Government to offer lodging for stranded workers amidst Malaysia's lockdown

Hotel accomodations and HDB rooms will be made available.

In view of Malaysia’s announcement to implement a lockdown, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said that the government has worked with private and public sectors to make available a range of short-term housing options for workers who are stranded in Singapore, according to an announcement.

A range of hotel and dormitory options in Singapore will be currently available, as well as accommodations of rooms and whole property in both the HDB flats and private residential property market.

The government will also be working with the hotel and dormitory providers to provide lower cost rentals.

MOM said that companies can encourage workers who commute across the Singapore-Malaysia border frequently to stay with their relatives, friends or colleagues in Singapore. However, the ministry also asked employers to continually assess their manpower as to whether they do need their affected workers to remain in Singapore.

In providing assistance, MOM said that it will prioritise the needs of firms that provide essential services such as healthcare, security, cleaning, as well firms in the waste management, facilities management, logistics and transport business.

The government is looking to provide financial support for companies who need to urgently accommodate their affected workers.