Jurong East Sports Hall Closes Temporary Lodging For Malaysian Workers Due To Low Demand
Last week was definitely a tumultuous one for Malaysians who work in Singapore.
Thousands scrambled to leave their country and cross the Causeway to after the Movement Control Order last Monday (16 Mar).
In the midst of the rush to beat the clock and cross over to Singapore, many of them had no time to plan their accommodation here.
Though some companies offered relief and lodging, other workers allegedly weren’t as lucky and had to spend nights in MRT stations.
Luckily, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) stepped in, giving the them temporary lodging at Jurong East sports hall.
A week later, it seems like many Malaysian workers have gotten their accommodation sorted out, as the temporary lodging is closing due to low demand.
Jurong East sports hall closes temporary lodging
On Monday (23 Mar), the Jurong East sports hall that served as temporary lodging for Malaysian workers closed, apparently due to low demand, reported The Straits Times (ST).
A team from MSF previously turned the sports hall into a makeshift shelter for Malaysian workers. Read more about that in this article.
Today (23 Mar), MSF announced that the relief centre will no longer be in use, considering the “low number of Malaysian workers who have required use of the facility”.
The outpouring of community outreach from Singaporeans offering to house Malaysian workers has also helped to ease the burden.
MOM ensuring Malaysian workers have accommodation
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has been working to ensure Malaysian workers have proper accommodation while they remain here until 31 Mar.
According to ST, MOM has been patrolling the streets, searching for any who may be sleeping in the open.
MOM contacted the employers of those found dwelling in unsavoury conditions, to assist them in finding suitable accommodation.
In the announcement, MOM also reminded employers of their obligation to ensure their employees find “acceptable accommodation” during this period.
Malaysian workers who still do not have accommodation can contact MOM via email at mom_qops@mom.gov.sg.
Lockdown coming to an end soon
It’s great that most Malaysian workers have sorted out their accommodation for their stay here. Being away from their families for so long must be difficult, and we sympathise with them deeply.
Thankfully, the deadline for the order is near, which could mean a reunion for them too.
Let’s just hope that the government doesn’t extend the lockdown, so that life can resume a little more normally.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.
