Tommy Koh Criticizes Business Groups’ Concerns Over Lorry Ban for Worker Transport

Singapore’s Ambassador-at-large Tommy Koh has dismissed the concerns raised by 20 business groups about the “complexities” that would arise if lorries were banned from ferrying workers. In a Facebook post on August 2, he labeled their claims as “scare tactics.”

Koh remarked, “I am not surprised that 20 business groups have issued a joint statement opposing any change to the status quo,” adding that they are using fear to defend their position by warning of potential delays in project completions and increased traffic congestion. He asserted, “The real reason for their opposition is money.”

The joint statement by the business groups calls for careful consideration from the government regarding potential regulatory changes, following two recent statements advocating for improved safety standards. These statements garnered support from 100 groups and individuals in light of two serious road accidents on July 18 and 19, which injured 37 people, predominantly migrant workers.

Koh emphasized that requiring companies to transport their migrant workers in vehicles equipped with seats and seatbelts may incur higher costs but is essential for safety. “We should not be misled by their campaign,” he cautioned. He pointed out that Singapore is uniquely among wealthy nations in permitting this practice and insisted, “First, the lives of foreign workers are as precious as our own. They should be treated with the same care we afford ourselves.”

He further advocated for modernizing practices that are incompatible with Singapore’s reputation as a First World country.

In response, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) acknowledged in a joint statement with several industry associations that while the current practice is “not ideal,” any changes could lead to financial implications and structural challenges. The government has encouraged companies and industry groups to seek alternative transport arrangements for workers without eliminating the existing exceptions under the Road Traffic Act.

Public sentiment has largely sided against the business groups’ statement, with political scientist Ian Chong labeling their warnings as “conjecture” lacking evidence, while sociologist Shannon Ang noted, “Something is clearly broken if our entire construction industry is only sustainable when we exploit migrant workers.”