This morning, at 7:15am, a migrant worker was found lying motionless at a staircase landing in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
The 46-year-old Indian national later died from his injuries.
It was later confirmed by MOH that he’s a coronavirus patient, and it’s unknown how he could been at the staircase landing since all coronavirus patients should be isolated.
According to the police, “Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play. Police investigations are ongoing.”
In case you’re wondering, “foul play” means a violent case, usually a murder case.
Man Worked in Singapore Since 2009
According to MOM, the man is a construction worker and has been working for the same employer since September 2009.
He lives in a factory-converted dormitory operated by his employer.
A factory-converted dormitory (FCD) is like a small dormitory that’s converted from a factory and is not manned by a dormitory operator but usually by their own employer. Think of dormitories as hotels housing many people, and FCDs as Airbnb units that house just a few people.
MOM said that the FCD had been inspected before. They added, “It was last inspected on Apr 12, 2020. At the time, it housed nine workers (including the deceased), less than the approved capacity for factory-converted dormitories.
“The dormitory was found to be in an acceptable condition, including cleanliness and ventilation.”
It’s unknown when the man has been admitted to the hospital.
So could there be a dispute somewhere?
MOM says, “Background checks do not reveal any complaints against the employer.” In addition, the roommates appeared to be “sad but calm”, and that they “have been well taken care of by the employer.”
This afternoon, Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam and Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo also met with the workers at their dormitory. Ms Teo said, “We want to assure the workers once again that we are here to help them, and if there’s anything at all, they can reach out to our officers. They have the numbers, and they know how to contact us.
“This is a difficult time for all of them. We appreciate all of their contributions to Singapore and we are committed to looking after them. So whatever it is that they need, as long as they reach out to us, we will provide the support to them.”
MOM is working with the Hindu Endowments Board to undertake the necessary funeral arrangements for the worker, and are also working with the Migrant Workers’ Centre to provide support to his family.
Of course, the burning question is: has it got to do with COVID-19?
Remember how I highlighted the word “injuries” at the beginning of the article?
According to The Straits Times, they understood that the man had not died due to the COVID-19 infection.
Let’s just wait for more details and not speculate anything.
