Fauzie Laily Calls For Lawmakers To Improve Transport For Migrant Workers

Local singer-actor Fauzie Laily took to his Instagram on Tuesday (Sep 21) to talk about a cause close to his heart.

The 36-year-old posted a picture of a lorry that was parked below his block. The vehicle, which appeared to be used to transport migrant workers, had two signs on it that didn’t sit well with him.

“As you can see, there are signs that say Wear A Mask and No Talking . There are just so many wrongs about this that I don't even know where to start. Our dear migrant workers who are helping to build our country deserve better, wrote Fauzie.

He went on to say that he feels “it's high time that lawmakers make important changes”, especially when it comes to transport for these workers.

“Isn't it about time we stop putting their lives in danger and give them better transportation after a long hard day at work that usually takes a lot of physical effort and requires them to be under the hot sun?” he added.

Fauzie went on to write that he finds it “ridiculous” that the workers are required to stay silent and not talk to their peers on the lorry after a long day of work.

“They get holed up in their dorms away from the outside world after working hours and during weekends during this pandemic, but now they are also required to keep their mouths shut and be silent at the back of a freaking lorry?? To me, this is plain ridiculous,” he fumed.

“We pride ourselves as a modern and forward thinking nation, but it's a shame that we still treat sections of the people in our community like they are not human. Singapore, we have to do better,” wrote Fauzie, adding that at the very least, a bus or van should be provided as their transport.

Here's Fauzie's full post:

The actor went on to share that he’s actually spoken to a number of migrant workers before, as well as representatives of COVID-19 Migrant Support Coalition, an NGO run by volunteers, shedding light on their plight.

“Most of them have been away from their families for around two years now and so far there's no light at the end of the tunnel for them. Just imagine the sadness and stress they are going through. So, let's show that we care. They are also one of us. Love and Respect. Please,” he wrote.

Celebs like comedian Hossan Leong, and Ah Boys To Men actor Charlie Goh also left comments in support of Fauzie’s message, with Hossan writing in full caps: “THANK YOU BROTHER”.

Apart from that, Fauzie also shared more about a local initiative that aimed to buy 5000 pieces of lungi — a type of sarong that migrant workers often wear in their free time — to gift to these workers.

The initiative was a roaring success, raising over S$25,000 in just three days.

According to the organiser, they are no longer accepting donations, and the lungis are set to be delivered on October 2.

Since the donation drive is now closed, the organiser has directed all potential donors to It's Raining Raincoats, another local initiative that aims to improve the lives of migrant workers in Singapore.

Photos: Fauzie Laily/Instagram​​​​​​​