Over 200 Muslim migrant workers from the Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) development, Lendlease employees and members of the public broke fast today with Professor Fatimah Lateef, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC, over a communal briyani meal. This is the fourth consecutive celebration organised by PLQ and Lendlease as a gesture of appreciation to workers during the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan.

Open to members of the public for the very first time, the iftar was held at the newly completed PLQ 2 office tower of the close to $3.6 billion mixed-use development, set to be Singapore’s next business and lifestyle hub. The annual event is a cherished tradition of Lendlease, seeking to recognise the hard work of migrant workers behind the construction of PLQ, especially those of the Muslim faith who continue to fast in spite of the physically intensive labour required, and as an early celebration of Hari Raya with members of the community.

Members of the public also had the chance to interact with the migrant workers during the iftar while dining on the communal meal served by Professor Fatimah Lateef and senior Lendlease executives. Special meals were also provided for the other 2,000 workers onsite outside of the event.

“Today’s event is a rare opportunity for the people who will live, work, and play at PLQ, to meet the people behind the project, and show their appreciation over a communal meal,” said Mr Richard Paine, Managing Director, Paya Lebar Quarter. “We also aim to keep this spirit of social inclusivity alive when PLQ is completed in the near future with activated events to celebrate diversity and venues designed to support community bonding,” continued Mr Paine.

Muslim workers at PLQ are identified by special stickers on their hard hats during Ramadhan to help colleagues pay closer attention to their wellbeing, and can opt to take the evening or night shifts where possible. Other measures by PLQ to support fasting workers include providing supplementary mineral salts to aid rehydration, and a dedicated prayer room onsite.

On top of the initiatives for Muslim workers during Ramadhan, there are also various health and wellbeing initiatives in place, including a canteen with onsite cooks, sheltered and well-ventilated rest areas with clean shower facilities, a fully equipped first aid room with trained medics and regular safety training for all workers such that everyone is up-to-speed on the best health and wellbeing practices.

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