GEORGE TOWN – Members of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers’ northern chapter are reminded to take additional and proactive measures at their premises and staff quarters after factories were said to be primary areas for Covid-19 clusters.
Chapter chairman Datuk Jimmy Ong Chin Keng said the organisation has issued a message to its members on tightening existing standard operating procedures at workplaces and living quarters.
“The additional measures include providing greater attention to the living conditions of all workers at hostels and housing that have been identified as a breeding ground for Covid-19 infections.
“Employers must ensure that they comply with strict SOPs, including the requirement for physical distancing in the living environment.
“We will comply with the government’s directive for all foreign workers to be screened for Covid-19 and endeavour to get this concluded by the deadline.
“The capacity of the vehicles or buses to ferry workers to be kept at 50% or below to ensure physical distancing is maintained in these vehicles while transporting workers including all other SOPs and precautionary measures.
“Although these measures may incur additional costs, it will be better than closing of the affected factories,” said Ong in a statement.
Employers are encouraged to appoint senior management team members to ensure that SOPs are complied with, while at the workplace, including while at rest and at meal times, at hostels and in worker transport, he added.
“We are also advocating a safe work bubble for employees by monitoring and limiting their movements. Daily travel should be limited to the commute from home to workplace and back.” – The Vibes, January 25, 2021
Additional reporting by Ian McIntyre
