COVID-19: Bangladeshi worker's family to receive $10,000 donation

SINGAPORE — The family of a 39-year-old Bangladeshi migrant worker infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus will be receiving a $10,000 donation from the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC).

In a Facebook post on Monday (24 February) morning, the non-governmental organisation said the donation will comprise contributions from the worker’s employer, Yi-Ke Innovations; dormitory operator, Mini-Environment Services; and MWC, via its Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund.

The donation is meant to help with “urgent purchases or payments, associated with day-to-day expenses or other financial needs” and will be sent directly to the workers’ family via telegraphic bank transfer, said MWC.

“Soon after he was hospitalised, the MWC has contacted his next-of-kin (through his employer) and has been providing them with updates on his condition. We also understand that it has been a distressing period of time for his family as he is the sole breadwinner,” said the group.

“As for the cost of his medical treatment during his stay in hospital, we can confirm as well that as with all other COVID-19 cases, they will be borne by our Government,” it added in the post.

The worker, who is Singapore’s 42nd COVID-19 case, stayed at The Leo dormitory in Kaki Bukit and tested positive for the virus on 8 February. On Friday, the Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore confirmed that the worker was in “very critical” condition and was in the intensive care unit.

He and four other Bangladeshi workers here who have also been infected are part of the cluster at Seletar Aerospace Heights construction site.

Workers’ being cared for

MWC said in its post that it had been receiving offers of donations and assured members of the public that the workers’ in question are receiving the “necessary help and assistance”.

“In the event that their condition take a turn for the worse, the MWC may decide to hold a public fund-raising campaign – but at the moment, there is no need for such a measure,” said the group.

Those who still wish to make a general donation can do so via a cash or cheque payment to the "Migrant Workers' Assistance Fund" at the MWC Help Centre at 579 Serangoon Rood, Singapore 218193.located at 579 Serangoon Rood, Singapore 218193.

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