As of 10am today (Apr. 17), 28 employers in Singapore were fined S$1,000 each for failing to comply with safe distancing measures for workers ferried by lorries.

Joint operation by MOM, LTA and SPF

They were caught during a joint operation between the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF)’s Traffic Police (TP).

In a press release on Apr. 17, MOM stated that the islandwide joint enforcement operation will be sustained throughout Singapore's 'circuit breaker' period.

MOM added:

"We would like to urge the remaining employers to make the necessary rectifications to comply immediately. With immediate effect, the transport company involved with the ferrying of workers using lorries and the driver will also be fined if the lorry is found to be non-compliant."

Four additional employers being investigated

MOM is also currently investigating an additional four employers for possible non-compliance.

If convicted, a company or person can be jailed for up to six months, or fined up to S$10,000, or both.

However, MOM has noted that since Monday (Apr. 13), more companies have implemented the required safe distancing measures in their transport arrangements.

You can read MOM's full statement here.

Top images courtesy of MOM.