MOM fines 29 workplaces a total of S$29,000 for breaching safe-distancing rules

SINGAPORE'S Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Friday said it has issued composition fines totalling S$29,000 to 29 workplaces for breaching safe-distancing measures during the "circuit-breaker" period.

These breaches included failure to ensure safe distancing and crowd management, and to conduct temperature screening and to track employees and visitors' entry into the workplace.

MOM also took action against 170 firms engaged in non-essential services which had failed to get approval to operate during the nation-wide circuit-breaker period. While the majority were issued stern warnings, 16 firms were issued composition fines totalling S$16,000.

The enforcement actions followed more than 15,000 workplace inspections conducted by the manpower ministry between April 7 and May 5.

MOM, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation will issue an advisory to prepare companies to resume operations after the circuit-breaker period has ended, the ministry said. 

In addition to enforcement action against workplaces, MOM has revoked the work passes of 29 holders for breaching circuit-breaker measures and Stay-Home Notice (SHN) requirements. They have been permanently banned from working in Singapore. MOM has also suspended the work-pass privileges of nine employers for failing to ensure that their employees were complying with SHN requirements.

Of the 29 work pass holders, 17 were caught breaching circuit-breaker measures by eating, drinking and gathering in groups. A dozen were caught leaving their homes while on SHN.

MOM conducted more than 75,000 video calls and inspections on foreign workers to ensure that they abide by circuit-breaker measures and SHN requirements between April 13 and April 30.