Written Answer to PQ on Early Indicators of Salary Non-Payment Risk and Penalty Structure

NOTICE PAPER NO. 995 OF 2026 FOR SITTING ON 4 AUGUST 2026
QUESTION NO. 1688 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Cai Yinzhou

To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what mechanisms does the Ministry have to detect early indicators of salary non-payment risk, including through electronic salary payment records for Work Permit holders; and (b) whether the Government will consider a scalable penalty structure for salary payment offences under Part III of the Employment Act, calibrated to total arrears, number of employees affected and extent of delay before restitution.

Answer:

1. The Member may refer to the reply to Parliamentary Questions No. 21 and No. 22 for the Sitting on 7 July 2026, which sets out MOM’s approach to detecting and following up on early indicators of salary non-payment risk.

2. MOM adopts a calibrated enforcement framework where the penalty meted for unpaid salary will depend on the facts of each case and take into consideration factors such as the number of employees affected, total quantum owed, and aggravating factors, if any.