SINGAPORE, March 5 -- From 2027, caged lorries will no longer be allowed to ferry workers in Singapore, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling announced on Wednesday, citing safety concerns.

According to CNA, the move comes after authorities noted that about 500 to 1,000 of the city-state's 50,000 lorries have caged decks, which may still be used for goods transport.

Companies that fail to comply with the new rules will face penalties, to be detailed ahead of the ban.

Sun said workers in lorries with locked cage doors could be trapped in the event of accidents or fires.

In the meantime, firms must provide safe access to lorry decks, or convert rear cages with canopies and side railings to meet safety standards.

The Minist...