SINGAPORE - More than 100 migrant workers gathered at a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) office on June 22 over allegations that they are owed wages by a company that has reportedly ceased operations.

The workers, mainly from India and Bangladesh, said they were employed by KPA Engineering, an air-conditioning maintenance services provider, as reported by The Straits Times.

Several workers claimed they had not received salaries for at least two months despite raising the matter with management.

One worker from India, who identified himself only as Sampath, said employees became concerned after learning that the company had shut down.

He said workers were unsure where to seek assistance after losing contact with company representatives.

The group arrived at the MOM Services Centre in Bendemeer at about 9am.

Officials met the workers and escorted them into the building after confirming their employment status.

Following the meeting, MOM said it would investigate the allegations.

The ministry said the affected workers were employed by either KPA Engineering or SK Industries.

A ministry spokeswoman said authorities were examining complaints related to unpaid wages as well as concerns over housing arrangements.

MOM and the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management are assisting the workers and engaging with the employers involved.

The ministry said it is also working closely with the Migrant Workers’ Centre to ensure affected workers have access to accommodation and meals.

Workers have been permitted to change employers and seek alternative employment while the authorities address the situation.

MOM added that investigations into possible breaches by the two companies are ongoing and enforcement action will be taken if necessary.

Several workers told local media they had been recruited by an Indian national to carry out electrical and air-conditioning-related work.

They said they had been unable to contact the recruiting agent and only discovered several days earlier that the company had apparently ceased operations.

One worker claimed he earned about S$600 per month and was owed S$1,400 in unpaid wages.

Another worker said he was owed approximately S$4,000.

Air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation technician Rajenderan Berthap said he had informed MOM officials about his salary concerns and was awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

Checks by local media found that KPA Engineering was no longer operating from its previously listed address at Tagore Lane.

The premises are now occupied by another company, which said KPA Engineering had vacated the site in September last year.

Business records showed that KPA Engineering has two foreign directors, one of whom is also linked to several other engineering and air-conditioning-related firms.

Further checks indicated that some registered business addresses linked to the companies were no longer occupied by entities associated with the directors.