I REFER to the petition by the residents of Serangoon Gardens against the proposal to convert an unused school in their estate into a dormitory for foreign workers.

I am not a resident of the estate. I am not for or against the residents' petition, but I understand the concerns they raised.

Cleanliness, safety, transportation and noise were among the major issues, and I fully agree with the points brought up by the residents.

However, I would like to offer my perspective.

Foreign workers contribute in one way or another to our country. They come all the way to Singapore to eke out a better living for themselves and their families back home.

They are the ones who build our homes, schools, roads and shopping complexes. They are also the ones who sweep our pavements, collect our rubbish and fill various other jobs which are difficult and/or hazardous. Their salaries are low and their hours are long.

Their basic needs such as food and housing should be adequately provided for. Many would have seen media reports of foreign workers living in cramped, often overcrowded conditions.

These workers are human beings like the rest of us. What if we put ourselves in their shoes?

I understand that there is a foreign workers' dormitory next to Choa Chu Kang Cemetery. There are also a few other dormitories for such workers in other areas, such as Kaki Bukit, Woodlands, Jurong and Geylang.

I would like to suggest that such dormitories be built in a good environment. They should not be located in residential areas, but also should not be in areas which are too far-flung.

Other than the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of National Development, employers play a crucial role too. They can identify suitable sites and recommend them to the authorities. They should also provide decent living conditions for their workers and meet their basic needs.

To address the residents' concerns effectively, employers and the relevant agencies could educate the workers on Singapore's social norms and standards of etiquette through regular talks, dialogue sessions and posters.

Employers can also organise informal gatherings, makan sessions, games and outings for workers during their day off, so that they will be kept occupied and have something to look forward to.

We as citizens also have a role to play by being open and accepting of foreign workers.

This way, all parties concerned will be happy, and disagreements or feedback can also be aired through the proper channels.

Mr Muhammad Dzul Azhan Haji Sahban

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