Tackling Covid-19 Among Singapore's Foreign Workers | Talking Point | Full Episode

Foreign Worker Dormitories housing tens of thousands of workers have been locked down due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases. Experts have described the cramped quarters as a perfect storm for infection. Talking Point finds out what’s being done to quell the spread of the coronavirus, the challenges involved, and the way forward for housing our foreign workers.

About the show: Talking Point investigates a current issue or event, offering different perspectives to local stories and revealing how it all affects you.

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[bierdlll]

The difference in responses between the NGO and the MOM Director is so stark. You know who really cares, and who needs to put up a show.

Why is it that after thousands of cases the MOM director still does not understand that social distancing is just not possible or ineffective in an overcrowded dorm room? 7:24 14:05

[pritamknight]

Really do appreciate talking about the issues that we are facing here. Being a foreign worker I would say government is doing their best, however, the dormitory operators are not treating us as you guys showing your responsibility. Despite government's best efforts, the dormitory operators are playing lot of dirty stuff ( I mean cleanliness, behaviour, and of course their responsibilities as duty for instance, in my dorm lots of soap dispensers have been installed last month but no one is there to fill them in with soap. ) behind the scenes.
Anyway, we love Singapore, we love working in Singapore and we will do our part to keep Singapore great.

[beobjective]

Diana Ser is an excellent host. In this time of pandemic, we can see who speak in a way true to the human hearts & who speak in a way to protect their own ricebowls. We can’t say anyone is wrong trying to protect their own ricebowl, but I really hope that everyone could work towards the good for the “entire human race”. The best thing a human has, is LOVE. I’m a true breed Singaporean, while sometimes I felt my job is threatened by high flyer “foreign talent”, but I truly appreciate the contributions made by foreign workers staying in the dormitories. I’ve seen how hardworking these workers are (sometimes they even work under light rain, helping Singapore to fix our roads, yet they don’t look as grumpy as they should). While I’m proud to be Singaporean, I hope our government could do more for these workers (can’t even say we’re helping them, it should’ve long ago been our duty to do it already). If the government can do more now, I’d be a prouder Singaporean 😊

[jackchew]

Why mom keep push responsibility to employers and dom operator.. They should be the one strike a balance and protect the welfare of the foreign worker..

[ft]

The voice message by the worker saying he has no food broke my

[mikhailmagaye]

Huge respect to Diana and her group of volunteers for all their hard work💪 Certainly have done more than those at MOM and Mrs "We Have Done Enough" BS Jeanette😠

[ahchoon]

Charge those dormitory operators. The price they are charging is in fact more expensive then hdb or some condo rental.

[durian]

It’s within MOM’s power and authority to put this right. “Those who have the power to make changes, play an important part.” Well said Dipa.

[o__ospectrum]

We have 17 golf courses, and yet the govt and civil servants keep saying "land scarce".

[anthtan]

OK, CNA, let's interview some dorm operators, see if they are willing to be interviewed on camera.... I think the general public and the workers themselves have a lot of questions....

[cygnus]

At 12:07, It is a fallacy to believe that the employers will step in to improve foreign workers' living conditions & do the right thing as they are all profit-driven. This is why MOM has the set the guidelines and make it a law. Hands on your heart and ask yourself, would you stay there if you were in their line of work?

[abirames]

Jeanette's focus on the viewpoints of the employers show where the government places its priorities, that is on making business easy for employers not on improving the rights of workers themselves.

[godsamazinggrace]

Dipa is a compassionate woman and wonderful representative for the migrant workers !

[chinkeongtan]

10:05 Did i hear MOM say they are managing it well??? Do they treat us as fools?!!

[nurlianne]

I thought govt can give and pass bills and make laws. If govt say, one room only 6 ppl - who are the employers to say no to the govt's terms and conditions?

[sohelahmed]

In this pandemic, Singapore government taking good care of us. Hope that we will overome this situation & start working soon. Thanks a lot. All Singaporean Stay home. Stay safe.
Respect Singapore 🙏

[nurlianne]

Janet is it her name? Is not answering Diana's question on overcrowding. She's answering it with a social distancing answer which has no correlation to overcrowding no?

[opinion_lang]

After this COVID I hope that they will improve the living conditions of the foreign worker....CLEANLINESS MUST have to follow...for now lets hope and pray those who are affected Covid will be ok am truely grateful to the Doctors nurses and frontliners for all the STRONG SINGAPORE....

[neyiep]

"... if they come to us with a problem, we will also make sure they will walk away with a solution..." that the case if the workers are able to stand up for themselves against their employers and approach MOM for their problem...however the reality is how many of them have the the courage and means to get to MOM? I cant imagine the fears within them and I am praying for them. ❤️

[ravianantharamaiah]

Deepa's comments and advice makes a lot of sense.