MPs to raise lorry safety in Parliament

The following article was published in the Straits Times on 28 June 2010.

MPs to raise lorry safety in Parliament
They also question if it is too easy for foreigners to get driving licence
By Ng Kai Ling
Straits Times, Jun 28, 2010

Reproduced photo caption: Some MPs want the Government to consider phasing out the use of lorries for ferrying workers altogether, in the long run. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM

THE issue of using lorries to ferry workers will come up in Parliament next month, with three members of the House having already submitted questions on it.

In the wake of the accident last week which killed three workers and injured 14, the Members of Parliament want the Transport Ministry to explain whether:

- The previously announced safety measures, such as having higher side railings and canopies, can be enforced earlier than the planned Sept 1, 2012;

- The measures announced last August are enough to ensure workers' safety;

- It is too easy for foreigners who work as drivers to get driving licences here.

These questions will be raised by Dr Lim Wee Kiak, the chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Transport; Madam Halimah Yacob, the chairman of the GPC for Manpower; and Aljunied GRC MP Yeo Guat Kwang.

The question about driving licences for foreigners is a new aspect of the issue that has cropped up since it has come to light that some lorries ferrying workers are driven by foreigners. This aspect was not discussed last August, when the stepped-up safety measures were announced.

Madam Halimah said: 'These drivers have licences from their countries, but may not be competent to drive here.'

For work permit holders with valid licences from their home country to drive here, all that is needed is for them to pass a written test and for their companies to apply to the Manpower Ministry for them to do so.

Mr Yeo said this is not enough. These drivers should be tested on road knowledge and safety before they are allowed to drive here.

'We have very strict requirements for our public transport drivers seeking their vocational licences. The ministry should consider having similar vocational licensing for foreigners,' he said.

He and Madam Halimah also question the sincerity of companies when it comes to taking care of their workers.

Madam Halimah, an MP for Jurong GRC, noted that employers are 'dragging their feet' about installing the higher railings and canopies: 'Enough notice has been given to businesses on the safety measures. I think it's reasonable to have the rules in place by the end of the year.'

She reiterated that even with cost being an important consideration among employers, taking care of workers is a company's 'basic obligation'.

Transport Minister Raymond Lim and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Teo Ser Luck said at separate events over the weekend that the issue is being reviewed and that the Government is considering bringing the enforcement of safety measures forward.

Dr Lim suggested that, in the meantime, lorries should be banned from expressways, given that most such accidents happen on expressways. But in the long run, the Government should consider phasing out the use of lorries for ferrying workers, he said.

Madam Halimah agreed. She said: 'These are not just numbers. These are human beings. It is not good for Singapore for them to come here to work and go back in coffins.'