Migrant workers suffer as Asean countries combat Covid-19

The Bibby Renaissance and Floatel Triumph floating hotels, meant to house healthy migrant workers, are seen docked at Tanjong Pagar Terminal, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to tise in Singapore since last week. - Reuters

SINGAPORE: Millions of migrant workers in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia toil in conditions that leave them vulnerable not only to the Covid-19 (coronavirus), but to strict lockdowns imposed to stem the pandemic in host countries.

But the wealthiest and third-wealthiest countries in South-East Asia, Singapore and Malaysia respectively, depend on millions of immigrants to fill low-wage jobs in agriculture, construction, domestic help and restaurants.