Housing regulation suspension responsible for Covid-19 workplace cluster resurgence: NUBE

KUALA LUMPUR – The resurgence of Covid-19 cluster in the workplace is due to the suspension of the minimum workers’ housing regulation until the end of this year, said the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE).

NUBE general secretary J. Solomon also urged Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan to immediately reinstate and implement the housing regulation while questioning the minister’s silence on the matter.

“The minister’s decision to relax the implementation of the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) was a big win for employers but a major setback for workers.

“The minister and errant employers chose to ignore the need to provide foreign workers with better and cleaner living conditions as a vital strategy to mitigate the pandemic.

“We deplore his flippant attitude on such an important matter,” Solomon said in a statement.

Solomon added that four days before Saravanan announced the suspension of the housing regulation, deputy minister Datuk Awang Hashim said many Covid-19 cases spread among foreign workers due to lack of good sanitation facilities and the accommodation.

He said it is shocking that the minister appears to be absent when he is needed to assure workers that their safety will be taken care of by the government.

“With the number of workplaces declared as Covid-19 clusters on the rise, the minister and his top officials must wake up to the reality and do more, much more, to curtail the pandemic.

“Tougher regulations need to be made with an effective system of enforcement on the ground to check on workplaces. The (human resources) ministry must quickly take the lead and bring the situation under control.”

Solomon said the affected workers have a right to dignified living.

“The movement control order (MCO), conditional MCO or other lockdowns are doomed to fail unless the ministry displays a stronger resolve with regard to standard operating procedures at workplaces and workers hostels.” – The Vibes, May 9, 2021