SINGAPORE — After seeing posters at the lift lobby of her Tampines public housing block publicising a constituency trip to Batam, Indonesia, resident Eileen Kim thought that it would be interesting to travel with her Member of Parliament Baey Yam Keng.Member of Parliament Baey Yam Keng travelling to Ayer Hitam, Malaysia with residents in December 2023.
Everything was pre-arranged, including transport to the ferry terminal. The pick-up and drop-off location was her nearest Residents’ Network. Sure enough, demand for the Batam trip was hot. Ms Kim and her family were joined by some 200 other residents for the weekend getaway. His friend in his 60s had asked if Mr Kim and his wife would like to join, having spontaneously bought tickets for them, and the couple agreed even though their residence was under Tampines GRC.
“For our past registrations, those who couldn’t get tickets were naturally disappointed, but they accepted that others had queued up earlier and waited longer," he wrote. In response to TODAY’s queries, Mr Baey said that organisers could explore adding other registration options to cater to those who are unable to register at the designated time.
Asked if the price point is also a factor, MPs and trip organisers said that the tour packages are charged according to the market rate in collaboration with travel agencies. Mr Lim added that they also have to take extra care in looking after the seniors on the trips. Grassroots leaders and volunteers usually care for them, because they typically need help with mobility, such as getting on and off the bus.
Mr Au said that with meals and accommodation covered, the trips have high value, and it is part of the service to constituents.Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh with residents on a trip to a Malaysian farm in Kulai, Johor in May 2024.Since the trips are not sponsored or subsidised, volunteers who join these trips to ensure everything goes smoothly have to pay for the trip themselves, as it is with any resident who joins the tour.