PSA ENTRY PASSES FOR STEVEDORES (Extension of age limit)

Mr Tan Cheng San asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider extending the age limit of stevedores to 65 years for the issue of Port of Singapore Authority passes.

Mr Lim Kim San (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, all stevedores, employed either by the PSA or private firms, require a pass from the PSA to work at the wharves.

The work of a stevedore requires heavy physical exertion and quick reflexes. Those who are over 60 years of age are generally slow in their physical responses. This could endanger their own safety and the safety of those who are working with them.

For this reason, the PSA does not propose to extend the age limit of stevedores beyond 60 years, regardless of whether they are employed by the PSA or the private companies.