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Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
MOM, MoT, NTUC launch new group after gig workers raise concerns over pay, illegal hitch services, and competition from non-Singaporeans
Photo: Depositphotos/ IgorVetushko (for illustration purposes only) SINGAPORE: A new trilateral group has been set up by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Ministry of Transport (MoT), and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) after platform workers raised growing concerns about uncertain earnings, illegal hitch services, and job competition from non-Singaporeans. The new group, which will meet regularly to look into these issues, will be chaired by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, Senior Ministers of State Dr Koh Poh Koon and Ms Sun Xueling, and Grab's Group Managing Director of Operations Yee Wee Tang, Singapore Business Review reported. In a Facebook post on Friday (Jul 4), Mr Ng shared that he met with platform workers, many of whom raised tough, real-life concerns that are 'not new but growing more urgent,' from uncertain earnings and illegal hitch services to job competition from non-Singaporeans. 'We have also received feedback that some foreigners may be doing delivery jobs illegally,' he said. He noted that some delivery riders are misusing platform accounts, while others take on jobs from outsourced firms without valid work permits, affecting the earnings and opportunities of legitimate workers. 'This directly affects the earnings and job opportunities of legitimate delivery workers in Singapore,' he said. He also pointed out that platforms use dynamic fare structures and incentives, leaving workers unsure of how jobs are allocated or how much they will earn, often leading them to work longer hours just to bring home the same pay. Illegal hitch services on apps like Telegram also continue to undercut licensed drivers and riders. 'These challenges make it hard for platform workers to earn a stable income to support themselves and their families,' he added. Mr Ng said, 'More must be done, and quickly.' According to Singapore Business Review , a Grab spokesperson said the company already has safeguards to prevent foreigners from signing up on the platform and is working with stakeholders to develop and share effective practices to protect platform workers. The spokesperson also said they are committed to working alongside the government, NTUC, and other platform operators to safeguard the livelihoods of platform workers and create solutions to stamp out illegal delivery services. The group was launched under the new Platform Workers Act, which took effect on Jan 1, 2025, granting platform workers formal representation through Platform Workers Associations./TISG Read also: 'You get to decide if you stay down or try again' — Laid off SG woman once earning S$10K/month, finds fresh start with TADA Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only) () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
AsiaOne
3 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
MPs lead Singaporeans on sold-out durian trips across Causeway: 'Maximise the favourable exchange rate', Singapore News
They lead our country in Parliament — and now they're also leading our people into Malaysia on delicious durian tours. Multiple Members of Parliament (MP) have invited residents in their respective constituencies to durian trips in Malaysia amid the durian season, many of which have quickly sold out. Last Saturday (July 5), Jalan Kayu SMC MP Ng Chee Meng led residents on a Musang King durian tour to Johor Bahru. To participate, residents had to pay $110 per person before gathering at Fernvale community centre at 5.30am. They were then brought via bus to various shopping stops in Malaysia, including YoYo, Toppen and Aeon Mall. Among other highlights, the key event was likely the free-flow Musang King buffet. Ng's residents were not the only group travelling to Malaysia for a durian escapade — Aljunied GRC MP Gerald Giam also took residents to Yong Peng for a durian trip that same Saturday. Priced at $95 per adult or $88 per child, tickets also come with the option for a $10 upgrade for their durian buffet which would provide them with Musang King durians instead. Opposition leader Pritam Singh was also present on the trip, explaining in a Facebook post on Sunday (July 6) that it was an annual trip that they would take. "It was, quite simply, another fantastic day in Malaysia made even more special by many dear Eunos residents, who over the years, have become dear friends," he said. "Great durians, good shopping and a great Teochew dinner to round off a great day!" Many users were supportive of the trip, with some even asking if they would be willing to facilitate residents from Tampines and other wards. "Sir, can I join you for next year's trip? 2026? Definitely fun with you around," a Facebook user commented. Singh replied: "Sounds like a plan buddy! Echo!" Not one to be left out, Sengkang GRC's Jamus Lim will also be heading to Johor's Yong Peng for a durian tour on July 26. Tickets for residents are priced at $110 for adults and $95 for children. Aside from the durian buffet lunch, residents will also be able to drop by Mid Valley Southkey Mall. "There'll be lots of other activities, including shopping, shopping, and (you guessed it) more shopping. All to help you maximise the favourable ringgit-dollar exchange rate," Lim wrote on a Facebook post on June 6. Workers' Party chair and Aljunied GRC MP Sylvia Lim as well as Jurong Central SMC MP Xie Yao Quan will also be leading their own durian tours on July 12. Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC MP Grace Fu will be travelling to Malacca on July 26 for a two-day-one-night trip with a Musang King durian feast. She wrote in her post on June 1: "Limited seats available — sign up before they're all snapped up!" [[nid:719778]] khooyihang@
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Singapore's MPs go full durian in Malaysia, lead the charge on sold-out cross-border feasting trips
SINGAPORE, July 7 — Singaporeans are packing their bags — and their appetites — as durian season kicks into high gear, with Members of Parliament leading the charge across the Causeway for foodie-fuelled day trips. From the heartlands of Singapore to the durian orchards of Johor and the streets of Melaka, these trips are all about one thing: peak-season Musang King. And yes, every itinerary comes with an all-you-can-eat durian buffet that's drawing crowds faster than you can say 'smelly but heavenly'. VN Express reported that Singapore MP Ng Chee Meng recently led residents from Fernvale Community Club on a full-day foodie adventure to Johor Baru. Kicking off bright and early at 5:30am, the group dived into a durian buffet breakfast featuring the king of fruits, alongside local favourites like bee hoon, satay and curry chicken. The feast was followed by shopping sprees at Toppen, Ikea and Aeon, then wrapped up with an eight-course Chinese dinner — all for S$110 (RM365) per person. Unsurprisingly, the tour was fully booked. VN Express also reported that Opposition Leader MP Pritam Singh made his annual pilgrimage to Johor with his own group of durian lovers. Having only missed the event once in over a decade, Pritam's day trip quickly sold out. Priced at S$95 for adults, the journey included a Musang King buffet lunch, nasi briyani, satay, a stop at a brown rice shop, and a Chinese dinner to finish. Singapore MP Gerald Giam took his foodies slightly further afield to Yong Peng, Malaysia. His one-day trip included a durian buffet lunch, more briyani and satay, plus the option to go unlimited on Musang King for an extra S$10. Slots were snapped up in no time. Not to be outdone, Singapore MP Jamus Lim is joining the fruit frenzy with his debut durian day tour on July 26. Also heading to Yong Peng, his fully booked itinerary includes a Musang King buffet, mall visits, confectionery stops, and a leisurely tea break. Price tag: S$110 per adult. Some Singapore MPs are taking things up a notch with two-day trips. MP Xie Yao Quan from Jurong Central will lead his residents on a durian tour through Melaka and Tangkak on July 12–13, complete with city tours, river cruises, museum visits, and yes — more Musang King. At S$300 for a single room or S$250 for shared, demand was so hot they filled four buses. Fellow Singapore MP Grace Fu, who's also the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, has her own two-day Musang King feast on July 26–27. Like Xie's, her trip is packed with sightseeing and durian feasting — and already sold out. And while Singapore MP Sylvia Lim's July 12 durian tour is also fully booked, fans can still grab a spot for her next one on August 2. Expect the same format: Musang King lunch, retail therapy, and a communal dinner to round things off. Whether you call it durian diplomacy or just good old-fashioned makan, one thing's clear: Singaporeans are crossing borders in droves — all for the love of the King of Fruits.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Singapore's MPs go full durian in Malaysia, lead the charge on sold-out cross-border trips
SINGAPORE, July 7 — Singaporeans are packing their bags — and their appetites — as durian season kicks into high gear, with Members of Parliament leading the charge across the Causeway for foodie-fuelled day trips. From the heartlands of Singapore to the durian orchards of Johor and the streets of Melaka, these trips are all about one thing: peak-season Musang King. And yes, every itinerary comes with an all-you-can-eat durian buffet that's drawing crowds faster than you can say 'smelly but heavenly'. VN Express reported that Singapore MP Ng Chee Meng recently led residents from Fernvale Community Club on a full-day foodie adventure to Johor Baru. Kicking off bright and early at 5:30am, the group dived into a durian buffet breakfast featuring the king of fruits, alongside local favourites like bee hoon, satay, and curry chicken. The feast was followed by shopping sprees at Toppen, Ikea and Aeon, then wrapped up with an eight-course Chinese dinner — all for S$110 (RM365) per person. Unsurprisingly, the tour was fully booked. VN Express also reported that Opposition Leader MP Pritam Singh made his annual pilgrimage to Johor with his own group of durian lovers. Having only missed the event once in over a decade, Pritam's day trip quickly sold out. Priced at S$95 for adults, the journey included a Musang King buffet lunch, nasi briyani, satay, a stop at a brown rice shop, and a Chinese dinner to finish. Singapore MP Gerald Giam took his foodies slightly further afield to Yong Peng, Malaysia. His one-day trip included a durian buffet lunch, more briyani and satay, plus the option to go unlimited on Musang King for an extra S$10. Slots were snapped up in no time. Not to be outdone, Singapore MP Jamus Lim is joining the fruit frenzy with his debut durian day tour on July 26. Also heading to Yong Peng, his fully booked itinerary includes a Musang King buffet, mall visits, confectionery stops, and a leisurely tea break. Price tag: S$110 per adult. Some Singapore MPs are taking things up a notch with two-day trips. MP Xie Yao Quan from Jurong Central will lead his residents on a durian tour through Melaka and Tangkak on July 12–13, complete with city tours, river cruises, museum visits, and yes — more Musang King. At S$300 for a single room or S$250 for shared, demand was so hot they filled four buses. Fellow Singapore MP Grace Fu, who's also the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, has her own two-day Musang King feast on July 26–27. Like Xie's, her trip is packed with sightseeing and durian feasting — and already sold out. And while Singapore MP Sylvia Lim's July 12 durian tour is also fully booked, fans can still grab a spot for her next one on August 2. Expect the same format: Musang King lunch, retail therapy, and a communal dinner to round things off. Whether you call it durian diplomacy or just good old-fashioned makan, one thing's clear: Singaporeans are crossing borders in droves — all for the love of the King of Fruits.
Business Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
New work group to address foreigners doing delivery jobs illegally, unauthorised hitch services
[SINGAPORE] A work group has been formed to tackle the issue of foreigners performing delivery jobs illegally, among other challenges that Singapore's platform workers face, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) announced on Friday (Jul 4). In a press statement, NTUC noted that some foreigners are taking on delivery jobs directly on platforms by misusing accounts. This is illegal, as platform work can only be undertaken by Singaporeans. This creates 'unfair competition for our delivery workers, and it has a direct impact on their earnings,' said NTUC, noting that the matter came to light following feedback to the labour movement and platform worker associations. NTUC further highlighted that while platform operators can outsource delivery jobs to other companies, some foreigners are serving these companies without work permits. This practice is also illegal. NTUC and the platform worker associations will tackle the issue with platform operator Grab, the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Transport. The work group will also look into other challenges that platform workers face, such as illegal hitch services and a lack of income stability. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up NTUC noted that there are unauthorised ride-hailing services operating through messaging apps, such as Telegram, which affect workers' earnings. 'These illegal services undercut legitimate platform workers' job opportunities, creating unfair competition that affects workers' ability to earn sustainable earnings,' it said. Separately, NTUC flagged that incentive schemes for platform workers inadvertently encourage longer working hours, creating safety issues. In addition, workers face uncertainty in the types of jobs allocated to them by apps, causing them to 'grapple with a lack of income security'. NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng noted that platform workers are vulnerable, and called for them to be 'treated fairly as they make an honest living'.
