Convictions of MES Group Companies and Their Former Directors for Employment Offenses August 31, 2023 | Foreign Manpower

Three companies operating under the MES Group, along with four former directors, have been convicted of multiple offenses under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act ("EFMA") and the Employment Act ("EA"). The convicted companies include Mini Environment Service Pte Ltd ("Mini Environment Service"), Labourtel Management Corporation Pte Ltd ("Labourtel"), and MES Logistics Pte Ltd ("MES Logistics").

In light of these convictions, both the companies and the individuals involved have been barred from employing migrant workers. 

The sentences imposed on the four individuals and the three companies are as follows:

1: Name of individual / company: Mohamed Jinna s/o Mohamed Abdul Jaleel (“Jinna”)

 Role: Director of Mini Environment Service, Labourtel and MES Logistics

Sentence imposed: 42 weeks’ imprisonment and $48,000 fine (in default 192 days’ imprisonment)

2: Name of individual / company: Parvis Ahamed S/O Mohamed Ghouse (“Parvis”)

 Sentence imposed:35 weeks’ imprisonment and $42,500 fine (in default 170 days’ imprisonment)

3: Name of individual / company: Haja Nawaz (“Haja”)

  Role: Director of Labourtel

 Sentence imposed: 4 months and 2 weeks’ imprisonment

4: Name of individual / company: Chew Chain Loon (“Chew”)

  Role: Director of MES Logistics and Mini Environment Service

  Sentence imposed: 4 months’ imprisonment.

5: Name of individual / company: Mini Environment Service

Sentence imposed: Fine of $396,500

6: Name of individual / company: Labourtel

Sentence imposed:Fine of $120,000

7: Name of individual / company: MES Logistics

Sentence imposed: Fine of $59,000

These convictions stem from a lengthy period between 2009 and 2019 during which the three companies submitted 111 false salary declarations concerning Work Permit and S Pass applications or renewals to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Haja and Chew were responsible for these submissions on behalf of the companies. Under the direction of Parvis and Jinna, Haja and Chew inflated the monthly salaries of several foreign employees, aligning them with the requirements for issuing a Work Permit or S Pass. These falsely declared salaries were credited to the employees' bank accounts, followed by instructing the employees to return the excess amount in cash to Haja or Chew. This deceptive practice enabled the companies to employ more foreign workers than they were entitled to.

In the case of Mini Environment Service, from 2015 to 2019, the company submitted 18 false employment declarations to MOM. Guided by Parvis and Jinna, Haja and Chew falsely declared Mini Environment Service as the official employer of foreign employees mentioned in the declarations. These foreign employees, however, were illicitly deployed to work at MES Logistics or Labourtel, without valid work passes, and were assigned job roles different from what was declared. This maneuver allowed the companies to evade the work pass quotas imposed on them.

During March and April 2019, Mini Environment Service compelled its employees to work overtime beyond the legally permitted limit of 72 hours per month, as stipulated by the EA.

Taking Strong Measures Against Wrongdoers

Mr. Adrian Quek, Divisional Director of the Foreign Manpower Management Division at MOM, remarked, “This case represents the most extensive and significant instance of false declaration violations ever investigated by MOM. The MES Group neglected the well-being of its employees by unlawfully deploying them and subjecting them to excessive overtime work. Moreover, the group exploited loopholes in our work pass controls, unfairly gaining a competitive edge over other companies. MOM remains steadfast in taking decisive actions against companies that violate our laws."

Necessity of Truthful Declarations

All employers are obligated to provide accurate and truthful declarations to the Controller of Work Passes in their work pass applications. Making false declarations to the Controller constitutes a grave offense. Upon conviction, offenders may face a fine of up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 2 years under the EFMA. Additionally, they will be prohibited from hiring new foreign workers and renewing permits for existing foreign workers.

Under the EA, offenses related to excessive overtime may result in a fine of up to $5,000 upon conviction. Repeat offenders may face a more severe punishment of a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months.

Reporting Violations

Members of the public who are aware of individuals or employers contravening the EFMA and EA are encouraged to report such cases to MOM. All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Source: The Ministry of Manpower Website