the white substance gushing out.
Tay Kah Heng, Chemic Industries' director and the employer of the workers, was found negligent in three areas.
First, he had not checked the heat exchangers before sending his workers to clean them. This was even though the previous company that cleaned the exchangers had left a data sheet that warned of a strong chemical reaction if leftover polymer solution came into contact with strong oxidising agents, such as the nitric acid solution Chemic Industries had used.
Second, Tay failed to provide his workers with protective gear to handle nitric acid in a nearly 70 per cent concentrated form. The law requires gloves, goggles and face shields to be worn.
Finally, Tay, who was unqualified to handle the chemical, failed to appoint someone trained to do the job.
It came to light that one of the four workers, Mr Mahadevan, had a work permit to do construction work for Crystal Light Construction. For using him, Chemic Industries was fined $4,000.
Chemic had struck an illegal arrangement to pay Crystal Light $50 a day for Mr Mahadevan's work, of which the worker got only half that amount.
By Elizabeth Soh
Photo caption: Negligence was blamed for the death of four workers and the injury of their supervisor in the chemical explosion at a factory in Tuas on Feb 27, 2009. -- FILE PHOTOA CHEMICAL cleaning company and one of its directors were fined a total of $154,000 yesterday, for negligence that led to the deaths of four workers from chemical burns and serious injuries sustained by their supervisor.
The court heard that insufficient care had been taken on Feb 27, 2009 in the handling of chemicals used during a routine cleaning of two heat exchangers at Chemic Industries Pte Ltd, a chemical cleaning company in Tuas.
The four workers and their supervisor, employees of Chemic Industries, had to be rushed to hospital with burns from an acidic chemical solution.
The exchangers being cleaned were used to manufacture lycra at Invista Singapore Fibres, a fibre and polymer manufacturer. A previous cleaning of the exchangers by another company using water jets had been unsuccessful, resulting in some lycra polymer solution being left in the exchangers.
This residue reacted with Chemic Industries' acidic cleaning solution. In half an hour, a white substance started spewing from the gaps and onto the workers, releasing brown fumes.
The four workers - Indian nationals Chinnapillai Soundarajan, Santhana Pitchai Amirtham, Subrayan Renga and Arumugam Mahadevan - died of multiple organ failure and other complications from the extensive chemical burns.
Their supervisor, a Singaporean, survived, but required skin grafts for the burns on his limbs.
A Ministry of Manpower investigation found that gases and pressure had built up in the exchanger, leading to the white substance gushing out.
Tay Kah Heng, Chemic Industries' director and the employer of the workers, was found negligent in three areas.
First, he had not checked the heat exchangers before sending his workers to clean them. This was even though the previous company that cleaned the exchangers had left a data sheet that warned of a strong chemical reaction if leftover polymer solution came into contact with strong oxidising agents, such as the nitric acid solution Chemic Industries had used.
Second, Tay failed to provide his workers with protective gear to handle nitric acid in a nearly 70 per cent concentrated form. The law requires gloves, goggles and face shields to be worn.
Finally, Tay, who was unqualified to handle the chemical, failed to appoint someone trained to do the job.
It came to light that one of the four workers, Mr Mahadevan, had a work permit to do construction work for Crystal Light Construction. For using him, Chemic Industries was fined $4,000.
Chemic had struck an illegal arrangement to pay Crystal Light $50 a day for Mr Mahadevan's work, of which the worker got only half that amount.
Cleaning company, director fined for accident that killed four workers
TODAY, Dec 09, 2011
SINGAPORE - A director of a cleaning company, Tay Kah Heng, was fined S$50,000 for his negligence in acquiring a correct understanding of materials to be used during a chemical cleaning process.
It resulted in an accident that claimed four lives and injured one worker in 2009.
The company, Chemic Industries, was also fined S$100,000 for contravening provisions under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
Tay was also fined an additional S$4,000 because one of the deceased workers did not have a valid work permit. The work permit was for him to work as a construction worker for another company.
On Feb 27, 2009, 30 minutes after the workers started using nitric acid to clean two heat exchangers, a white substance gushed out and brown fumes were released.
Five workers engaged by Chemic to carry out the cleaning of the exchangers came into contact with the white substance and were taken to the hospital.
Four of them succumbed to their injuries, while the remaining worker survived, with chemical burns to various parts of his limbs.
The Ministry of Manpower's investigations revealed that the accident was a result of the chemical reaction between the nitric acid and the residual polymer inside the heat exchanger. Gases and pressure were produced inside the exchanger, causing the white substance to gush out.
The two exchangers had gone through an earlier round of water cleaning with another contractor, Alfa Laval Singapore, which provided a Material Safety Data Sheet to indicate that strong reactions may occur when residual solution comes into contact with oxidising agents such as nitric acid.
Despite Tay conducting a test on the efficacy of the chemicals in an open environment, prior to the commencement of work, the Manpower Ministry said his negligence in acquiring a correct understanding of the Data Sheet posed a high risk to the workers.
The Data Sheet had also required workers to wear protective gear during the chemical cleaning process, which Tay had failed to provide to his workers. Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE - A director of a cleaning company, Tay Kah Heng, was fined S$50,000 for his negligence in acquiring a correct understanding of materials to be used during a chemical cleaning process.
It resulted in an accident that claimed four lives and injured one worker in 2009.
The company, Chemic Industries, was also fined S$100,000 for contravening provisions under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
Tay was also fined an additional S$4,000 because one of the deceased workers did not have a valid work permit. The work permit was for him to work as a construction worker for another company.
On Feb 27, 2009, 30 minutes after the workers started using nitric acid to clean two heat exchangers, a white substance gushed out and brown fumes were released.
Five workers engaged by Chemic to carry out the cleaning of the exchangers came into contact with the white substance and were taken to the hospital.
Four of them succumbed to their injuries, while the remaining worker survived, with chemical burns to various parts of his limbs.
The Ministry of Manpower's investigations revealed that the accident was a result of the chemical reaction between the nitric acid and the residual polymer inside the heat exchanger. Gases and pressure were produced inside the exchanger, causing the white substance to gush out.
The two exchangers had gone through an earlier round of water cleaning with another contractor, Alfa Laval Singapore, which provided a Material Safety Data Sheet to indicate that strong reactions may occur when residual solution comes into contact with oxidising agents such as nitric acid.
Despite Tay conducting a test on the efficacy of the chemicals in an open environment, prior to the commencement of work, the Manpower Ministry said his negligence in acquiring a correct understanding of the Data Sheet posed a high risk to the workers.
The Data Sheet had also required workers to wear protective gear during the chemical cleaning process, which Tay had failed to provide to his workers. Channel NewsAsia
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Sections of maid blog now private
Creator of blog says it was not meant for shaming
Straits Times, Published on Dec 8, 2011
By Lin Wenjian
THE controversial Maid Review section of a blog that allows employers to post and view alleged misdeeds of maids is no longer available for public viewing.
The move came after a migrant worker rights group complained that the site violated the rights and privacy of maids by revealing details such as their names, photographs, work permit and passport numbers. After The Straits Times reported on the site last week, at least four maids have left comments on the blog to defend themselves.
Its creator, who goes by the moniker 'Tamarind', said in an entry last Saturday that the Maid Review section is now private. She asked those 'concerned about employing a maid who can potentially harm your babies/toddlers/elderly' to e-mail her.
She would then let them view any comments about the maid on the site singaporemaid.blogspot.com. Employers can then show the information to the maid in question 'so that she has a chance to defend herself'.
A section reviewing maid agencies was also made private.
Explaining her decision, 'Tamarind' noted on her blog that the Maid Review section was created to be a point of reference for new employers. It was 'never meant for public shaming of the maids'.
'Good maids who have done nothing wrong have no reason to worry about this blog. I have also never stopped any maid from defending herself,' she wrote, adding that those not planning to get a maid 'should have no business' reading her blog.
When contacted via e-mail yesterday, she declined to comment further.
However, she defended the blog in an e-mail sent to The Straits Times after the first article was published. She said she created the website in 2007 to warn other employers about errant helpers after an experience with a Filipino maid who allegedly abused her daughter.
'This same maid could be employed by another employer to look after their newborn baby,' she said.
She also revealed in her blog that she had to send seven of the eight maids she hired back to their agencies.
Mr Jolovan Wham, executive director of the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home), said yesterday: 'Her intentions may have been good, but the actions resulting from them have negative repercussions. Whether a maid is good or not is subjective.'
The husband of one of Home's volunteers has complained about the blog to the Manpower Ministry.
Mr Edwin Pang, executive director of the Migrant Workers' Centre, said it was good that the offending section has been made private.
'But I doubt this will be enough for the foreign domestic workers as other employers may still have access to their particulars and any uncomplimentary remarks made about them, if the writer allows it,' he said.
MP Christopher de Souza, who is deputy chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Manpower, said one way to resolve the issue is by regulation. He said: 'We ought to look at exploring legislation which prevents users from uploading personal profile data such as ICs and work permits.'
The blog has triggered angry responses from some maids, who posted messages on it.
One anonymous maid from the Philippines wrote: 'This blog shows that we are looked down upon.'
Another maid from Indonesia wrote: 'If you don't like the maid... send her to the agency... don't gossip about other people.'
Straits Times, Published on Dec 8, 2011
By Lin Wenjian
THE controversial Maid Review section of a blog that allows employers to post and view alleged misdeeds of maids is no longer available for public viewing.
The move came after a migrant worker rights group complained that the site violated the rights and privacy of maids by revealing details such as their names, photographs, work permit and passport numbers. After The Straits Times reported on the site last week, at least four maids have left comments on the blog to defend themselves.
Its creator, who goes by the moniker 'Tamarind', said in an entry last Saturday that the Maid Review section is now private. She asked those 'concerned about employing a maid who can potentially harm your babies/toddlers/elderly' to e-mail her.
She would then let them view any comments about the maid on the site singaporemaid.blogspot.com. Employers can then show the information to the maid in question 'so that she has a chance to defend herself'.
A section reviewing maid agencies was also made private.
Explaining her decision, 'Tamarind' noted on her blog that the Maid Review section was created to be a point of reference for new employers. It was 'never meant for public shaming of the maids'.
'Good maids who have done nothing wrong have no reason to worry about this blog. I have also never stopped any maid from defending herself,' she wrote, adding that those not planning to get a maid 'should have no business' reading her blog.
When contacted via e-mail yesterday, she declined to comment further.
However, she defended the blog in an e-mail sent to The Straits Times after the first article was published. She said she created the website in 2007 to warn other employers about errant helpers after an experience with a Filipino maid who allegedly abused her daughter.
'This same maid could be employed by another employer to look after their newborn baby,' she said.
She also revealed in her blog that she had to send seven of the eight maids she hired back to their agencies.
Mr Jolovan Wham, executive director of the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home), said yesterday: 'Her intentions may have been good, but the actions resulting from them have negative repercussions. Whether a maid is good or not is subjective.'
The husband of one of Home's volunteers has complained about the blog to the Manpower Ministry.
Mr Edwin Pang, executive director of the Migrant Workers' Centre, said it was good that the offending section has been made private.
'But I doubt this will be enough for the foreign domestic workers as other employers may still have access to their particulars and any uncomplimentary remarks made about them, if the writer allows it,' he said.
MP Christopher de Souza, who is deputy chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Manpower, said one way to resolve the issue is by regulation. He said: 'We ought to look at exploring legislation which prevents users from uploading personal profile data such as ICs and work permits.'
The blog has triggered angry responses from some maids, who posted messages on it.
One anonymous maid from the Philippines wrote: 'This blog shows that we are looked down upon.'
Another maid from Indonesia wrote: 'If you don't like the maid... send her to the agency... don't gossip about other people.'
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Maid arrivals may drop close to changeover date
Recruiters may wait for end of English entry test
Straits Times, Published on Dec 6, 2011
By Lin Wenjian
EXPECT fewer first-time maids to arrive here in the lead-up to the scrapping of an English entry test by mid-next year.
Employers may also need to pay up to $100 more in one-off payments to send these maids to the mandatory Settling-In Programme (SIP), which will replace the test. This is because the new course is longer.
Employment agencies said they expect recruiters in countries like Indonesia - who control the supply of foreign domestic workers to Singapore - to wait for the test to be scrapped, than risk letting their maids sit and possibly fail it.
Agency owners here said the drop in numbers will be most keenly felt nearer to the date - in April and May. They are bracing themselves for a fall of between 10 per cent and 30 per cent, especially in the case of Indonesian maids who find it harder to pass the test because of the language barrier. On average, about 3,000 new maids arrive in Singapore each month, according to the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore).
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced the scrapping of the entry test on Sunday, following a review. Currently, maids who fail the test three times have to be sent home, although they are free to come back and retake it.
The test will be replaced by the SIP, which will kick in by mid-next year. It will be conducted in English or the maid's native language, and will include modules on helping them adapt to life and work here.
An MOM spokesman said it is difficult to predict how the removal of the test will affect the supply of maids, but added that the change 'may make Singapore a more attractive destination' for potential maids.
Agencies said they will tap alternative sources to meet the demand during the interim period. Mr Gary Chin, managing director of Nation Employment, said he will rely more heavily on maid suppliers in the Philippines 'as Filipino maids usually find it easier to pass the entry test'. Other agencies said they will do the same, or rely on 'transfer' maids.
With the SIP, employers may need to pay $50 to $100 more in a one-off payment to get a first-time maid, according to preliminary estimates by the MOM. But the ministry said yesterday it will work to keep overall costs 'manageable'.
Currently, it costs $7 to register for the English entry test and another $28 for the half-day Safety Awareness Course, which will be included in the SIP.
Details of the new programme will be available at a later date. But the MOM revealed yesterday that it will be a streamlined version of a similar pilot programme conducted last year in collaboration with the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training (Fast), a non-governmental organisation.
The pilot programme, which consisted of four sessions lasting four hours each, included lessons on managing finances and stress management.
It was attended by about 1,300 maids enrolled by their employers or agencies. One of them, Filipina Evangeline Simacio, 35, said: 'We were given handouts and taught to think positive. The training made me realise I have to value my time here and do my best to earn money.'
Said Mr Seah Seng Choon, president of Fast: 'We look forward to playing a role when the SIP is implemented. We may partner appointed training providers to run certain modules.'
Employers' reactions to the SIP were mixed. Account manager Kerin Kwa, 32, who is looking for a maid to care for her two-month-old son, said she is supportive of the change. But she added: 'I will be concerned if the costs of hiring a maid go up substantially with the new programme.'
Straits Times, Published on Dec 6, 2011
By Lin Wenjian
EXPECT fewer first-time maids to arrive here in the lead-up to the scrapping of an English entry test by mid-next year.
Employers may also need to pay up to $100 more in one-off payments to send these maids to the mandatory Settling-In Programme (SIP), which will replace the test. This is because the new course is longer.
Employment agencies said they expect recruiters in countries like Indonesia - who control the supply of foreign domestic workers to Singapore - to wait for the test to be scrapped, than risk letting their maids sit and possibly fail it.
Agency owners here said the drop in numbers will be most keenly felt nearer to the date - in April and May. They are bracing themselves for a fall of between 10 per cent and 30 per cent, especially in the case of Indonesian maids who find it harder to pass the test because of the language barrier. On average, about 3,000 new maids arrive in Singapore each month, according to the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore).
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced the scrapping of the entry test on Sunday, following a review. Currently, maids who fail the test three times have to be sent home, although they are free to come back and retake it.
The test will be replaced by the SIP, which will kick in by mid-next year. It will be conducted in English or the maid's native language, and will include modules on helping them adapt to life and work here.
An MOM spokesman said it is difficult to predict how the removal of the test will affect the supply of maids, but added that the change 'may make Singapore a more attractive destination' for potential maids.
Agencies said they will tap alternative sources to meet the demand during the interim period. Mr Gary Chin, managing director of Nation Employment, said he will rely more heavily on maid suppliers in the Philippines 'as Filipino maids usually find it easier to pass the entry test'. Other agencies said they will do the same, or rely on 'transfer' maids.
With the SIP, employers may need to pay $50 to $100 more in a one-off payment to get a first-time maid, according to preliminary estimates by the MOM. But the ministry said yesterday it will work to keep overall costs 'manageable'.
Currently, it costs $7 to register for the English entry test and another $28 for the half-day Safety Awareness Course, which will be included in the SIP.
Details of the new programme will be available at a later date. But the MOM revealed yesterday that it will be a streamlined version of a similar pilot programme conducted last year in collaboration with the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training (Fast), a non-governmental organisation.
The pilot programme, which consisted of four sessions lasting four hours each, included lessons on managing finances and stress management.
It was attended by about 1,300 maids enrolled by their employers or agencies. One of them, Filipina Evangeline Simacio, 35, said: 'We were given handouts and taught to think positive. The training made me realise I have to value my time here and do my best to earn money.'
Said Mr Seah Seng Choon, president of Fast: 'We look forward to playing a role when the SIP is implemented. We may partner appointed training providers to run certain modules.'
Employers' reactions to the SIP were mixed. Account manager Kerin Kwa, 32, who is looking for a maid to care for her two-month-old son, said she is supportive of the change. But she added: 'I will be concerned if the costs of hiring a maid go up substantially with the new programme.'
Monday, December 5, 2011
Govt scraps English entry test for maids
New scheme to help them cope with living working here
Straits Times, Published on Dec 5, 2011
By Shuli Sudderuddin shulis@sph.com.sg
Photo caption: UMBRELLA ORGANISATION: A group of maids performing in a skit at the second Foreign Domestic Workers' Day at the Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre yesterday. The event was organised by the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training, which is an NGO that provides opportunities for maids here to learn new skills which can help them in their work. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
THE English entry test which has been the bugbear of first-time maids since 2005 will be scrapped.
Maids and the agencies that bring them in have said that the test discourages maids from wanting to work here, causes distress to those who fail and can take up valuable training time.
Instead, maids will go through a mandatory programme which will help them cope better with living and working here.
The Settling-In Programme (SIP) will be introduced by the middle of next year, Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin said yesterday. The decision was made following feedback from a review made by the Manpower Ministry (MOM) over the past year, via interviews with 900 maids and 500 employers.
Speaking yesterday at an event at Singapore Polytechnic to recognise and appreciate maids, he said the new programme will include the current half-day Safety Awareness Course. It teaches maids how to do chores safely and where to go for help, among other things.
MOM surveys found that four out of five maids faced initial problems settling in to life and work here.
The programme will also include modules on adapting to life and work in Singapore, including stress management. Maids will also be taught conditions of employment and the responsibilities of domestic workers.
It will not include training on language skills and other domestic skills, and will be conducted in English or the maid's native language. Other details will be released later.
The written test was introduced in 2005 as part of measures by MOM to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of maids here. They have 30 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions in English. The questions test their grasp of English as well as knowledge in areas like housework, budgeting and childcare.
Currently, maids who fail the test three times have to be sent home, although they are free to come back and retake it. But in coming here, some have run up debts with agents back home.
In May, Indonesian Sulastri Wardoyo, 26, died after attempting suicide at a maid hostel. Hostel staff said she had failed the test three times.
Mr Tan said that in the review, stakeholders called for MOM to make the entry requirements more relevant for maids, employers and employment agencies. He said there was 'overwhelming support' for MOM to remove the test.
He said: 'While the entry test was introduced with good intentions, we have heard from many of you that it is not a meaningful measure of quality and does not guarantee that the worker understands the English language.'
He said it discouraged good domestic workers from wanting to work here. Others spent valuable training time preparing for the test.
While the passing rate is high, at about 95 per cent, he added that the test distressed those who failed after having incurred recruitment fees back home.
Mr Tan also said there was feedback that more could be done to better match employers and maids. Thus, MOM has been working with the Association of Employment Agencies and CaseTrust - the Consumers Association of Singapore's accreditation arm - to introduce a standard format for maids' personal information.
Employers can also opt for maids to take a written test in English or another language, with scores provided to them. The test will be conducted by accredited employment agencies.
There will also be opportunities to interview the maid in person, by phone or by video conference.
Mr Tan said it is important to look after maids who have taken a big step to come here.
Those in the industry applauded the move.
Mr Seah Seng Choon, president of the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training, a non-governmental organisation, said he was very happy about the change, which he had been pushing for since last year.
The association held a four-month trial of its own version of the SIP with 1,300 maids and found feedback about the programme positive.
'We taught them about knowing family culture, knowing their work, how to discuss matters with their employers amicably and how to seek help,' he said.
****
What's new
# The mandatory English entry test will be replaced with a mandatory Settling-In Programme designed to ease first-time foreign domestic workers into living and working here.
# A standard biodata template will be introduced for employment agencies to use, to improve the information on incoming maids such as their employment history, skill sets and how this information has been verified. This will facilitate better matching with employers here. The Association of Employment Agencies and CaseTrust will design this biodata template with the Manpower Ministry.
# A voluntary 'trust mark' will be awarded to better employment agencies in the market. This will promote best practices in the industry.
NOTE: The entry requirements introduced in 2005, such as a minimum age of 23 and a minimum requirement of eight years of formal education, will be retained.
****
NOT A GOOD GAUGE
'While the entry test was introduced with good intentions, we have heard from many of you that it is not a meaningful measure of quality.'
Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin
Straits Times, Published on Dec 5, 2011
By Shuli Sudderuddin shulis@sph.com.sg
Photo caption: UMBRELLA ORGANISATION: A group of maids performing in a skit at the second Foreign Domestic Workers' Day at the Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre yesterday. The event was organised by the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training, which is an NGO that provides opportunities for maids here to learn new skills which can help them in their work. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN THE English entry test which has been the bugbear of first-time maids since 2005 will be scrapped.
Maids and the agencies that bring them in have said that the test discourages maids from wanting to work here, causes distress to those who fail and can take up valuable training time.
Instead, maids will go through a mandatory programme which will help them cope better with living and working here.
The Settling-In Programme (SIP) will be introduced by the middle of next year, Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin said yesterday. The decision was made following feedback from a review made by the Manpower Ministry (MOM) over the past year, via interviews with 900 maids and 500 employers.
Speaking yesterday at an event at Singapore Polytechnic to recognise and appreciate maids, he said the new programme will include the current half-day Safety Awareness Course. It teaches maids how to do chores safely and where to go for help, among other things.
MOM surveys found that four out of five maids faced initial problems settling in to life and work here.
The programme will also include modules on adapting to life and work in Singapore, including stress management. Maids will also be taught conditions of employment and the responsibilities of domestic workers.
It will not include training on language skills and other domestic skills, and will be conducted in English or the maid's native language. Other details will be released later.
The written test was introduced in 2005 as part of measures by MOM to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of maids here. They have 30 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions in English. The questions test their grasp of English as well as knowledge in areas like housework, budgeting and childcare.
Currently, maids who fail the test three times have to be sent home, although they are free to come back and retake it. But in coming here, some have run up debts with agents back home.
In May, Indonesian Sulastri Wardoyo, 26, died after attempting suicide at a maid hostel. Hostel staff said she had failed the test three times.
Mr Tan said that in the review, stakeholders called for MOM to make the entry requirements more relevant for maids, employers and employment agencies. He said there was 'overwhelming support' for MOM to remove the test.
He said: 'While the entry test was introduced with good intentions, we have heard from many of you that it is not a meaningful measure of quality and does not guarantee that the worker understands the English language.'
He said it discouraged good domestic workers from wanting to work here. Others spent valuable training time preparing for the test.
While the passing rate is high, at about 95 per cent, he added that the test distressed those who failed after having incurred recruitment fees back home.
Mr Tan also said there was feedback that more could be done to better match employers and maids. Thus, MOM has been working with the Association of Employment Agencies and CaseTrust - the Consumers Association of Singapore's accreditation arm - to introduce a standard format for maids' personal information.
Employers can also opt for maids to take a written test in English or another language, with scores provided to them. The test will be conducted by accredited employment agencies.
There will also be opportunities to interview the maid in person, by phone or by video conference.
Mr Tan said it is important to look after maids who have taken a big step to come here.
Those in the industry applauded the move.
Mr Seah Seng Choon, president of the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training, a non-governmental organisation, said he was very happy about the change, which he had been pushing for since last year.
The association held a four-month trial of its own version of the SIP with 1,300 maids and found feedback about the programme positive.
'We taught them about knowing family culture, knowing their work, how to discuss matters with their employers amicably and how to seek help,' he said.
****
What's new
# The mandatory English entry test will be replaced with a mandatory Settling-In Programme designed to ease first-time foreign domestic workers into living and working here.
# A standard biodata template will be introduced for employment agencies to use, to improve the information on incoming maids such as their employment history, skill sets and how this information has been verified. This will facilitate better matching with employers here. The Association of Employment Agencies and CaseTrust will design this biodata template with the Manpower Ministry.
# A voluntary 'trust mark' will be awarded to better employment agencies in the market. This will promote best practices in the industry.
NOTE: The entry requirements introduced in 2005, such as a minimum age of 23 and a minimum requirement of eight years of formal education, will be retained.
****
NOT A GOOD GAUGE
'While the entry test was introduced with good intentions, we have heard from many of you that it is not a meaningful measure of quality.'
Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin
English entry test for maids to be scrapped
Move could increase supply of foreign domestic workers
by Tanya Fong
TODAY, Dec 05, 2011
SINGAPORE - In a move that would not only alleviate the stress faced by foreign domestic workers (FDWs) seeking a living here - but also ease the supply crunch hitting the industry - the English entry test for FDWs will be scrapped.
From the middle of next year, the mandatory test will be replaced by a Settling-In Programme (SIP), Minister of State (Manpower) Tan Chuan-Jin announced yesterday.
Among other things, the SIP will include modules on adapting to life and work here, including stress management, as well as the responsibilities of domestic workers. It will not train the FDWs on language skills, which can be picked up over time, or domestic skills such as cleaning or cooking, which tend to vary according to the needs of individual households. Further details for the SIP, such as its duration, are being worked out.
The changes to the entry requirements come after extensive consultation with various stakeholders.
According to Mr Tan, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has, over the past year, interviewed more than 900 FDWs and 500 employers to understand their concerns on a range of issues. Speaking at the annual Foreign Domestic Workers' Day, Mr Tan noted that, based on MOM's surveys and consultations, four out of five FDWs faced "initial problems settling in to life and work" here. Mr Tan added: "While the entry test was introduced with good intentions, we've heard from you that it is not a meaningful measure of quality and does not guarantee that the worker understands the English language. We're also aware that it discourages some good foreign domestic workers from wanting to work here, while others spend valuable training time mugging for the test."
While the English entry test has a high passing rate of 95 per cent, Mr Tan noted that it "can cause distress to those who fail after having incurred recruitment fees on their home country".
In 2005, the English entry test was introduced as part of a package of new entry requirements to raise the quality of FDWs. The test is mandatory for first-time applicants, who have to pass the test within three days of arrival before a work permit was issued. Applicants are allowed up to three attempts to pass the test, failing which they are repatriated.
However, the English test was reportedly a source of stress for prospective FDWs, with the suicide of a FDW in June linked to her inability to pass the test.
A spike in supply of FDWs?
Miss K Jayaprema, president of the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore) (AEAS), told Today that the scrapping of the English entry test could result in a "remarkable increase (of) between 20 and 25 per cent" in the number of FDWs applying to work here.
Said Miss Jayaprema: "We have had feedback from our members that the entry test has been a major deterrent in attracting FDWs to Singapore."
In particular, the number of FDWs from Sri Lanka - which have become nominal after the entry test was introduced - is likely to pick up, she added.
A pilot of the SIP was conducted by non-profit organisation Foreign Domestic Workers Association (FAST) between May and August last year. Some 1,300 FDWs took part in the pilot programme, which was held once a month.
Miss Ngatiyah, a 23-year-old Indonesian FDW, told Today that it was more effective to pick up languages over time, rather than sitting for a written test. She said: "I learnt English, Mandarin and Hokkien from speaking with employers. I wanted to learn the languages because I want to do my work well."
Employers and employment agencies which still prefer FDWs to undergo language assessment can do so via tests administered by AEAS. The association can also arrange interviews or video conferences with FDWs to gauge their language competency.
Mr Tan also announced that the MOM, in collaboration with the AEAS and CaseTrust, will be introducing a standard bio-data template for all employment agencies.
The AEAS is also working with MOM to develop a voluntary trustmark scheme. Before April this year, it was mandatory for employment agencies which are members of AEAS to join its accreditation scheme. According to Miss Jayaprema, the requirements of the voluntary scheme will be "more stringent".
Mr Seah Seng Choon, who is president of FAST and executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore, added: "When it was mandatory, the agencies may have just been going through the motion." Making the scheme voluntary, as well as raising the bar, would solicit greater commitment from employment agencies seeking to distinguish themselves in the industry, Mr Seah added.
***
The changes
by Tanya Fong
For foreign domestic workers:
- In place of the English entry test, a new mandatory Settling-In Programme (SIP) will be rolled out by middle of next year
- Programme includes modules on basic safety awareness, adapting to life and work here but not language training and domestic skills training such as cooking or cleaning.
- SIP will be conducted by MOM-appointed accredited training providers in English or the FDWs' native language
For employers:
- To facilitate better matches, a standard template for FDWs' bio-data containing information such as employment history and skill sets - as well as how the information is verified - will be introduced
- A voluntary trust mark scheme to differentiate better employment agencies and promote best practices
by Tanya Fong
TODAY, Dec 05, 2011
SINGAPORE - In a move that would not only alleviate the stress faced by foreign domestic workers (FDWs) seeking a living here - but also ease the supply crunch hitting the industry - the English entry test for FDWs will be scrapped.
From the middle of next year, the mandatory test will be replaced by a Settling-In Programme (SIP), Minister of State (Manpower) Tan Chuan-Jin announced yesterday.
Among other things, the SIP will include modules on adapting to life and work here, including stress management, as well as the responsibilities of domestic workers. It will not train the FDWs on language skills, which can be picked up over time, or domestic skills such as cleaning or cooking, which tend to vary according to the needs of individual households. Further details for the SIP, such as its duration, are being worked out.
The changes to the entry requirements come after extensive consultation with various stakeholders.
According to Mr Tan, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has, over the past year, interviewed more than 900 FDWs and 500 employers to understand their concerns on a range of issues. Speaking at the annual Foreign Domestic Workers' Day, Mr Tan noted that, based on MOM's surveys and consultations, four out of five FDWs faced "initial problems settling in to life and work" here. Mr Tan added: "While the entry test was introduced with good intentions, we've heard from you that it is not a meaningful measure of quality and does not guarantee that the worker understands the English language. We're also aware that it discourages some good foreign domestic workers from wanting to work here, while others spend valuable training time mugging for the test."
While the English entry test has a high passing rate of 95 per cent, Mr Tan noted that it "can cause distress to those who fail after having incurred recruitment fees on their home country".
In 2005, the English entry test was introduced as part of a package of new entry requirements to raise the quality of FDWs. The test is mandatory for first-time applicants, who have to pass the test within three days of arrival before a work permit was issued. Applicants are allowed up to three attempts to pass the test, failing which they are repatriated.
However, the English test was reportedly a source of stress for prospective FDWs, with the suicide of a FDW in June linked to her inability to pass the test.
A spike in supply of FDWs?
Miss K Jayaprema, president of the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore) (AEAS), told Today that the scrapping of the English entry test could result in a "remarkable increase (of) between 20 and 25 per cent" in the number of FDWs applying to work here.
Said Miss Jayaprema: "We have had feedback from our members that the entry test has been a major deterrent in attracting FDWs to Singapore."
In particular, the number of FDWs from Sri Lanka - which have become nominal after the entry test was introduced - is likely to pick up, she added.
A pilot of the SIP was conducted by non-profit organisation Foreign Domestic Workers Association (FAST) between May and August last year. Some 1,300 FDWs took part in the pilot programme, which was held once a month.
Miss Ngatiyah, a 23-year-old Indonesian FDW, told Today that it was more effective to pick up languages over time, rather than sitting for a written test. She said: "I learnt English, Mandarin and Hokkien from speaking with employers. I wanted to learn the languages because I want to do my work well."
Employers and employment agencies which still prefer FDWs to undergo language assessment can do so via tests administered by AEAS. The association can also arrange interviews or video conferences with FDWs to gauge their language competency.
Mr Tan also announced that the MOM, in collaboration with the AEAS and CaseTrust, will be introducing a standard bio-data template for all employment agencies.
The AEAS is also working with MOM to develop a voluntary trustmark scheme. Before April this year, it was mandatory for employment agencies which are members of AEAS to join its accreditation scheme. According to Miss Jayaprema, the requirements of the voluntary scheme will be "more stringent".
Mr Seah Seng Choon, who is president of FAST and executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore, added: "When it was mandatory, the agencies may have just been going through the motion." Making the scheme voluntary, as well as raising the bar, would solicit greater commitment from employment agencies seeking to distinguish themselves in the industry, Mr Seah added.
***
The changes
by Tanya Fong
For foreign domestic workers:
- In place of the English entry test, a new mandatory Settling-In Programme (SIP) will be rolled out by middle of next year
- Programme includes modules on basic safety awareness, adapting to life and work here but not language training and domestic skills training such as cooking or cleaning.
- SIP will be conducted by MOM-appointed accredited training providers in English or the FDWs' native language
For employers:
- To facilitate better matches, a standard template for FDWs' bio-data containing information such as employment history and skill sets - as well as how the information is verified - will be introduced
- A voluntary trust mark scheme to differentiate better employment agencies and promote best practices
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Maids a-running... for charity
16 volunteers and maids are trying to raise $15,000 for welfare organisation Aidha
Straits Times, Published on Dec 4, 2011
By Jalelah Abu Baker
Photo caption: Among the 65,000 runners taking part in the Standard Chartered Marathon today will be maids (from left) Paz E. Egar, 41; Janelyn R. Pascua, 39; Jeanilyn S. Bermudez, 46; and Crecilia P. Ellema, 39. The other three (not in the picture) are Jocelyn Jimenez, Marilyn Magbuo, and Joy Romualdo. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN
Filipino maid Crecilia P. Ellema has never put on a pair of running shoes.
But since September, the 39-year-old has been running the length of Alexandra Canal, near her employer's home in River Valley, at least thrice a week.
The slim-built woman, who runs either early in the morning before she begins her work day, or at night after her work has ended, is on her new regime for a cause.
She will take part in today's Standard Chartered Marathon, and intends to complete all 42km of it.
She is among 16 people, including six other maids and other volunteers, who are running to raise funds for Aidha, a welfare organisation that provides financial education to domestic helpers.
The non-profit organisation was set up here in 2006 by Harvard Business School doctorate holder Sarah Mavrinac, who used to teach at business school Insead. She has moved to Abu Dhabi and is setting up a similar organisation there.
Aidha, which brands itself as a micro-business school, runs two courses - one on finance which includes communication and computer skills, and another on entrepreneurial skills.
Courses are conducted by volunteers who are trained in Aidha to teach the programmes developed by Dr Mavrinac.
The Run for Aidha! campaign, the organisation's first fund-raising initiative, was started in August to raise $15,000.
The organisation is funded mostly by donations from individuals, companies and organisations.
Aidha executive director Veronica Gomez said: 'We are doubling our enrolment, so the money raised will be used to subsidise the education of more students at our schoolhouse.'
It has between 300 and 350 students a year now.
They get into the programme by applying at the school. Many of them learn about it by word of mouth.
Classes are held at Aidha's building in Nassim Road on Sundays. So far, about $11,000 has been raised.
Like the other maids who are running the marathon for the first time, Ms Ellema is doing it because she wants to give back to Aidha.
'I want to encourage other students, especially to save and to reduce their expenditure,' she said. She has worked here for eight years.
Before signing up for the financial education course, she would spend her monthly earnings, without much thought, on any item that had a discount tag on it. She would spend more than $200 of her monthly $700 on these items.
She would also send money home to her family whenever they asked, without questions.
But since graduating from her courses at Aidha last year, she has learnt to ask questions and to save some of her earnings.
She saves between $50 and $300 now. Previously, she used to save nothing.
To gear up for the marathon, the mother of two teenage boys has been training with two other maids, Ms Janelyn R. Pascua, 39, and Ms Paz E. Egar, 41.
They have even tried the actual 42km route, which starts at Orchard, winds through Marina Bay and East Coast, and finishes at the Padang.
They took about five hours, walking and jogging.
They are doing the full 42km race as registration for the half-marathon and 10km run were closed by the time they decided to sign up.
Ms Pascua, a mother of three young children, said: 'I want to show my appreciation to the organisation that has made me confident of succeeding in business.'
She, like Ms Ellema, intends to start a pig farm business in the Philippines. She jokingly said that no one can steal from her when her business takes off, as she has been learning taekwondo since 2009, and has a brown belt.
Besides Aidha, they are also thankful for the support from their employers, who drew up training schedules and bought them running shoes.
While Ms Ellema and Ms Pascua have told everyone at home about their run, Ms Egar has kept it a secret from her family.
The single mother of a 12-year- old daughter said: 'I am going back after three years for my daughter's graduation. This will be her surprise.'
Straits Times, Published on Dec 4, 2011
By Jalelah Abu Baker
Photo caption: Among the 65,000 runners taking part in the Standard Chartered Marathon today will be maids (from left) Paz E. Egar, 41; Janelyn R. Pascua, 39; Jeanilyn S. Bermudez, 46; and Crecilia P. Ellema, 39. The other three (not in the picture) are Jocelyn Jimenez, Marilyn Magbuo, and Joy Romualdo. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJANFilipino maid Crecilia P. Ellema has never put on a pair of running shoes.
But since September, the 39-year-old has been running the length of Alexandra Canal, near her employer's home in River Valley, at least thrice a week.
The slim-built woman, who runs either early in the morning before she begins her work day, or at night after her work has ended, is on her new regime for a cause.
She will take part in today's Standard Chartered Marathon, and intends to complete all 42km of it.
She is among 16 people, including six other maids and other volunteers, who are running to raise funds for Aidha, a welfare organisation that provides financial education to domestic helpers.
The non-profit organisation was set up here in 2006 by Harvard Business School doctorate holder Sarah Mavrinac, who used to teach at business school Insead. She has moved to Abu Dhabi and is setting up a similar organisation there.
Aidha, which brands itself as a micro-business school, runs two courses - one on finance which includes communication and computer skills, and another on entrepreneurial skills.
Courses are conducted by volunteers who are trained in Aidha to teach the programmes developed by Dr Mavrinac.
The Run for Aidha! campaign, the organisation's first fund-raising initiative, was started in August to raise $15,000.
The organisation is funded mostly by donations from individuals, companies and organisations.
Aidha executive director Veronica Gomez said: 'We are doubling our enrolment, so the money raised will be used to subsidise the education of more students at our schoolhouse.'
It has between 300 and 350 students a year now.
They get into the programme by applying at the school. Many of them learn about it by word of mouth.
Classes are held at Aidha's building in Nassim Road on Sundays. So far, about $11,000 has been raised.
Like the other maids who are running the marathon for the first time, Ms Ellema is doing it because she wants to give back to Aidha.
'I want to encourage other students, especially to save and to reduce their expenditure,' she said. She has worked here for eight years.
Before signing up for the financial education course, she would spend her monthly earnings, without much thought, on any item that had a discount tag on it. She would spend more than $200 of her monthly $700 on these items.
She would also send money home to her family whenever they asked, without questions.
But since graduating from her courses at Aidha last year, she has learnt to ask questions and to save some of her earnings.
She saves between $50 and $300 now. Previously, she used to save nothing.
To gear up for the marathon, the mother of two teenage boys has been training with two other maids, Ms Janelyn R. Pascua, 39, and Ms Paz E. Egar, 41.
They have even tried the actual 42km route, which starts at Orchard, winds through Marina Bay and East Coast, and finishes at the Padang.
They took about five hours, walking and jogging.
They are doing the full 42km race as registration for the half-marathon and 10km run were closed by the time they decided to sign up.
Ms Pascua, a mother of three young children, said: 'I want to show my appreciation to the organisation that has made me confident of succeeding in business.'
She, like Ms Ellema, intends to start a pig farm business in the Philippines. She jokingly said that no one can steal from her when her business takes off, as she has been learning taekwondo since 2009, and has a brown belt.
Besides Aidha, they are also thankful for the support from their employers, who drew up training schedules and bought them running shoes.
While Ms Ellema and Ms Pascua have told everyone at home about their run, Ms Egar has kept it a secret from her family.
The single mother of a 12-year- old daughter said: 'I am going back after three years for my daughter's graduation. This will be her surprise.'
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