KUALA LUMPUR – The National Security Council (NSC) has asked the attorney-general to look into legal provisions that can be used against companies refusing to screen their foreign workers for Covid-19, said Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
In his daily briefing today, he said the government has evidence of employers flouting regulations by failing to screen their foreign workers.
He added that employers should not wait until legal action is taken before carrying out the Covid-19 tests.
“This is to prevent outbreaks in their factories and to prevent the closure of the premises.
“So, I have urged employers to cooperate with the Human Resources Ministry and the Health Ministry because their failure to do so will result in bigger disasters for themselves."
He said if cases are detected among their workers, the government would be forced to shut down their factories, adding it is better that they cooperate as their losses would be greater otherwise.
He added that between December 1 and 14, the two ministries have screened more than 17,000 workers, of which 555 were found to be positive and 16,400 tested negative.
The screenings, he said, involved 663 industries and 652 clinics.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has inspected 17 construction sites across the country and found them in compliance with standard operating procedures.
On travellers wishing to return to Malaysia, Ismail Sabri said they are required to undertake a swab test three days before they depart the country, and will then be quarantined for seven days upon arrival.
He added that those unable to be screened before returning home would need to have the swab tests done in Malaysia and be quarantined a maximum of 10 days if they test negative.
The minister said 86,344 individuals have returned to the country since the beginning of the movement control order imposed early this year, with 693 of them arriving yesterday. All arrivals were given mandatory quarantine orders, he added. – The Vibes, December 15, 2020
