30 PMD Riders Visit Minister K. Shanmugam During Meet-The-People Session In Yishun

The partial PMD ban has been out for less than a week.

And the response so far has been rather…complicated, to say the least.

Some people were extremely upset and one even made a Facebook video on the effects of the ban.

Understandably, it’s only natural for citizens to want comments from those in power.

Crowded Session

One downside of the ban that was brought up was that it would greatly affect the livelihoods of food delivery riders.

Hard to disagree, honestly.

So, it’s no coincidence that pictures surfaced on Facebook showing Minister K Shanmugam surrounded by food delivery riders during a Meet-The-People (MTP) session yesterday (5 November 2019).

The pictures involving the Nee Soon GRC MP started floating around soon after.

The session near Block 107, Yishun Ring Road, saw large groups of people crowding around the minister.

According to MS News, many of them dismounted from PMDs with GrabFood delivery bags.

It’s a pretty hot topic at the moment so I’m not too surprised.

Although, that is a lot more people than I thought there’d be.

Personally, I think more people coming to talk about such a huge change is good.

If multiple people can come together to discuss it, it is likely that a middle-ground solution can be formed.

Met with 30 PMD riders

Mr Shanmugam posted an update on Facebook regarding his MTP session on Wednesday (Nov 6), saying around 30 PMD riders came to see him.

He detailed the encounter in his post, calling it a “civil meeting”.

“I explained the reasons for the move on PMDs. They explained their position, their difficulties. I said we understood their position, but I would also convey their views to MOT, and to Cabinet. The riders were appreciative. It was a good, civil meeting”, he wrote.

The minister also told them that he will call for another meeting.

Up To Speed On The Ban?

Though probably not so speedy since PMDs are now mostly banned.

Sorry, bad PMD joke.

In case you don’t know, the ban on PMD usage on footpaths started yesterday (5 November 2019). However, there will be an advisory period until 31 December. During this time, riders who violate the rules will be given stern warnings.

Anything after that date well…good game. A fine up to S$2,000 and/or jail up to three months say hi.

You can find out more about it from our article here.

Though it kind of sucks that the PMD bans have affected people such as food delivery riders, we hope that they can pull through this period.

Who knows? Things might change down the line.