Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Security Concerns Arising from Foreign Workers and Foreign Domestic Workers Congregating in Large Numbers in Public Places by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Question:

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the Ministry's position on foreign workers and foreign domestic workers congregating in large numbers in public parks, shopping malls, cultural hubs and other specific areas; and (b) whether this is viewed with a changed perspective in this age of uncertainty.

Answer:

1. The Police are generally concerned whenever very large crowds gather as the public safety and security risks are higher.

2. In this context, the Police monitor areas with large congregations of foreign workers closely. They also conduct regular patrols and law enforcement operations in these areas, and there has not been any serious public order, or law and order issues in recent years.

3. The vast majority of foreign workers in Singapore are law abiding, and do not engage in criminal or terrorism-related activities. MHA works closely with the Ministry of Manpower, employers, and community partners such as the Migrant Workers’ Centre, to advise foreign workers on Singapore’s multi-racial and religious setting, our social values, the dangers of radical ideology, and to abide by our laws.