TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating two companies after more than 100 migrant workers gathered at its Bendemeer services centre on June 22, 2026, to report unpaid wages and housing concerns.
The workers, mainly from India and Bangladesh, said they were employed by KPA Engineering and SK Industries, companies that provide air-conditioning maintenance and related services. Many of them were escorted into the MOM Services Centre after being identified by officials.
The workers told authorities they had not been paid for months, with some saying salaries had been delayed for up to three months. Several said they were left without money for food and transport after the companies reportedly ceased operations.
As reported by The Straits Times, workers began arriving at the MOM office at around 9am, with at least 100 individuals entering the building during the day. Some said they only learned days earlier that KPA Engineering had shut down its operations, and when they visited its listed office, the premises were found locked or occupied by another business.
One worker said he was owed up to S$4,000 (US$3,100), while another reported unpaid wages of around S$1,400 after earning about S$600 per month. Several workers said they were unable to contact company representatives or the recruitment agent who brought them to Singapore.
The Ministry of Manpower said it is investigating both firms for possible breaches of employment laws and is also looking into housing arrangements and other worker welfare issues. Officials added that workers may be allowed to seek new employment while their cases are being processed.
The Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) confirmed that it is assisting the affected workers in filing salary claims and coordinating with employers. Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) representatives said they had engaged more than 300 affected workers and provided immediate assistance, including food, transport support, and temporary shelter where necessary.
According to CNA, MOM general manager of TADM Ng Hwei Min said workers were being supported with housing and meal arrangements, while enforcement action would be taken if violations were confirmed. She added that workers could also be placed on alternative passes while seeking new employment.
Some workers said they had been told salaries would be paid on a specific date, but no payments were made, prompting them to seek help at MOM. One worker said, “We cannot find any of the bosses,” adding that repeated attempts to contact management had failed.
MOM said it is also working closely with MWC to ensure workers’ basic needs are met while disputes are resolved, including access to food and accommodation.
CNA reported that MWC had visited affected dormitories and reiterated that employers must pay salaries fully and on time. The centre also urged migrant workers facing issues to seek help early through official channels.
Checks on company records showed KPA Engineering and related firms were previously registered at multiple business addresses, though some listed locations are now occupied by other companies with no connection to the firms under investigation.
Read: Indonesia Expands Formal Job Opportunities for Migrant Workers in Malaysia
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