The CM4MF is a special fund set up to continue supporting low-wage Malaysian workers who are still affected by the Cross Border restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your donations will be used to provide essential relief to these workers, such as daily meals and other critical assistance depending on their needs. 

COVID-19 has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of Malaysian Workers in Singapore

On 18 March 2020, the Malaysian government issued a Movement Control Order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included the closure of the borders between Singapore and Malaysia. 

Around 300,000 Malaysians commuting daily between Singapore and Malaysia for work were affected by the sudden ruling. The lockdown forced them to choose between staying in Singapore to work, or returning to Malaysia to be with their families but risk losing their jobs. 

What is the Need?

Many had no choice but to stay behind in Singapore. In some cases, their employers were unable to offer any assistance, and it has been hard for these low-wage workers to cope with the high living costs in Singapore while supporting their families in Malaysia. 

Unlike other migrant worker groups, such as those in the construction or domestic work industry, there are no charities or welfare groups that are specifically addressing the unique needs of these Malaysian workers stranded in Singapore. 

The workers requiring the most support are the low-wage Work Permit Holders – employed in essential services but jobs that are typically shunned by locals (eg. cleaners, security guards). 

What MASIS and Partners Have Done

Since March, MASIS and partners have rallied together to offer assistance to these workers on their food and shelter needs. Over 400 workers have been supported by us so far, but our funds are running low. 

During our initial planning, we were hoping for the border restrictions would be eased by the Dec 2020 and that the daily commuting could resume for these Malaysian workers. However, we now foresee that the situation could continue for at least a few more months, and we need more help to keep the support going. 

Please help our Workers 

From Jan 2021, MASIS will donate 50% of all membership fees received into this Relief Fund. In addition, we are appealing to our partners, public and fellow Malaysians to support by donating generously. 

The CM4MF will be used to fund the ongoing food programme for 400 workers in need. This is supported by registered charity Free Food For All, to provide ready cooked meals or groceries to those who require the assistance. It costs around S$40,000 per month to provide these meals to the 400 workers on a daily basis, costing $3.25 per meal.

With more funding, we could also expand the support to help the workers with other critical assistance, such as financial relief or paying for the charges incurred on their vehicles, as they have been unable to return to Malaysia due to the border closures. 

The Malaysian workers supported are the Work Permit Holders, and are generally unskilled or semi-skilled low-wage workers.

Follow our progress in the Updates page, which we will update on a monthly basis. 

The New Paper, 24 Apr 2020

COVID-19 Measures Taking A Toll on Malaysian Workers in Singapore

https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/malaysian-workers-caught-bind-covid-19-restrictions

“The cost of living in Singapore is very high. I’m not sure how I am going to afford food, groceries, and pay my rent when I won’t get paid. If I stay here, I have to cope with the expenses. If I go back to Malaysia, I might not have a job to come back to. I feel queasy just thinking about how I can get through this period.” – quote by 27-year-old Malaysian Worker

Channel News Asia, 23 Oct 2020

How COVID-19 has Disrupted the Close Links between Singapore and Johor 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/covid-singapore-johor-links-disruptions-rgl-pca-13319576#

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced how deeply interdependent Singapore and Malaysia are, and how challenging it can be for families and businesses with travel restrictions in place.” – Jeevan Singh, Singapore Consul-General in Johor Bahru 

Who is MASIS

The Malaysian Association In Singapore (MASIS) is a platform for all people of Malaysian origin who are residents in Singapore to connect and support each other. Founded in 2014, our membership welcomes individuals, students, families and the corporate sector to share, network and celebrate our Malaysian-ness.

Join MASIS to make new friends, connect with your cultural, social and business community, and to participate in Malaysian festivals and celebrations.

MASIS is a non-profit society under the patronage of the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore.

About Ray of Hope

100% of your donations through Ray of Hope go to people in need. We do not take a cut from the funds. We even cover 3rd party credit card charges, if you choose not to, that other crowdfunding platforms deduct from your donation for campaigns.

100% of all campaigns are also fully verified, so you know your funds goes to real people with real needs.

We take donor accountability very seriously – with yearly audited accounts and strong governance in place to ensure that your donations is properly channeled to the beneficiaries.

Ray of Hope is a registered charity and a member of the National Council of Social Services.