Singapore’s acting manpower minister told platform companies on Friday not to punish gig workers whose jobs take longer during the haze, saying incentive clawbacks, fewer assignments and pay deductions would breach workplace safety duties under the new Platform Workers Act. Jasmin Lau spoke at a joint briefing with sustainability minister Grace Fu as 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index readings in three regions sat in the very unhealthy band and central Singapore hit 229 — the highest level recorded this year.
What platforms must do
Lau said operators must advise riders on masks, rest breaks and when to stop outdoor work, and cannot use algorithmic penalties to offset slower runs caused by poor visibility or health precautions. The Ministry of Manpower has reminded major food-delivery and ride-hail apps of those obligations since hourly PM2.5 readings spiked midweek, she added.
Under the Platform Workers Act, which took effect earlier this year, operators owe platform workers the same practical protections against environmental hazards as other employers. Lau’s comments narrow how firms may treat latency metrics when government health advisories urge vulnerable people to minimise time outdoors.
Inspection gaps
Manpower inspectors checked more than 400 worksites in September for compliant haze management plans. About a quarter fell short, Lau said, without naming sectors. Employers across construction, logistics and outdoor retail must supply N95 respirators where required, rotate strenuous tasks and document risk assessments when PSI or PM2.5 crosses ministry thresholds.
Fu, speaking on enforcement against cross-border smoke, said the National Environment Agency traced fires on seven landholdings in Sumatra and will issue preventive notices under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. That parallel track does not reduce MOM’s expectation that local managers protect staff still on the road, Lau stressed.
Impact on riders and customers
Delivery associations have reported riders wearing masks while navigating condo security checks, adding minutes per order. Consumers have complained about longer wait times on apps, but Lau said customer frustration cannot be pushed onto workers through hidden score penalties. Platforms told CNA they are broadcasting in-app reminders about haze payouts and flexible cancellations.
Sport Singapore closed outdoor ActiveSG facilities again Friday, underscoring how public agencies are limiting exposure while logistics networks keep moving food and medicine. Manpower officials said they would investigate complaints about punitive rating systems and could issue fines if operators ignore Friday’s guidance.
What comes next
Ministers did not set a PSI level at which platforms must suspend outdoor gigs entirely, leaving that judgment to individual risk assessments. Lau said MOM will publish aggregated enforcement numbers after October inspections conclude. Until air quality improves, riders were urged to reject jobs that feel unsafe without fear of account suspension — a standard Lau said MOM would back in disputes.