For those who have been accustomed to living in Johor and making the daily commute to Singapore to work, the current lockdown situation may have left them in a particularly sticky situation. As the Movement Restriction Order comes into effect in Malaysia today (18th March 2020), borders leading in and out of Malaysia will be sealed off completely, which includes the one across the causeway.
As such, some Malaysians with work passes who didn’t manage to make it back to their homeland in time may wind up stranded in Singapore as a result. But thankfully, according to CNA and The Online Citizen, Singapore has readily stepped in to ensure that the welfare of those workers and companies affected by Malaysia’s lockdown isn’t compromised.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, 17th March 2020, Singapore Minister of Manpower Josephine Teo has announced that SGD50 (RM150) will be provided to each worker working under firms that have been affected by the closure of the Malaysian border.
She points out that many of those affected are work pass holders, Singaporean citizens and permanent residents who commute daily from Malaysia to Singapore, who are hired under companies that provide essential services such as healthcare, security, logistics, cleaning, transportation, waste management, and facilities management.
Housing options are also being made available to those who will have to stay in Singapore for these two weeks, of which three options have been put up for consideration. The first option is for workers to stay with friends or family who are living in Singapore, the second option is for employers to consider hotels and dorms, while the third option is the rental of real estate.
Further details on how to apply for this grant will be announced soon to the public.
What do you guys think of this development?
Also read: Covid-19: Singapore Causeway Backed Up After M’sia Anounces Country Movement Control Order
