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The Star
24-05-2025
- The Star
Immigration smashes two syndicates involved in forging papers
KUALA LUMPUR: Two groups, known as Ejen 001 and Al Ameen, involved in the abuse and forgery of Immigration documents, have been busted in raids by the Immigration Department here. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said that based on a two-week surveillance, his team raided three locations in Jalan Ampang and Jalan Kia Peng here at 12.10pm last Tuesday. They arrested five Chinese nationals and one Myanmar national, aged between 28 and 41, and subsequently dismantled the Ejen 001 group. He said the team seized 23 Chinese passports, one Vanuatu passport, two sets of computer central processing units, premises stamp, four handphones, two Employment Pass cards, two sets of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation application copies, one Chinese travel document and RM50,000 in cash. 'Preliminary investigations found that the Chinese national is believed to be the mastermind in offering immigration document-related services to other Chinese nationals in the country, such as applications for Social Visit Passes and Special Passes,' he said in a statement here yesterday, Bernama reported. He said Ejen 001 was operating behind office premises that had been turned into an operations centre to deceive authorities, while the charges imposed were from RM10,000 to RM15,000 for each service offered. The operations were believed to have been going on for the past six months. In the second raid at 5.42pm on three business premises on Jalan Raja Laut here, Zakaria said the team arrested three Bangladeshi men, aged between 24 and 32. They were identified as being involved in the forgery of Immigration documents for the Temporary Employment Visit Pass (ePLKS). He said it was believed a group known as Al Ameen was involved in the forgery of ePLKS, targeting Bangladeshi nationals who do not have work permits here. 'The results of the QR Code check on ePLKS found that the owner is a different individual and there is no information, while the syndicate operates this illegal activity from mobile phone shops to deceive the authorities. They had been operating for six months,' he said, adding that the fee charged was RM30 to RM70 for one unit of fake ePLKS . The team seized 18 Bangladeshi passports, one Pakistani passport, three laptops, two printers, closed-circuit television camera, a Kuala Lumpur City Hall licence and cash amounting to RM3,446. Zakaria said all the detained individuals were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for further investigation.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Immigration smashes 2 syndicates involved in forging documents
KUALA LUMPUR: Two groups known as Ejen 001 and Al Ameen, involved in the abuse and forgery of Immigration documents were busted in raids by the Immigration Department here on Tuesday. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said that based on two-week surveillance, his team raided three locations in Jalan Ampang and Jalan Kia Peng here at 12.10pm before arresting five Chinese nationals and one Myanmarese, aged between 28 and 41, and subsequently dismantled the Ejen 001 group. He said the operation team seized 23 Chinese passports, one Vanuatu passport, two sets of computer central processing units (CPUs), premises stamp, four handphones, two Employment Pass (EP) cards, two sets of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) application copies, one Chinese travel document and RM50,000 in cash. "Preliminary investigations found that the Chinese national is believed to be the main mastermind in offering immigration document-related services to other Chinese nationals in the country, such as applications for Social Visit Passes and Special Passes," he said in a statement here yesterday. He said Ejen 001 was operating behind office premises that had been turned into an operations centre to deceive the authorities, while the charges imposed were from RM10,000 to RM15,000 for each service offered, and the operations were believed to have been going on for the past six months. In the second raid, at 5.42pm, on three business premises in Jalan Raja Laut here, Zakaria said the operation team arrested three Bangladeshi men, aged between 24 and 32 years, who were identified as being involved in the forgery of Immigration documents for the Temporary Employment Visit Pass (ePLKS). He said that the results of public information and intelligence over three weeks found that a group known as "Al Ameen" was involved in the forgery of ePLKS, targeting Bangladeshi nationals who do not have work permits here. "The results of the 'QR Code' check on ePLKS found that the owner is a different individual and there is no information, while this syndicate operates in this illegal activity from mobile phone shops to deceive the authorities and had been operating for six months," he said, adding that fee charged was RM30 to RM70 for one unit of fake ePLKS . The operation team seized 18 Bangladeshi passports, one Pakistani passport, three laptops, two printers, closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, a Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) licence and cash amounting to RM3,446. Zakaria said that all the individuals who were detained were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for further investigation, and legal action is to be taken against them under the provisions of the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, and the Immigration Regulations 1963 based on their respective offences. "Additionally, eight local citizens were called to assist with the investigations. The Immigration Department will continue to intensify enforcement to combat any activities involving document abuse and immigration law violations," he added. – Bernama
CNA
30-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: SDA reaffirms its commitment to Pasir Ris-Changi GRC residents, saying 'we do not give up'
SINGAPORE: Despite boundary changes ahead of the May 3 polls, the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) remains as committed to residents as it has over the past two decades, candidates said on Wednesday (Apr 30). In four videos posted online, they also emphasised that they will address and voice residents' concerns if elected. The party, which will not hold any physical rallies this General Election, have released two video series this week as part of their online rallies, with the first batch released on Tuesday. "From 2006 until now, I have been contesting in Pasir Ris-Punggol. Now it has become Pasir Ris-Changi. I want to work together with you and fight hard to achieve our common dreams and aspirations. Let's work together," said SDA chief Desmond Lim in a speech delivered in Mandarin. "Time passes but my resolve from the start has not changed. Every general election, my love for the community here and my sense of responsibility grows stronger." The party has contested in the area, specifically in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, for almost two decades. The group representation constituency was dissolved last month as part of extensive boundary changes ahead of the polls, with some districts merged with adjacent areas in East Coast GRC to form Pasir Ris-Changi GRC. The SDA is only contesting in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC. The party's slate consists of Mr Lim, Mr Abu Mohamed, Mr Harminder Pal Singh and Mr Chia Yun Kai. They will go up against a People's Action Party (PAP) team helmed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Desmond Tan, Mr Sharael Taha and new face Ms Valerie Lee. Mr Chia, who joined the SDA earlier this month, said that the party was "proud" to welcome Changi residents from East Coast into the "family". "Together, we will be stronger than before. SDA has been standing with Pasir Ris residents for over 20 years. Twenty years of loyalty, twenty years of courage and twenty years of fighting for what is right," he added. "Our unwavering commitment, strength and resilience prove one thing. We do not give up and we do not walk away. We are here because we care." VOICES OF RESIDENTS MUST BE HEARD In their speeches, candidates also highlighted various causes which the party aims to address. Speaking in Malay, party secretary-general Abu Mohamed brought up how some young Singaporeans who hold polytechnic diplomas or university degrees find it difficult to find good jobs. "I am proud of the achievements, skills, and education of our young generation. They should be given chances, equal opportunities for better jobs," he said. He highlighted the party's proposal in its manifesto for a staggered levy on Employment Pass (EP) holders, where the levy would be higher for positions that require entry-level skillsets and taper down for high-skilled positions This would incentivise companies to hire and groom young Singaporeans to take on high-skilled and managerial positions, as well as level the playing field for middle-aged Singaporeans who face the prospect of being too expensive to hire, the party said previously. Candidates also stressed that they have heard and will continue to listen to residents. "We have been listening. We have been walking the streets, we have been talking to you in the hawker centers, our HDB void decks, our workplaces and we asked you what truly matters," said Mr Singh, adding that residents brought up their concerns about job security, affordable housing and healthcare. "You told us. You told us with a clarity that cuts through the noise." "We stand at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of widening inequality, of broken promises, of a society where the few thrive while many of us struggle," he added. "Or we can choose a different path. A path of compassion, a path of fairness, a path of a Singapore where every heart beats with hopes ... We the SDA offer you that choice."
CNA
23-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: Singapore Democratic Alliance proposes levy on EP holders, higher NSF pay in manifesto
Singapore The opposition party also suggests allowing Singaporeans to use their Medisave monies in "accredited healthcare institutions" across the ASEAN region. SINGAPORE: The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) published its manifesto on Wednesday (Apr 23), proposing a staggered levy on Employment Pass (EP) holders and to use the proceeds to fund a higher full-time national servicemen (NSF) allowance. In a 22-page election manifesto ahead of the May 3 polls, the SDA laid out four main areas of focus. These are reducing high cost of living pressures on common Singaporeans, improving job prospects for Singaporean talents, making public housing affordable and easily obtainable, as well as increasing access to quality and affordable healthcare. The opposition bloc also announced its campaign slogan as "Make Change Happen". "Our role is simple - to raise the concerns of common Singaporeans to today's 'ivory tower' government, and to propose good policy reforms that will improve lives of the many and not just the elite," SDA chief Desmond Lim wrote in a message. "We want to better your quality of life today, and lay a good foundation for the generations to come so they will be proud to be Singaporeans." The SDA is a coalition currently comprising the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS) and the Singapore Justice Party (SJP). In its manifesto, SDA also dedicated a page to how it would improve lives at Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, the only constituency it is contesting in this year's General Election. Proposals here included devoting more community spaces for "mental wellness counselling centres" as well as "community employment networks" for residents. Earlier on Wednesday, the party successfully submitted their nomination papers at Yusof Ishak Secondary School. SDA's Pasir-Ris Changi GRC slate consists of Mr Lim, Mr Abu Mohamed, Mr Harminder Pal Singh and Mr Chia Yun Kai. They will go up against a People's Action Party team helmed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah, alongside Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Desmond Tan, Mr Sharael Taha and new face Ms Valerie Lee. As part of proposals in its manifesto to reduce the cost of living, the SDA suggested the formation of an independent body similar to the CPIB (Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau) to "proactively" check on government spending. "Cost savings from trimming wasteful spending will reduce the need for unnecessary tax hikes," the manifesto read. "The move will also improve the accountability of the government when it comes to prudent use of taxpayers' monies." The SDA also proposed rent controls on coffee shops and commercial shop spaces in residential neighbourhoods, to prevent landlords from raising rent "unfairly and exorbitantly". This will be coupled with property tax rebates to reward landlords for offering "sustainable" rent increases, the party added. "To make life better, local small businesses must be given a fair shot at starting up, competing and prospering," said SDA. "And when they can afford to offer lower prices to compete, cost of living will be reduced for common Singaporeans." HELPING NSFS The party also proposed a "staggered levy" on EP-holders, to incentivise companies to hire and groom young Singaporeans to take on high-skilled and managerial positions, as well as level the playing field for middle-aged Singaporeans who face the prospect of being too expensive to hire. Singapore Democratic Alliance chairman Desmond Lim speaking to a man on Pulau Ubin, Apr 20, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Raj Nadarajan) The levy would be higher for positions that require entry-level skillsets, and taper down for high-skilled positions, said the SDA. The party estimated that S$2 billion would be collected annually from its proposed levies. This could then be used to fund a S$1,600 base allowance for all NSFs, it said. Any unused revenue from levies would be put in a "national service fund". The S$1,600 figure brings the NSF allowance in line with the local qualifying salary of full-time local low-wage workers, said the SDA. It also proposed free local university education for NSFs who qualify for and choose to pursue higher education opportunities. The SDA also proposed allowing Singaporeans to use their Medisave monies at "accredited healthcare institutions" across the ASEAN region, pointing out that countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia have "good, advanced medical facilities and capable doctors". "More options abroad for Singaporeans will lessen the strain on our local healthcare system, which is already suffering from bed and labour shortages," said the party. "Increased competition will serve to lower the overall cost of the healthcare here, which in turn opens up more choices for Singaporeans." GE2025 Singapore Democratic Alliance
Business Times
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Staying open is how Singapore can compete, grow and stay relevant
As Singapore grapples with a shrinking local workforce and rising business demands, how can we remain open to foreigners while addressing concerns over job security, social integration and infrastructure strain? The need for foreign talent to support our economic growth is an undisputed hard truth, made more acute by our declining birth rates and rapidly ageing population. In 2014, there were six working-age residents supporting each elderly resident aged 65 and above. By 2024, this fell to 3.5. Including foreign workers raises this support ratio to 5.2, highlighting their essential role in augmenting the local workforce and keeping our economy going. A delicate act of balancing concerns Singaporeans are pragmatic and understand the need to remain open to foreigners at all levels – work permit holders for blue-collar jobs where we have insufficient locals, and Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders to plug skills gaps and supply shortages, to create more opportunities and enhance our economic dynamism. Singaporeans' concerns centre around three key issues: fear that growth in EP and S Pass holders displaces local jobseekers because of discrimination and lower wages; infrastructure strain, rising prices and social disamenities caused by a growing foreign workforce; and dilution of the 'Singapore identity' at both at the workplace and community. On the flip side, businesses also have concerns on foreign manpower issues. In the Singapore Business Federation's (SBF) National Business Survey, availability and increasing cost of hiring foreigners ranked among the top three challenges limiting business growth. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Without adequate foreign talent, businesses face challenges in meeting demand, innovating and scaling, which can hinder their ability to compete globally. As a result, they may be forced to relocate or limit their expansion, ultimately impacting local employment, as the shortage of foreign workers also affects job opportunities for local workers. Optimising the work permit holder population Having said that, given the strong economic rebound from Covid, the overall foreign workforce population in Singapore has grown – while the number S Pass holders decreased by 11 per cent, EP holders have increased modestly by 4 per cent and work permit holders by a much larger 17 per cent. We cannot infinitely increase work permit holder numbers, which are at an all-time high due to infrastructure limitations. Rising dormitory costs, such as from the impending closure of two worker dormitories, underscore the pressure on our infrastructure. Dorm beds are now costing upwards of S$460 per month (as of H2 2024). These translate to increased operating costs, which eventually flow through to higher costs of services and reduced competitiveness for sectors dependent on foreign labour, such as construction, marine, manufacturing and services. We have two choices: businesses must bring in higher-skilled workers and automate to reduce foreign manpower needs, or we must scale back output to limit foreign manpower demand – potentially slowing down construction volume, relocating manufacturing activities that are labour-intensive and accepting fewer service staff. Seen in this light, the recent enhancements to the framework to enable employers to hire and retain higher-quality work permit holders announced at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Committee of Supply Debate will allow businesses continued access in a calibrated manner. These include the removal of maximum employment period restrictions and the raising of the maximum employment age for work permit holders from non-traditional sources (NTS); the expansion of NTS to include Laos, Cambodia and Bhutan, as well as the NTS Occupation List to hire skilled workers in more non-PMET (professional, managerial, executive and technician) occupations; and the extension of the Manpower for Strategic Economic Priorities support period from two to three years, to allow increased transitional work permit quotas. Many of these enhancements were recommendations from the Alliance for Action on Business Competitiveness. However, given our limits in importing work permit holders in large numbers, we can do more to utilise the existing pool by allowing greater flexibility in their cross-deployment across sectors and between firms with strategic contractual relationships. Take for example a multidisciplinary engineering firm that operates across diverse industries employing skilled work permit holders such as electricians and fitters. Allowing these workers to be flexibly deployed would optimise workforce allocation and reduce the need to hire additional workers for short-term needs. As highlighted by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the SBF Singapore Budget Symposium, our focus should be on better retaining and utilising our pool of skilled work permit holders, rather than simply relaxing quotas, which could lead to an oversupply of workers and strain Singapore's infrastructure. With appropriate safeguards, cross-deployment could complement recent work permit holder framework enhancements. Reducing discrimination and identity dilution At the S Pass and EP level, Singaporeans' concerns on potential discrimination and the dilution of the Singaporean identity are reasonable. Hence, the landmark Workplace Fairness Bill, which was recently passed in Parliament, is a significant move to protect Singaporeans from discrimination. This marks a paradigm shift from the current framework of using regulatory guidelines (namely, the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices), which does not have the force of law and limited enforcement levers (primarily the curtailment of work pass privileges for the hiring of foreign employees). Expected to take effect in 2026/2027, it will require businesses to ensure that their employment policies comply with the fair employment guidelines, and train hiring managers to assess skills and experience objectively to foster a fairer work environment, to avoid facing potential private actions by individual employees and/or enforcement action by MOM. Businesses can also do more to encourage workplace integration. Initiatives like the Workplace Diversity Programme by and the Institute of Policy Studies, alongside corporate integration efforts such as DBS' Integration Playbook and EY's Cultural Agility Toolkit, are exemplary for building a more inclusive workplace culture. The set-up of the Alliance for Action on the Integration of Foreign Professionals, led by the SBF, Singapore National Employers Federation and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, is therefore timely in raising the importance of this issue and developing practical solutions, to foster meaningful interactions and friendships between locals and foreigners at the workplace. We need to work harder to preserve Singapore's standing as a country that can attract skilled talent, reflected in our second-place ranking in the IMD World Talent Ranking 2024 and Insead Global Talent Competitive Index in 2023. In an increasingly inward-looking global environment, strengthening social cohesion through integration and addressing discriminatory practices becomes even more crucial to increase the absorptive capacity of Singapore for skilled talent. Optimising beyond Singapore We have thus far been trying to optimise our manpower within Singapore shores. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) offers a breakthrough to overcome our land and manpower constraints. With an integrated economic region with Johor, Singapore can access a larger, diverse workforce while easing infrastructure pressures. Partnering our Malaysian counterparts to locate relatively more labour-intensive segments of high value-added manufacturing operations in the JS-SEZ will reduce pressure on our physical and social infrastructure. Having the seamless movement of foreign workers living in the JS-SEZ but working in Singapore would achieve the same purpose. With the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System Link turning operational by late 2026, capable of moving 10,000 passengers hourly with streamlined immigration, our combined workforce could feasibly live and commute to work within the entire JS-SEZ. Resisting the call of nativism Singapore has so far been able to help locals secure good jobs while keeping businesses competitive. The dual-pronged approach – to help our locals compete strongly and fairly through heavy investment in skills development, and ensuring a level playing field through fair practices while allowing companies to have access to a complementary foreign workforce through a system of qualifying salaries, quotas and levies – have worked. There is always room to improve, but we must preserve this delicate equilibrium. With the current wave of nativism sweeping across many countries, let Singapore shine as an example of how a highly skilled local workforce can thrive alongside a complementary foreign workforce, working together to expand the economic potential of the Republic. The writer is CEO of the Singapore Business Federation
