Coronavirus: Several motor workshops told to close within 48 hours

ComfortDelGro's Spark workshops are allowed to continue providing emergency repair services. ST PHOTO: KHALID BABA

Barbers and bubble tea shops are not the only ones affected by enhanced measures to stem the coronavirus outbreak.

Several motor workshops have been given up to 48 hours from receipt of notice to close, including those which had previously received permission to remain open.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) pointed to new rules which rescind permission given earlier to motor workshops to continue doing emergency repairs and servicing vehicles used for essential services.

MTI said the move was based on a decision to reduce the movement of people further to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

"We are acutely aware that the circuit breaker will disrupt businesses and may be painful, but it is also essential in the fight against Covid-19," it said.

However, it is not a blanket ruling, with some workshops permitted to carry on.

Ms Jasmmine Wong, chief executive of Inchcape Singapore and Greater China, said its Suzuki and Toyota operations are not affected by the change of rules.

"Every job we do, we request verification that it is approved before proceeding," she said, adding that Inchcape has been sticking strictly to all guidelines.

"We have not received any notice or rescind order at all."

ComfortDelGro's Spark workshops are also allowed to continue providing emergency repair services.

But several other workshops - including those operated by authorised vehicle dealers - received e-mails from last Saturday on the change.

Ford dealer Vantage got its notice yesterday morning. Managing director Christopher Chin said it is appealing against the order as it has supplied vehicles to the police as well as the military, and would like to be able to continue servicing those.

ST understands that other affected authorised agents include multi-franchise group Wearnes Automotive, Nissan agent Tan Chong Motor and BMW agent Performance Motors.

Mr Sylvester Han, head of operations at independent workshop Car Doctor, said: "We were surprised because we were down to only two workers, from the usual five, so we thought we were safe.

"But no choice. We just have to follow the rules and do our part in stopping this virus."

Workshops asked to close said the business impact is not significant as the volume of vehicles has shrunk by 80 per cent or more.

MTI said the latest decision keeps the list of businesses that are permitted to operate to a minimum. "Appeals will generally not be granted," it added.

Tyre shops are also affected. AL Tyres informed customers on Facebook it will cease operations from April 29 "till further notice".

"Those who have tyre issues have till Tuesday to solve all your problems," it added.

Stamford Tyres, however, continues to operate as it says its clients include bus operators SMRT and Tower Transit, and port operator PSA Corp - which are among essential services.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 28, 2020, with the headline Coronavirus: Several motor workshops told to close within 48 hours. Subscribe