Govt work group releases recommendations to stamp out illegal platform work

Requiring operators to report suspected rule-breakers among actions proposed

- Vanessa Paige Chelvan

A work group formed by the Government has released a raft of recommendations to stamp out illegal platform work and tackle other issues facing platform workers.

The recommendations unveiled on Sept 11 include requiring platform operators to notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if they suspect foreigners of carrying out platform work, which can be done only by Singaporeans or permanent residents.

The group's 10 recommendations aim to protect the livelihoods of Singapore's roughly 67,600 regular platform workers, and champion fairer and more transparent payment structures and incentive schemes.

The group also suggested that platform operators conduct more regular and stringent identity checks on workers, and that the Government look into strengthening enforcement and increasing penalties for rule-breakers in the point-to-point transport sector.

The Government should also engage online platforms to take down apps, channels and advertisements that enable the matching of illegal rides, and strengthen its ability to block or remove such platforms, the group said.

At a press conference on Sept 11, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said tougher laws—with higher fines and longer jail terms—could be introduced.

"We will look at legislation that we already have, to see whether we need to strengthen them," Ms Sun said.

Right now, those caught offering illegal point-to-point services could be fined up to $3,000 or jailed for up to six months, or both.

Asked when laws would be amended, Ms Sun said the Government would have to discuss this with the Attorney-General's Chambers. "We will try to move this along as quickly as possible."

She did not specify what the tougher penalties could look like.