Written Answer to PQ on Commercial Dormitory Bed Supply

NOTICE PAPER NO. 135 OF 2025 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 15 OCT 2025
QUESTION NO. 658 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the current number of commercial dormitory beds at workers' dormitories and the projected number of beds in each year over the next three years; and (b) whether the Government can consider increasing the supply of dormitory beds through industrial land sales or industrial property conversion given the current high occupancy and rental rates.

Answer:

Today, there are around 250,000 commercial dormitory beds. The Government projects a net increase of around 27,000 beds in commercial dormitories over the next few years. This includes the two government-owned purpose-built dormitories (PBDs) in Jalan Tukang and Sengkang West, which are expected to be completed in Q1 2026 and mid-2028 respectively.

2. The Government works closely with the dormitory industry to increase the supply of dormitory beds. Besides adding new PBDs to the market, we have also extended the leases of expiring dormitories where feasible, and allowed existing PBDs to add more beds whilst meeting prevailing dormitory housing standards. Within industrial estates, we have facilitated applications for new Factory-Converted Dormitories, and increased the allowable Gross Floor Area of industrial developments for dormitory use from 40% to 49%.

3. As a further measure to increase the supply of beds, the Government encourages and facilitates employers, especially those in the Construction sector, to set up Construction Temporary Quarters (CTQs) or Temporary Occupation Licence Quarters (TOLQs) to meet their workers’ accommodation needs. Public sector agencies have taken the lead in this to work with their contractors to house their workers in CTQs and TOLQs.