Over 100 migrant workers seek ministry help as two Singapore firms face unpaid wage investigations
The Ministry of Manpower is investigating two companies after more than 100 migrant workers showed up at the ministry's services centre in Bendemeer on June 22 over unpaid wages and housing concerns.
The workers, primarily from India and Bangladesh, are employed by KPA Engineering and SK Industries, according to Ng Hwei Min, general manager of the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM), as reported by local media.
Ng told the news outlets that TADM and MOM are working to address the workers' complaints and have reached out to employers.
"We are also allowing the workers to change their employer, so that they can seek new employment, should they want to, while we address their situation," she said as quoted by The Straits Times.
"MOM will take the necessary and appropriate enforcement action against the companies should they be found to have breached any of the employment laws."
The Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) said it had engaged more than 300 affected workers from both companies.
Michael Lim, director of NTUC's migrant workers segment, told Channel News Asia that many workers had little or no money for food or transportation when MWC met them at the MOM office.
The centre arranged food and transport assistance and said temporary shelter would be provided if needed.
"Paying workers their salaries fully and on time is a responsibility of every employer. MWC urges all employers to uphold their obligations to their workers, and MWC will be alongside to support workers whose rights are not respected," Lim said.
Migrant workers' concerns
Workers told The Straits Times and Channel News Asia they had gone unpaid for two to three months. Some said they had been unable to contact their employers or a recruiting agent.
One worker told Channel News Asia he was owed more than S$4,000 and had received only S$200 in recent weeks. Another told The Straits Times he was owed S$1,400.
KPA Engineering, which provides air-conditioning maintenance services, appears to have shuttered. The Straits Times visited the company's listed address and found it occupied by an unrelated firm, CHL Construction, which said it moved into the premises in September 2025 after KPA Engineering vacated.
A registered address at the Westech building in Pandan Loop, shared by six companies including KPA Engineering and SK Industries, also appeared unoccupied when local media visited.
Business records show KPA Engineering has two foreign directors with addresses in Hillview. One, a Singapore permanent resident, is a director of six other companies in engineering, plumbing, and air-conditioning works, according to The Straits Times.
MOM said it is working closely with MWC to ensure workers have access to housing and meals while investigations proceed.
"MOM is also investigating two companies for possible breaches and will take action if necessary," Ng said, as reported by The Straits Times.
Channel News Asia said it attempted to contact KPA Engineering three times via a listed mobile number, but calls were not answered. SK Industries had not responded to requests for comment at the time of CNA's reporting.
