Lastest on Migration
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Singapore Straits Times
Oct 21, 2008
Adjust to foreign workers
There may be social impact if numbers grow but Govt will review figures if needed: Mah
By Kor Kian Beng
Since February last year, the Government has released 11 sites for dormitories, which will provide up to 65,000 beds by 2010, said National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan. Till then, temporary dormitories may need to be built on vacant state lands and converted state properties, which tend to be nearer residential areas. However, he stressed it was only a temporary measure. -- ST FILE PHOTO
THERE is no running away from it.
Whether Singapore chooses to have more or fewer foreign workers, there is a price to pay, said National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan.
With more of them, growth is faster but there is the social impact of their presence. On the other hand, fewer of them will reduce this impact but it will mean slower growth.
So far, the Government has gone for growth, Mr Mah noted, as it is good for the country and its people.
'But going forward, there may be a need to review if a new balance is needed,' he said in Parliament yesterday.
Mr Mah was replying to Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Hong Kah GRC) and Dr Lim Wee Kiak (Sembawang GRC). They wanted to know the Ministry of National Development's (MND) plans and considerations in housing foreign workers and steps it would take to address people's concerns over the social impact of these workers.
Mr Mah, in his reply, set out starkly the choice facing Singaporeans.
'If we want more foreign workers, we must collectively make adjustments to resolve the social problems.
'If we want fewer foreign workers, we must be prepared for slower growth, higher costs, lower service levels and delays in the completion of our flats, our roads, our rail lines.'
But, if necessary, things may change in future, he added, without elaborating.
The controversy over foreign workers arose recently when many in Serangoon Gardens opposed having them housed in a temporary dorm in their estate. They expressed concern over a rise in crime, disorderly behaviour and traffic congestion.
However, the plan is going ahead. A school will be converted to house up to 600 workers, mainly factory workers in the IT and electronics industries.
Official figures show Singapore had 475,000 foreign workers in 2006 and it jumped to 577,000 last year, excluding 180,000 maids. This is 102,000 more, or double the increase in 2006.
The swell is sparked by the strong economic rebound in the past two to three years, as more were brought in to keep a lid on business and living costs.
But in housing them, Mr Mah said his ministry has taken a range of measures.
They include making it easier for them to be housed where they work, letting them rent residential premises, allowing industrial premises to be converted into dorms and providing permanent dorms.
Several factors are considered when deciding where to develop a dormitory, said Mr Mah. Among them is whether the infrastructure is adequate.
'As far as possible, worker dormitories are located further away from residential areas,' he said.
There are 25 developments providing almost 100,000 beds for foreign workers. These are in and near the fringe of industrial estates in the West, East, North, North-east and Central planning regions.
Since February last year, the Government has released 11 sites for dormitories, which will provide up to 65,000 new beds by 2010, said Mr Mah.
But time is needed to build the infrastructure, such as roads and sewers, as these buildings are in more remote areas in the West and North regions, he added.
Meanwhile, temporary dormitories are needed. These will be built on vacant state lands and converted state properties, which tend to be nearer residential areas. 'However, they are meant as temporary measures only, until permanent dormitories are available,' he stressed.
Whether temporary or permanent, the MND has asked dormitory operators to provide amenities within the premises and introduce security measures to deter illegal activities. The ministry will also work with grassroots leaders on specific measures to reduce inconvenience to nearby residents, said Mr Mah, citing a new access road being built in Serangoon Gardens to completely segregate the dorm from the estate's traffic network.
The minister also noted that as land-scarce Singapore becomes more built up, the dormitories will get closer to residential areas. He also said the Government will build permanent dormitories of a higher density, should demand keep rising. These will have amenities to make them self-sufficient.
But the issue of foreign workers cannot be resolved by the Government alone, stressed Mr Mah. He urged Singaporeans to chip in even as the Government plays its part in ensuring adequate housing for foreign workers as well as enforcement against crime or littering.
The community can also work with police and dormitory operators on joint projects to enhance the safety and security of neighbourhoods, he added.
In a written reply, Mr Mah told Dr Lim the Government has tried to spread the developments across various parts of the island, but 'it is not possible to work towards a totally equal distribution of dormitories across various constituencies'.
The reason: In picking potential sites for permanent dormitories, MND has to consider the area's zoning purposes and feasibility issues, such as adequate sewerage facilities, utilities and roads.
CHOICE AND CONSEQUENCE
'If we want more foreign workers, we must collectively make adjustments to resolve the social problems. If we want fewer foreign workers, we must be prepared for slower growth, higher costs, lower service levels and delays in the completion of our flats, our roads, our rail lines.'
National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan
ANXIETY AND ASSURANCE
'We recognise that some Singaporeans may feel threatened by the number of immigrants that Singapore is absorbing. This is a natural human response. However, Singaporeans should be assured that this Government will always consider the interests of Singaporeans first. This is reflected in the way our policies are crafted, from health care and housing to education and other social policies.'
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng
Singapore Straits Times
Oct 21, 2008
Adjust to foreign workers
There may be social impact if numbers grow but Govt will review figures if needed: Mah
By Kor Kian Beng
Since February last year, the Government has released 11 sites for dormitories, which will provide up to 65,000 beds by 2010, said National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan. Till then, temporary dormitories may need to be built on vacant state lands and converted state properties, which tend to be nearer residential areas. However, he stressed it was only a temporary measure. -- ST FILE PHOTOTHERE is no running away from it.
Whether Singapore chooses to have more or fewer foreign workers, there is a price to pay, said National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan.
With more of them, growth is faster but there is the social impact of their presence. On the other hand, fewer of them will reduce this impact but it will mean slower growth.
So far, the Government has gone for growth, Mr Mah noted, as it is good for the country and its people.
'But going forward, there may be a need to review if a new balance is needed,' he said in Parliament yesterday.
Mr Mah was replying to Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Hong Kah GRC) and Dr Lim Wee Kiak (Sembawang GRC). They wanted to know the Ministry of National Development's (MND) plans and considerations in housing foreign workers and steps it would take to address people's concerns over the social impact of these workers.
Mr Mah, in his reply, set out starkly the choice facing Singaporeans.
'If we want more foreign workers, we must collectively make adjustments to resolve the social problems.
'If we want fewer foreign workers, we must be prepared for slower growth, higher costs, lower service levels and delays in the completion of our flats, our roads, our rail lines.'
But, if necessary, things may change in future, he added, without elaborating.
The controversy over foreign workers arose recently when many in Serangoon Gardens opposed having them housed in a temporary dorm in their estate. They expressed concern over a rise in crime, disorderly behaviour and traffic congestion.
However, the plan is going ahead. A school will be converted to house up to 600 workers, mainly factory workers in the IT and electronics industries.
Official figures show Singapore had 475,000 foreign workers in 2006 and it jumped to 577,000 last year, excluding 180,000 maids. This is 102,000 more, or double the increase in 2006.
The swell is sparked by the strong economic rebound in the past two to three years, as more were brought in to keep a lid on business and living costs.
But in housing them, Mr Mah said his ministry has taken a range of measures.
They include making it easier for them to be housed where they work, letting them rent residential premises, allowing industrial premises to be converted into dorms and providing permanent dorms.
Several factors are considered when deciding where to develop a dormitory, said Mr Mah. Among them is whether the infrastructure is adequate.
'As far as possible, worker dormitories are located further away from residential areas,' he said.
There are 25 developments providing almost 100,000 beds for foreign workers. These are in and near the fringe of industrial estates in the West, East, North, North-east and Central planning regions.
Since February last year, the Government has released 11 sites for dormitories, which will provide up to 65,000 new beds by 2010, said Mr Mah.
But time is needed to build the infrastructure, such as roads and sewers, as these buildings are in more remote areas in the West and North regions, he added.
Meanwhile, temporary dormitories are needed. These will be built on vacant state lands and converted state properties, which tend to be nearer residential areas. 'However, they are meant as temporary measures only, until permanent dormitories are available,' he stressed.
Whether temporary or permanent, the MND has asked dormitory operators to provide amenities within the premises and introduce security measures to deter illegal activities. The ministry will also work with grassroots leaders on specific measures to reduce inconvenience to nearby residents, said Mr Mah, citing a new access road being built in Serangoon Gardens to completely segregate the dorm from the estate's traffic network.
The minister also noted that as land-scarce Singapore becomes more built up, the dormitories will get closer to residential areas. He also said the Government will build permanent dormitories of a higher density, should demand keep rising. These will have amenities to make them self-sufficient.
But the issue of foreign workers cannot be resolved by the Government alone, stressed Mr Mah. He urged Singaporeans to chip in even as the Government plays its part in ensuring adequate housing for foreign workers as well as enforcement against crime or littering.
The community can also work with police and dormitory operators on joint projects to enhance the safety and security of neighbourhoods, he added.
In a written reply, Mr Mah told Dr Lim the Government has tried to spread the developments across various parts of the island, but 'it is not possible to work towards a totally equal distribution of dormitories across various constituencies'.
The reason: In picking potential sites for permanent dormitories, MND has to consider the area's zoning purposes and feasibility issues, such as adequate sewerage facilities, utilities and roads.
CHOICE AND CONSEQUENCE
'If we want more foreign workers, we must collectively make adjustments to resolve the social problems. If we want fewer foreign workers, we must be prepared for slower growth, higher costs, lower service levels and delays in the completion of our flats, our roads, our rail lines.'National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan
ANXIETY AND ASSURANCE
'We recognise that some Singaporeans may feel threatened by the number of immigrants that Singapore is absorbing. This is a natural human response. However, Singaporeans should be assured that this Government will always consider the interests of Singaporeans first. This is reflected in the way our policies are crafted, from health care and housing to education and other social policies.'Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng
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