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Oral Answer to PQ on Mandatory Electronic Salary Payment

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1258 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 8 SEPTEMBER 2026

QUESTION NO. 2873 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Cai Yinzhou

To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) how many salary-related claims were filed with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) in each of the past three years, and what proportion involved workers paid in cash; (b) whether the Ministry has assessed that mandatory electronic salary payment would strengthen documentary trail and aid early detection of non-payment risk; and (c) whether the Ministry will mandate electronic salary payment for migrant workers.

Answer

  1. The number of salary claims filed at the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) and the proportion involving workers who were paid in cash is as follows:
    1. In 2023, about 28% of 8,125 claims;
    2. In 2024, about 33% of 9,948 claims; and
    3. In 2025, about 36% of 10,801 claims.

  2. The upward trend in the proportion of claims involving cash-paid workers underscores the risks associated with cash salary arrangements.

  3. Protecting all workers and ensuring that they are paid their salaries in full and on time is a priority for MOM. Electronic salary payment strengthens the documentary trail, and helps prevent salary disputes by leaving a verifiable digital record. This facilitates timely investigation and enforcement action against errant employers.

  4. As part of the ongoing review of the Employment Act, the tripartite partners are studying whether to mandate electronic salary payment for all workers, including migrant workers. We will provide an update in due course.