CLEANSING WORKERS (Complaints)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Health (a) how many complaints have been received by his Ministry in respect of cleansing workers not performing their duties satisfactorily from 1st January, 1968, up to the latest convenient date; and (b) what action has, been taken against those workers.

Mr Chua Sian Chin: From 1st January, 1968 to 31st August, 1969 there were only six complaints received in respect of cleansing workers not performing their duties satisfactorily, and this involved 12 cleansing workers. Disciplinary action was taken against these cleansing workers and the punishments imposed were as follows :- Details of Punishment Imposed Number (a) Verbal Warning 1 (b) Written Warning 4 (c) Suspension 1 (d) Fine ( 1/2 day's to 3 days' wages) 6

It is to be noted, however, that an Operations Room was set up at the Ministry of Health in October last year to receive and expeditiously deal with the complaints from members of the public in respect of health nuisances. The public were also urged to lodge their complaints to this Operations Room.

From 1st October 1968 to 31st August, 1969, a total of 2,467 complaints of health nuisances were thus received. Each and every complaint was investigated and 556 of them were not substantiated. Of the remaining 1,911 complaints, investigations disclosed that 60 complaints had resulted from neglect or unsatisfactory performance of duty on the part of 98 cleansing workers. Disciplinary action was therefore taken against them and the punishments imposed were as follows : - Details of Punishment Imposed Number (a) Verbal Warning 15 (b) Written Warning 8 (c) Suspension 4 (d) Fine (1� day's to 3 days' wages) 69 (e) Dismissal 2