I believe that many have received videos, messages, and even images sharing concerns about our migrant workers' dormitories and the covid-19 situation.
I hear many of your concerns and I would like to share this post by Minister Jo Teo.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/123724534368517/posts/3665600290180906/?d=n
To quote her, "SHOULD STANDARDS IN FOREIGN WORKER DORMITORIES BE RAISED?
There’s no question in my mind, answer is “yes”."
I don't think I can say it better than Min Teo herself. The concerns are real and actions need to be taken. I like how she admitted it like it is instead of trying to defend it as if it was otherwise.
Of course, the standard question is, "would you stay in such dormitories yourself if you think it is good enough?"
Like her post pointed out, it is not easy to find a balance. To offer them what is best for them and also at the same time managing the cost for the employers.
Being a migrant worker is not easy. Being in the industry itself is not easy. I have visited some of these dorms and spoken to some of them before. I remember this article that I contributed to unscrambled many years ago when I was still a SEP;
“I love Singapore. I want to be here and continue working and contributing as long as I am healthy. I don’t care about other things or how other people look at me. I do my part and I’m happy where I am.”
Link: https://www.unscrambled.sg/2017/06/16/photo-story-migrant-workers-celebration-2017/
If there is something that we can take away at the end of this Covid-19 saga, I hope people learn to count your blessings. For everything we have, for everything we are given.
Before I end this post, I would like to share another post from another popular page in Singapore - SMRT Feedback. While I do not always agree with everything they share or calling themselves vigilanteh by hiding behind a Facebook page, there is some truth in their post.
"When the govt want to house foreign workers in neighbourhoods, residents complain then no choice gotta house the dorms in far-flung areas.
S'poreans are quick to criticise these workers when they board the trains at the end of the work day. Parents tell their kids that these workers should be avoided in public. More and more Singaporeans are turning xenophobic.
They beat their chest screaming for better conditions for foreign workers but in the same breath balked at the same workers living alongside them.
It's hypocrisy and racism, plain and simple."
While I am happy that many share the concern and wish to see improvement for these workers who contributed greatly to our nation-building, for now. I hope that they bring this compassion with them beyond Covid-19 situation and also beyond just their keyboards.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/smrtsg/posts/3225055884185268
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