JOHOR BARU – Malaysians working in Singapore who suffer mishaps, damages or injuries are often forced to confront the high costs that come with medical treatments in the city-state, apart from being subjected to rogue mechanics.
Many do not realise that their employers are supposed to bear the medical expenses should any mishap befall them, even if the accident is not related to work.
According to Singapore Accident Help Centre (SAHC) chief operating officer Janey Wong, all employers are required by law to cover the medical expenses of an employee who holds an S Pass (for mid-level skilled staff) in the island republic.
“However, this does not apply to employment pass holders (professionals) or Singapore permanent residents,” she said in an interview with The Vibes.
The employer will only be required to bear expenses of up to S$45,000 (RM147,500) if the accident is work-related.
Wong added that any Malaysians working in the Lion City should not be afraid to seek medical treatment there if they become involved in an accident.
SAHC, a non-profit organisation based in Johor Baru, would be happy to provide assistance to those in need of aid, in terms of getting fair treatment and having their rights covered, she said.
There have been instances where the centre had found out about Malaysians who were victims of road accidents in Singapore but were denied fair compensation via insurance.
This was because they were manipulated by certain parties who were either protecting their own interests or taking advantage of the victims’ lack of legal knowledge.
Such parties include dishonourable workshop owners who work with road touts to get first dibs on any vehicles involved in an accident and make promises that they would settle everything for the affected vehicle owners.
Instead of prioritising vehicle owners’ interests, workshop operators would make fraudulent expensive claims on repair works, such that even the owners are no longer entitled to other insurance claims, including compensation for injuries they suffered in an accident.
“There was a reported court case where a road accident victim agreed to pass his case to a workshop instead of appointing lawyers to handle the matter.
“He was later asked to sign a discharge voucher by the workshop representative,” Wong said.
“Thinking that it was just for the settlement of his vehicle, he duly signed the voucher without reading all the clauses. This led the court to bar him from making any other claims, including for his injuries, as the voucher’s clause prevented him from making further claims,” she added.
SAHC advised all Malaysians working in Singapore not to deal with the touts who appear out of nowhere once an accident occurs, as it would lead to further complications.
Should any Malaysian workers get into an accident in Singapore, Wong urged them to contact the SAHC hotline immediately at 07-330-9193 for on-the-spot information and advice on taking the next step of action.
She added that the organisation is also experienced in handling hit-and-run accidents and untraceable or uninsured drivers, and had forged close working ties with other non-governmental organisations and like-minded groups. – The Vibes, December 24, 2022
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