Earlier this week, local media posted a video showing a group of migrant workers sitting in the back of a caged lorry, which was locked from the outside.
The clip was filmed by one of the site’s readers, who expressed shock at the sight. According to him, the back of the lorry appeared to be locked with a chain hook. He questioned if it is “legal to transport people in Singapore” in that manner, citing safety concerns.
The topic ignited heated discussion among Singaporeans.
The majority have called for safer transport methods, and condemned the transport arrangement as a “mistreatment” of foreign workers. Some also pointed out how dangerous the situation could get — the passengers have no way of escaping in the case of accidents and fires.
“They are humans not non-living things .. is this correct to cage them??” questioned one netizen, while another simply stated: “Modern-day slavery.”
Others also said that the treatment of workers here is an example of how our society “lacks apathy”, and the situation, an example of how many turn a blind eye to the “dehumanisation” of the workers.
As another netizen puts it: “Humanity sucks in SG.”
On the flip side of the argument are some netizens who believe that the transport arrangement remains the most practical for many businesses in Singapore.
“No lock also complain..safely locked also complain,” read a popular comment, while another netizen wrote: “Would you rather them leave it unlocked?”
“Then what do you recommend they do?” questioned a commenter.
A netizen also argued: “Better mode of transportations equals higher cost for the company. [They will] need to raise the cost of goods and services, [which leads to] consumers paying more. Then people want to complain about the high cost of living! So what do you want? Choose between compassion vs high cost of living.”
These comments, however, were hit back with those asking if they themselves would willingly commute via the same method. Basically, they were asked to show more empathy towards workers if they wouldn’t accept the same transport arrangement for themselves.
Transport for migrant workers has long been a topic of contention amongst Singaporeans. While it is legal to transport workers on lorries under Singapore’s road laws, in some cases, businesses have been spotted flouting the rules, such as not keeping to the maximum capacity of the vehicle, and neglecting to secure goods that are being transported alongside the passengers.
In 2025, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) reiterated its call for Singapore to ban the practice of transporting workers on lorries.
The group argued that the state has a responsibility to safeguard workers’ lives and should offer subsidies, practical solutions, and clear timelines to help companies transition to safer transport options.
What’s the best way to resolve this long-standing issue?
Photos: Mothership/ Ram Prasath