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SINGAPORE: National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan has said while worker dormitories are located away from residential areas as far as possible, it is a challenge to house an increasing foreign worker population in land-scarce Singapore.
Hence it will not be possible to completely isolate them from the local population.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Mr Mah said that if demand for foreign workers increases, the government will consider building workers' dormitories to an even higher density to optimise land use.
Responding to MPs' questions on the issue of housing foreign workers, Mr Mah said employers and the community must also do their part.
"As Singapore becomes more built up, it is likely that these developments will be closer to residential areas over time. The larger issue is about a choice that we have to make collectively as a nation.
"Since the early days of industrialisation, we have relied on foreign workers to augment the workforce and also to take on jobs that Singaporeans avoid. However, there is a social cost to be paid. In land-scarce Singapore, they will have to share our common space and facilities.
"So we have to make a choice if we want more foreign workers. We must collectively make adjustments to resolve the social problems. If we want fewer foreign workers, we must be prepared for slower growth, higher costs, lower service levels and delays in completion of our flats, our roads and our rail lines.
"We have decided to go for growth because it is good for Singapore and Singaporeans, but going forward, we may need to review if a new balance is needed." - CNA/vm
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