Dormitory operator and director prosecuted for failing to comply with FEDA

Yesterday, Labourtel Management Corporation (Labourtel), a dormitory operator, and its director became the first company and individual to be prosecuted under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act 2015 (FEDA).

According to a press release by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the company faces 10 charges while the director, Parvis Ahamed s/o Mohamed Ghouse, faces six charges, for failing to comply with licensing conditions between November 2017 and January 2019.

The cases against Labourtel and Ahamed have been adjourned until 1 August 2019. If convicted, they can be fined up to S$50,000 or imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both, for each offence.

Failure to comply with the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act 2015

During an inspection of four purpose-built dormitories (PBDs) managed by Labourtel - Blue Stars Dormitory; Jurong Penjuru Dormitory 1 and 2; and The Leo, the MOM had found "several breaches" of the FEDA.

These PBDs were found to be "poorly maintained", with missing or damaged light fixtures, faulty shower taps and corroded railings and staircases. The living conditions were also described as "filthy and unacceptable", with cockroaches found in the rooms.

Photo / 123RF