JOHOR BARU – The drastic increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Johor is a result of voluntary screenings of foreign workers by employers since December, said Health and Environment Committee chairman R. Vidyananthan.
In a statement today, he said based on investigations by the state Health Department, the main reason for the detection of new cases among industrial workers is due to their movements to red zones outside the state.
He added that their non-compliance with standard operating procedures is also a contributing factor to the hike in numbers.
However, Vidyananthan said the health department had acted promptly by imposing the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) on industrial locations reported to have high Covid-19 cases.
According to him, as of yesterday, three hostels for foreign workers have been placed under EMCO, namely Asrama Westlite Johor Baru, Asrama Westlite 1 and 2 in Kulai, as well as Asrama Kejora Juara in Bukit Pasir, Muar.
Yesterday, Malaysia recorded the highest number of daily Covid-19 cases, totalling 3,027, with Johor in the lead at 1,103 cases. – Bernama, January 8, 2021
