SMRT’s CEO Kuek visits China bus drivers at Serangoon dormitory

SINGAPORE: President and CEO of SMRT Desmond Kuek on Friday visited the workers’ dormitory at Serangoon and spoke to China bus drivers there.

An SMRT statement said Mr Kuek’s visit was to understand at first hand their concerns and appreciate their current living conditions.

It said Mr Kuek noted that the conditions in the dormitories could certainly be better, and said feedback had been given to the dormitory operators to improve the living conditions there.

Fumigation works to tackle complaints of bedbugs in some dormitory rooms was done last month, and again this week. SMRT said alternative housing arrangements will be made earlier if conditions do not improve.

Earlier in the morning, Mr Kuek visited the Ang Mo Kio bus depot to monitor the situation of bus operations and to ensure that all bus services continue to be maintained and run normally.

Commenting on the four drivers from China who have been arrested and charged in court on Thursday, Mr Kuek said SMRT is managing the morale of the other drivers who are understandingly anxious about the outcome.

Mr Kuek said the drivers he met in the afternoon had assured him that they will continue to work hard to serve their passengers.

Thanking them for their positive attitude, Mr Kuek assured the drivers that SMRT values their service and will improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more responsive and sensitive to their needs.

As for those who took part in the strikes on Monday and Tuesday, Mr Kuek reiterated that SMRT takes a serious view of their illegal actions, and said that they should have used the proper channels to raise their concerns and feedback.

— CNA/de