Ramalingam Murugan, a 37-year-old migrant worker from Tamil Nadu, India, has achieved a significant victory in Singapore as he won a lawsuit for negligence in an overcrowded lorry accident. The case highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers in the country and sheds light on transportation practices that put their safety at risk.
According to a report by CNN, Murugan fell off the back of an overcrowded lorry on January 3, 2021, resulting in a fracture in his leg. The incident prevented him from working and prompted him to file a case against the company responsible for failing to provide a safe system of transport and neglecting risk assessments.
Murugan launched a lawsuit against Rigel Marine Services, seeking SGD 100,000 (approximately $73,500) in damages. His lawyer, Muhamad Ashraf Syed Ansarai, highlighted that the accident occurred due to an overcrowded lorry, which is a common practice in industries like heavy construction.
Representatives of Rigel Marine Services denied the claims, attributing the accident to Murugan’s own carelessness in failing to watch his footing while alighting from the lorry.
However, on August 17, the district judge ruled in favor of Murugan, stating that there was a clear breach of duty by the company. The case underscores the issues faced by migrant laborers who often work long hours outdoors in extreme weather conditions without a minimum wage and inadequate safety measures.
Singapore has been reliant on cheap foreign laborers for decades, with millions of workers from countries like India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China seeking work opportunities in construction and maritime industries. These workers often travel on overcrowded lorries, leading to road accidents and fatalities over the years.
While concerns about the safety and well-being of migrant laborers have been raised, the Singapore government has not imposed strict policies to address these issues. The government’s stance has drawn criticism as the conditions of these laborers remain a concern.
The case of Ramalingam Murugan’s lawsuit brings attention to the need for improved safety measures and working conditions for migrant workers in Singapore, particularly concerning transportation practices that put their lives at risk.
