Written Answer to PQ on Deduction of wages and leave due to haze-related work stoppages

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1526 OF 2026 FOR SITTING ON OR AFTER 4 NOVEMBER 2026  
QUESTION NO. 3422 FOR ORAL ANSWER  

MP: Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan  

To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower since September 2026 (a) how many employees reported wage or leave deductions after their employers suspended outdoor work due to haze; (b) whether and how will the Ministry's haze worksite inspections check payroll and leave records for such deductions; and (c) whether and how it will enforce the tripartite advisory against such deductions for short-term suspensions. 

Answer:

MOM does not track whether complaints received on wage deductions or leave are attributable to haze-related work stoppages. Where there are disputes over the deduction of employees’ wages or leave due to haze-related work stoppages, employees are encouraged to first raise the matter with their employer and may contact MOM for further assistance if needed.

2.       Should an employer deviate from an advisory without good reason, MOM will verify the facts with the employer and advise the employer to follow the advisory. MOM will continue to work with our tripartite partners to review and strengthen the tripartite advisory as necessary.