Metrocon chairman resigns after charge over unlicensed worker dormitory was discovered in January

Catalist-listed construction engineering company Metrocon Holding was formerly known as Hatten Land.

SINGAPORE – Metrocon Holdings chairman Alvin Lim Yee Hong has resigned after being charged with allegedly allowing an unlicensed foreign worker dormitory to operate, the Catalist-listed company said on Nov 2.

The construction engineering company, formerly known as Hatten Land, also disclosed that Lim and another director had not informed its board or sponsor about earlier dealings with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regarding the matter, including interviews conducted during investigations.

The case concerns LBD Engineering, Metrocon’s controlling shareholder, where Lim also serves as general manager. Neither Metrocon nor any of its subsidiaries has been charged.

LBD faces one charge for operating a foreign employee dormitory at 58A Sungei Kadut Loop without a valid licence between July 2025 and January 2026.

Lim faces a separate charge alleging that he knew LBD did not have a valid licence, but allowed it to continue operating the premises as a dormitory.

The first court hearing took place on Oct 29, with lawyers attending on behalf of Lim and LBD. The next hearing is scheduled for Dec 17.

Lim intends to contest the charge, is seeking legal advice, and has told the company that he needs to devote substantial time and resources to personal matters arising from the case, leading to his resignation as non-executive and non-independent chairman effective Oct 29.

However, Lim has indicated that he wishes to be considered for reappointment to the board after proceedings conclude.

Metrocon said any return would be subject to the nominating committee’s assessment and applicable regulatory requirements.

In its Nov 2 announcement, Metrocon set out the sequence of events based on information Lim provided to the board on Oct 29.

Its statement said MOM had inspected the Sungei Kadut dormitory on Jan 6, and informed LBD by e-mail the next day that the company was operating the premises without a licence under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act.