Ministry to table bill on mandatory licensing of cleaning companies

SINGAPORE: Second Minister for Environment and Water Resources Grace Fu said the ministry is ready to table a bill later this year, to introduce the mandatory licensing of all cleaning companies in 2014.

Ms Fu said in Parliament this will set the standards that all cleaning companies must meet before they can operate.

She added that the government is trying to transform the cleaning industry.

By improving the productivity and standards of the industry, the ministry hopes to improve the jobs of 50,000 resident cleaners.

Ms Fu said: "Mr Zainal Sapari and Mr Lim Swee Say have called for licensing to hasten the pace of change. This will set the standards that all cleaning companies must meet before they can operate. The key licensing requirements include mandatory training courses and progressive wage model for the cleaners. With better training and employment conditions, our cleaners can look forward to better lives."

— CNA/xq