We refer to the story “Ferrying workers in caged lorry decks to be banned from Jan 1, 2027” (March 5).
MARUAH, a human rights organisation, welcomes Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling’s announcement that lorries fitted with cages will be banned from ferrying workers starting Jan 1, 2027. This move acknowledges longstanding concerns, from over 20 years by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and unions, on the safety and dignity of migrant workers. Eliminating caged lorries is a step in the right direction, though long overdue.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) shared in 2025 that there were 215 injured migrant workers between 2015 and 2019, and 161 between 2020 and 2024, with fatalities averaging one per year over a decade. These numbers are those of our guest workers.
Surely, we must ensure their safety through higher standards to reduce, if not eliminate, risks of harm or death. This aligns with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 155, which mandates that national policy must minimise causes of hazards in “all places where workers need to go by reason of their work and which are under the direct or indirect control of the employer” (Article 3c). Transporting workers in lorries is contradictory to principles of safety and minimising hazards.
To further strengthen safety, we urge a review of the Road Traffic Act (RTA) regarding definitions of “deck” and “passenger vehicles”. Current definitions allow “effects” – including tools – to be carried alongside workers in lorries, which has brought about caged lorries and for workers, cramped and unsafe transport conditions.
We suggest that MOT work with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Manpower, and the National Trades Union Congress to keep track of injured workers holding work permits or S Passes.
We urge the Government to consider implementing the RTA’s provision for an “omnibus” as dedicated passenger transport. This is already in place at Farrer Park on migrant workers’ days off. This does offer a viable case study.
A multi-stakeholder work group involving relevant ministries, employers’ associations, unions, NGOs and migrant worker bodies should be set up to further examine omnibus possibilities, timely reporting for work, safety, cost-bearers and subsidies.
Safer transport options are part of our migrant workers’ right to just and favourable conditions of work. We look forward to more timely collective steps in the right direction.
Braema Mathi
President, MARUAH
Posted by jamestan2019 
MARUAH Singapore 