Singapore probes two firms after more than 100 migrant workers seek help over unpaid wages

More than 100 migrant workers gathered at Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Services Centre in Bendemeer on June 22, seeking assistance over alleged unpaid wages and housing concerns, prompting authorities to launch investigations into two companies.

The workers are employed by KPA Engineering and SK Industries, according to Ng Hwei Min, General Manager of the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM). She confirmed that MOM is investigating both firms for potential breaches of employment laws.

Several workers reported that they had not received salaries for two to three months. Many claimed they had been unable to contact company representatives and only recently learned that KPA Engineering had ceased operations.

Officials from MOM and TADM met the workers at the service centre and began processing their complaints. Authorities are also assisting affected employees with immediate needs, including housing and meals, while facilitating opportunities for them to seek alternative employment.

“We understand that the current period is a difficult and uncertain one for the workers,” said Ng, adding that the ministry’s priority is to ensure access to accommodation and essential support while investigations continue.

The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC), supported by Singapore’s National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), has also stepped in to assist. Michael Lim, Director of NTUC’s Migrant Workers Segment, said the centre has engaged more than 300 affected workers from the two companies and is providing food, transportation assistance, and temporary shelter where required.

Lim stressed that employers have a responsibility to pay workers fully and on time, urging migrant workers facing salary disputes or workplace issues to seek help early from MOM or MWC.

The ministry said workers affected by the situation may be allowed to change employers while their cases are being resolved. MOM added that enforcement action will be taken if investigations find violations of employment regulations.

The case has renewed attention on the challenges faced by migrant workers in Singapore and the importance of timely intervention when salary and welfare concerns arise.