MOM conducts surprise inspection after resident shares video of rat in Woodlands workers’ dorm

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has inspected the North Coast Lodge workers’ hostel and found the common areas to be clean after a resident recorded a video of the living conditions at the hostel, which also included a rat. Masher Anthony shared the 40-second video, which shows spills around the stove, razor blades and hair on the sink, trash in the shower area, and the rodent scurrying across the rafters and pipes in the ceiling. “These are the living conditions in the North Coast Lodge dormitory,” said the Stomper. “The worker asked me on WhatsApp what sin he had committed for the employer to put him in such a place?” North Coast Lodge is run by Draco Venture and is located at 51 North Coast Avenue in Woodlands. In response to a Stomp query, MOM said: “The ministry takes seriously all issues relating to hygiene standards and living conditions in hostels for migrant workers.” We are aware of the video and feedback from a resident at the North Coast Lodge hostel regarding the cleanliness of the common areas in a dormitory block. “MOM’s Forward Assurance and Support Team conducted an investigation by making unannounced visits to North Coast Lodge on March 30 and April 5. “During the inspection, we found that the dormitory’s common areas were clean, but we reminded the dormitory operator of this.” We note the importance of ensuring acceptable living conditions for our migrant workers and will continue to monitor the situation . “The operator explained that the video was recorded during the evening peak period after workers had prepared their dinner before cleaning of the premises took place. Cleaning of North Coast Lodge’s common areas occurs twice a day – morning and midnight – while pest control is carried out twice a week. “MOM will continue to conduct regular inspections at the dormitories to ensure acceptable hygiene standards are maintained for migrant worker residents.” Below are photos of the conditions shown in the video side by side with photos of the conditions MOM found in the dormitory.