Migrant worker rights groups called for a timeline to ban transporting workers in lorries, and business associations responded by warning of “operational complexities”.
Netizens condemned the statement and Singapore’s ambassador-at-large Professor Tommy Koh said trade groups were “resorting to scare tactics”.
SPEED MATTERS
On social media, some commenters said they have seen lorry drivers speeding on the roads and overtaking or tailgating other vehicles.
Mr Elumalai, 35, said he has seen such drivers on the road, but he does his part to reduce the risk of accidents.
“I drive slowly, because my boss said it is okay to be 10 minutes late, never mind. Slowly drive, no accident,” said Mr Elumalai, who has worked in Singapore for 13 years and driven a lorry for eight years.
He said he thinks lorries are relatively safe as long as drivers keep to slower speeds like 60 kmh or 70 kmh.
Mr Simbu said some drivers may be in a hurry, especially in the mornings.
“One driver goes to three sites, four sites. Some supply companies, they go to many sites – five sites, six sites before 8am,” he said, referring to companies that supply manpower for different construction projects.
“No choice for the driver, because (there’s) one lorry only,” he said.
His schedule is not as tight and he does not feel the need to hurry. Mr Simbu typically drives workers to one work site in the morning, then ferries them back to the dormitory at night.
“Workers can also see that I drive slowly, over the humps and when I’m turning,” he said.
The authorities have announced that speed limiters will be required on all lorries exceeding a maximum laden weight of 3,500kg. Details of the regulation will be released later in 2023, they said in July.
HOW TO IMPROVE SAFETY
Having more substitute drivers, enough space for workers at the back of the lorry and limiting driving speed are some ways to make lorries safer, drivers told CNA.
Mr Simbu said measures that have been implemented like a mandatory rest period and having a buddy to chat with the driver are helpful. But what would help more is to have more people who can drive, so they can take over if the assigned driver is tired.