Speaking in a Tamil video message to migrant workers on Tuesday (5 May), Communications and Information Minister S Iswaran assured that the Government has taken steps to enhance the quality of food and facilities in the dormitories, upon acknowledging that the COVID-19 circuit breaker measures have “caused some inconvenience” to the migrant workers community.
He added that these initiatives will enable migrant workers to communicate with their families, obtain necessary information from the Internet, and watch their favourite Tamil movies online.
Mr Iswaran reiterated that the Government remains committed to ensuring their health and well-being, both physical and mental.
“We will provide you with the necessary, quality medical care as we do to Singaporeans,” he remarked. “This is our promised.”
Mr Iswaran went on to say that he recently approached two famous Indian actors, Mr Rajinikanth and Mr Kamal Hassan, as well as renowned Indian composer A. R. Rahman and former Indian international cricketer Sanchin Tendulkar; all of whom extended their good wishes and encouragement to the migrant workers in Singapore.
Mr Iswaran also affirmed the migrant workers for playing an “important role” in Singapore’s progress.
“Finally, all of us should cooperate if we want to manage this COVID-19 challenge successfully. If we do that, we can definitely overcome this challenge and we can create a good future together. Thus, your cooperation is very important. We will work together and succeed,” he concluded.

 
Netizens criticised the Government for its inconsistency and incompetency
Following Channel News Asia’s news broadcast coverage of Mr Iswaran’s message on YouTube, netizens were not satisfied at the current situation of migrant workers in Singapore as they called out the Government for being neither consistent nor competent.
Under the comments section of the YouTube video, a large number of them were quick to slam the Government for being too slow in their efforts to curb the spread of the virus – not to mention calling the wrong shots regarding the issue of wearing a mask in public.


A couple of netizens penned their thoughts on the poor standard of living at the dormitories, suggesting that the workers “need to be spaced out more”, while cleanliness and hygiene ought to be better maintained by the higher-ups as cleanliness issues in the dormitories “are not new”.

Meanwhile, a few of them cast aspersions on the Government’s efforts, arguing that the nation is “always on the back foot” because the common trait of the 4G Government is being reactive rather than proactive or pre-emptive.

However, a handful of netizens also gave voice to their dissent on the migrant workers making headlines, asserting that Singaporeans should be prioritised more.

However, one netizen, Joel Anthony, stood up in support of the migrant workers, noting that they are the unsung heroes for carrying out the duties that most Singaporeans would not dare to perform. He challenged those who condemned the migrant workers to take up their mantle.
He added that without the migrant workers, “our contry would go into a national emergency and our very own sons in the army would have to take off the rubbish and sewage and do all the essential services”.

Subscribe
Notify of
8 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
You May Also Like

【选举】包括张有福 行动党约20原议员引退

人民行动党指出,在本届大选中,将有20名原议员不会参战。 行动党秘书长李显龙总理在今早的竞选宣言发布会上指出,在本届大选中,将有约20名原议员引退,其中一人即本届国会原副议长张有福。其他在日前也曾表示会引退的议员,包括有原交通部长许文远及荣誉国务资政吴作栋。 李显龙指出,若这些原议员在本届大选中出战,肯定能够取得漂亮成绩,然而他们选择引退,因为了解到政党需要自我更新,并以政党和国家的需要为主。 他指出,目前无法向他们一一致谢,但是待大选过后,行动党会在正式场合上,好好地向他们表示感谢。 在提及张有福时,李显龙赞扬他是一名有战斗能力且可靠的候选人,尤其是在面对艰难挑战时,它都能顺利完成任务。 而在提及数日来介绍的新人时,他指出该党这次派出的新人来自社会各阶层,旨在为国人开启多条通往成功的路线,这些准候选人就是最好的例子。 行动党在连续三日的线上新闻发布会中,介绍了27名准候选人,包括10名女子。准候选人的人数在此次的竞选团中,占了逾四分之一,比往年大选来得多。

Former BCA board member under CPIB corruption probe

It has been reported that the CEO of Tiong Seng Holdings, Mr…

Do not print pictures of me smiling – Lee Kuan Yew

The United Kingdom (UK) introduced the Freedom of Information Act in 2000.…

Mahathir releases list of 114 MPs backing his reappointment as M’sia PM

On the eve of former Johor chief minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s swearing-in ceremony…