In view of Malaysia's decision to implement a nationwide restriction order, SBS Transit has secured temporary accommodation at several hotels for its Malaysian bus drivers affected by the lockdown.

Bus captains will not sleep on recliner chairs

In a Facebook post on Mar. 17, the public transport operator said that the decision will take effect immediately to ensure that scheduled bus services are not affected.

SBS also stated that contrary to an "online report", its bus captains will not be made to sleep on recliner chairs in depots.

It added:

"We will continue to work with our authorities and monitor the situation as it unfolds. We remain committed to protecting the welfare of both our bus captains and commuters."

You can read SBS' full statement here:

In a separate Facebook post by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan, he said that all public transport operators — SBST, SMRT, Tower Transit Singapore, Go Ahead Singapore —  had secured sufficient hotel accommodation for Malaysian bus captains who wish to continue to work and stay in Singapore.

He added:

"They will be comfortable and able to rest properly. Train and bus service will not be too much affected, though there may be slight degradation of some bus services. I seek our commuters’ understanding."

Here is his full post:

Malaysians working in Singapore not allowed to commute

As part of Malaysia's restriction order, all tourists and foreign visitors coming into Malaysia will be barred from entering the country from Mar. 18 until Mar. 31.

Additionally, Malaysians are also barred from travelling abroad during the same period. This includes Malaysians who commute daily to Singapore for work.

In a bid to help Malaysian workers stuck in Singapore due to the lockdown, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on Mar. 17 that a range of short-term housing options will be made available for them.

Top image via Unsplash.