KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has allowed one million people in areas under the conditional movement control order (CMCO) to work from home starting Thursday.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, in his daily update today, said this will involve employees at the managerial and supervisory levels in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Sabah.
The move applies to some 800,000 workers in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, and 200,000 civil servants, he said.
He said there are still essential workers, including welfare and finance staff, who need to be physically present at their job.
Those living in red zones who still have to travel to work, including foreigners, will be required to undergo a Covid-19 swab test, he said.
“If their employers contribute to Perkeso (Social Security Organisation), the cost will be covered.”
Ismail Sabri said there is a need to control people’s movements, looking at the virus trend in CMCO areas.
“Employers are instructed to issue an authorisation letter for each employee who has to work in the office during this period.”
He said the International Trade and Industry Ministry will issue the relevant standard operating procedures and provide more information soon.
The minister did not say whether enforcement will be conducted to ensure compliance with the government decision, adding that the directive will end when the CMCO is lifted.
“This is to reduce the movement of workers because factories are still open, business premises are operating as usual, and many people have complained that it is as though there is no control (measure).” – The Vibes, October 20, 2020
