Movement control order: M'sians urged to contact high com in S'pore

The Malaysian High Commission in Singapore has advised Malaysians who have yet to secure temporary accommodation in the republic throughout the nationwide movement control order in Malaysia, to get in touch with it immediately.

“They are advised to contact the High Commission for assistance and advice,” said Malaysian High Commissioner Zainol Rahim Zainuddin, when contacted today.

Bernama understands that the High Commission, along with the Malaysian Association in Singapore (Masis), aims to share information with relevant ministries to coordinate efforts to provide accommodation for stranded Malaysians.

The movement control order is effective from March 18 to 31. Enforced under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, and the Police Act 1967, it encompasses, among others, a complete travel restriction for all Malaysians going abroad.

The order has somewhat impacted both work pass holders and Singapore citizens, as well as permanent residents who commute daily from Malaysia.

Commenting on the move by Singapore authorities to provide a temporary relief centre, Zainol Rahim said: “We greatly appreciate the assistance provided by the Singapore government and residents. This shows their consideration and the goodwill between both countries.”

Among others, the Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth has converted the Jurong East Sports Hall as a temporary relief centre for Malaysian workers who were stranded without proper accommodation.

The High Commission and Masis have also visited the relief centre, as well as other spaces which are believed to have been used as temporary shelters by Malaysians.

Meanwhile, since the imposition of the movement control order, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Singapore Police Force have stepped up patrols across Singapore to look for Malaysian workers who did not manage to secure accommodation.

According to the MOM, the increased patrols picked up a small number of Malaysians without short-term accommodation.

“These included 14 workers found at the Kranji MRT station. These workers were immediately brought to the temporary relief centre at Jurong East, while arrangements were made for their longer-term housing,” said its spokesperson.

The spokesperson noted that the vast majority of Malaysian workers have been properly accommodated by their employers through a variety of means, such as staying with relatives, friends or colleagues; hotels and dormitories; as well as rooms or entire units in both the HDB flats and private residential property market.

To ensure that all Malaysian workers have proper accommodation, the ministry has provided employers with housing support of S$50 per worker, per day. 

The High Commission is located at 301 Jervois Rd and can be contacted at 6235 0111 or [email protected]. — Bernama