How would you react when a group of strangers showed up in front of your shop and started asking for personal identification?
This was a question that surfaced after the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) officers investigated an eatery at Jalan Besar.
On 17 July 2023, Don Signature Crab / Chicken Pie Kitchen took to Facebook to complain about a Ministry of Manpower crackdown on their premises.
No Warning, Defensive & Unruly MOM Officers
According to their Facebook post, the crackdown was sudden, the officers did not properly identify themselves and they disrupted business operations.
Employees were also forced to show their personal documents, and one employee was allegedly made to sign documents.
During the raid, the employees were wondering if it was a large-scale impersonation scam.
The scene was allegedly hectic and the officers were uncooperative when it come to identifying themselves.
They only gave a number for the staff to verify after they seemingly knew the MOM hotline has closed for the day.
The MOM officers also allegedly entered cooking premises without masks or face shields.
Before leaving the scene, the group of officers loudly said two of the staff to “leave” until investigation results are out.
The owner promptly made a police report regarding the MOM inspection, giving updates to the situation in several Facebook posts.
You can find them here and here.
MOM Responds to Eatery That Claims “Rude & Unruly” MOM Officers Visited For Sudden Inspection
On 20 July 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) responded to the eatery’s allegations.
Their officers who were at the eatery for inspection were “respectful, polite and calm”.
They came to this conclusion after reviewing the footage recorded on the body-worn camera.
The inspection was conducted appropriately, and according to the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).
What MOM Says About The Inspection
MOM had conducted an hour-long inspection at Chicken Pie’s premises located at Tyrrwhit Road on Monday at around 5pm.
When the officers first entered the premises, they identified themselves, were wearing warrant cards and explained the purpose of their inspection.
The team has also provided one of the company directors with their supervisor’s number, who confirmed that they are legitimate officers from MOM. No objections were raised after that.
During the inspection, officers have the right to interview employees, request identification and search the premises.
The officers were respectful and calm throughout the entire process, the MOM spokesperson says, and they were careful not to affect the two diners at the scene.
Investigations are Ongoing
In the eatery’s Facebook post, it clarified that all of their workers have work passes and are being paid fairly.
However, MOM found that there may be two foreigners working in the premises who may have committed an offence under the EMFA.
Hence, the two workers are told to stop work while investigations are ongoing.
Investigations against Don Signature Crab / Chicken Pie Kitchen for employment-related offences has started.
Unannounced Inspections Are Normal
If you used to work in sales as a part-time job back in school, or you’re working in retail, you’ll know that the mystery shopping experience is real.
That’s when your bosses send someone to act as a shopper to test out your work performance.
MOM inspections are routine and officers can show up unannounced.
For those who’s shocked at one big group showing up, you can verify their identities with the ministry at their hotline (6438 5122) from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Mondays to Fridays, and 8.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.
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