- Three individuals have been convicted for working illegally as self-employed food delivery riders, alongside two others for assisting.
- Investigations expose that one of the convicted individuals earned around $17,000 from the illegal employment.
- Anyone involved in illegal employment in Singapore faces serious penalties, including hefty fines, jail time, and being permanently barred from working in the country.
MOM reports that there’s more to the scrolling cyclist with a thermal bag crossing your road than meets the eye.
Sometimes, they might be taking job shortcuts that violate Singapore’s strict employment laws.
The Art of the Deal: An Unravelling
“Ng Teik Chuan, he delivers your spicy ramen like a pro, right?”
If that name rings a bell, maybe you’ve ordered and he’s delivered.
Between May 2022 and March 2023, Ng, like many other delivery cyclists, was up and about making over 1,300 deliveries.
But the hitch?
He was rolling without a license.
Here’s the twist though: Ng wasn’t alone.
Amanullah Faizal Navas and Chaw Soon Yaw were also in on the shenanigans of illegal employment in Singapore.
Caught Red-Handed: The Game’s Up
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) pulled the reins on this reckless ride.
Result?
Penalties!
Not minors either.
Picture this: Ng alone received a fine of $10,000.
But, why such a galling punishment, you wonder?
For the fact, Ng squeezed, by his own admission, around $17,000 from his delivery job.
Illegally.
Now, imagine similar earnings, cutting corners, among others.
Respecting the rules isn’t dead boring—it helps ensure that everyone’s efforts are equally rewarded and remembered.
Partners in ‘Crime’: Abetment and Its Consequences
It’s not all about the riders though.
There were those behind the scenes, calibrating the chaos.
Muhammad Mubeen Muthibbi Bin Sahul Hameed and Chaw Soon Song were both found guilty of abetting these illegal riders.
And, they too, felt the sting with fines amounting to $3,800 and $5,000 respectively.
Even those aiding the act, however passively, are seen as threats to fair employment principles and dealt with accordingly using Singapore’s stringent employment laws.
Safeguarding the Ecosystem: Strong Stand Against Wrongful Acts
MOM’s firm voice echoes across the city-state: “we take a serious view of illegal employment and will take action against any individual involved in these acts.”
And, it has done well in disseminating this message throughout.
Self-employed foreigners operating without a valid work pass?
They risk being slapped with penalties: fines, jail time, work ban – the lot.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say they’d be barred from working in the Little Red Dot ever!
They aren’t alone.
Local delivery platform workers, if found aiding foreigners to use their accounts illegally, will face equal consequence.
Partners in ‘crime’ indeed!
A Fair Work Balance: The Big Picture
This tale of wheels, routes, and rogue riders bears an important message.
Illegal employment jumbles up the labour market, spoiling the soup for everyone else.
Unfair labour practices in Singapore not only harm the workers engaged but also destabilize the rules built for equality and fair practices.
Chasing after illicit shortcuts instead of taking the deserved path can lead to a downward spiral, hurting individuals and the community at large.
A Call to Action: How Can You Play Your Part?
MOM encourages public vigilance to root out such offenders.
Suspect something fishy?
Noticed any violations of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act?
Become part of the larger good and report these to the Ministry of Manpower.
You too, can help in preserving the integrity of our work culture and society.
Let’s fight against unauthorised work in Singapore!
The Way Forward: Taking Strides Toward Betterment
As we head towards a promising future, let’s be reminded of the importance of following the rule of law, even in our day-to-day jobs.
Work should bring dignity, not disdain.
And it starts with everyone doing their bit to ensure fair and legal practices are employed, and respected.
What steps do you believe could be taken to further curb illegal job issues in Singapore?
