Staff writer

Two construction workers died in separate incidents at LTA worksites on 15 and 16 September. The tragedies occurred on the Pan-Island Expressway and the North-South Corridor. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating, while the Acting Transport Minister highlighted a rise in LTA site accidents in 2023.

Singapore public postal provider, SingPost has announced a significant rate hike of 20 cents for standard regular mail to 51 cents, effective 9 October 2023, marking the largest increase since 2014. Citing digital disruption and declining mail volumes, the company aims to simplify the domestic postage rate by eliminating weight criteria. To ease the transition, Singapore households will receive a stamp booklet.

Leong Mun Wai, NCMP from PSP, underscores the importance of truthfulness in Parliament, stating that 'misrepresenting one's words is not appropriate conduct.' This follows Speaker Seah Kian Peng's ruling on a complaint about the alleged misrepresentation of Mr Leong's speech last month by PAP MP Murali Pillai.

FORUM-ASIA and its member organizations express solidarity with Bangladeshi human rights defenders, Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, following their conviction by the Dhaka Cyber Tribunal. The defenders, known for their work with Odhikar, have faced persistent harassment since revealing extrajudicial killings in 2013. FORUM-ASIA calls for their immediate release and urges Bangladesh to respect human rights and uphold international commitments.

MP for Chua Chu Kang, Mr Don Wee proposed increasing work passes for certain night-shift roles, allowing workers to return to Johor Bahru and Batam by day. Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng cautioned against over-reliance on foreign workers, emphasizing challenges in regulation, but pointed to the M-SEP scheme for businesses needing temporary foreign manpower.