Director of 3 firms linked to over 400 unpaid migrant workers returns to S'pore, passport impounded: MOM

The director of three firms linked to more than 400 migrant workers who have gone unpaid for months returned to Singapore on Jun. 26.

This was announced by Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash on Jun. 28 during a visit to Kranji Recreation Centre, where he met workers from the three affected firms.

Director assisting with investigations

The three firms, VVR Plant Engineering, SK Industries and KPA Engineering, share the same director, Indian national Ramu Palani Velu.

Ramu, a Singapore permanent resident, was previously reported to be a director of seven companies in Singapore that provide services including air-conditioning, plumbing and building works.

His registered address at a private estate in Hillview had reportedly been rented out to foreigners over the past two years and is currently leased to a doctor.

He had also reportedly left Singapore. He returned on Jun. 26.

"He is currently assisting us with investigations, and his passport has been impounded," said Dinesh, adding that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) takes a serious view of breaches to the Employment Act and Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, and will take enforcement action where necessary.

Dinesh also urged migrant workers who are owed salaries to seek assistance from the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) to recover their unpaid wages.

"These are very serious offences, and I hope our employers will be able to support our migrant workers and workers in general," he said.

Workers being placed in new jobs

About 20 affected workers have already secured jobs in equivalent sectors, Dinesh said.

He expects the vast majority, if not all, of the remaining workers to be placed within the next two to three weeks.

He also thanked the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) and the Singapore Contractors Association for stepping forward with employment opportunities.

"They have... provided jobs, and together with our friends in MWC and NTUC, made tremendous efforts to ensure that our migrant workers, especially those displaced in the current unfortunate instance, are given alternative jobs."

Around 230 workers currently staying at Tuas View Dormitory will also be relocated to an onboarding centre in Sengkang, where accommodation and meals will be provided.

Temples, together with the Hindu Endowments Board and the Hindu Advisory Board, have also stepped forward to provide the workers with care packs.

"It's important for them to move back to some degree of normalcy, and for them to be supported during this difficult time," Dinesh said.

Support measures for affected workers

During a visit to Tuas View Dormitory on the morning of Jun. 24, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said MOM and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) are working to help the migrant workers recover their unpaid salaries.

Ng said TADM and its partners are also working to contact the employers.

Meanwhile, migrant workers affected by unpaid wages, who are members of MWC, will receive S$100 in cash and S$100 in NTUC vouchers.

Affected workers can join MWC to receive the cash and vouchers.

In addition, about 150 job vacancies across 40 construction firms have been made available to the affected workers.

Arrangements are also being made to provide them with accommodation, transport and meals.