SINGAPORE, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will ban the transport of workers in caged lorry decks starting Jan. 1, 2027, as part of efforts to improve safety standards for worker transportation.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Transport said that in emergencies, caged lorries can pose heightened risks when the rear gate is latched or locked from the outside, potentially trapping workers inside.
Companies may continue using caged lorries to carry goods and equipment, the ministry said. Firms that wish to keep using such vehicles to transport workers can replace the cage structure with a canopy, side railings and rain covers.
During the transition period, employers must ensure workers have safe access to and from the lorry deck. From Jan. 1, 2027, companies that fail to comply with the ban will face penalties.
The Migrant Workers' Center, which is affiliated with the National Trades Union Congress, on Wednesday called the move "an important step that directly addresses long-standing safety concerns for migrant workers on our roads." ■