GEORGE TOWN – Factory production lines are at risk of becoming Covid-19 transmission grounds unless manufacturers can find alternative ways running their assembly lines, said Penang MTUC.
Its secretary K. Veeriah said the umbrella union body has fielded many complaints from factory workers, who are anxious as there is no physical distancing at production lines.
It is evident when there are Covid-19 cases at labour-intensive factories, he told The Vibes.
“In reality, employers cannot change their assembly lines as that will cost them millions of ringgit to redesign and deploy. Furthermore, if factories opt for full automation, it will translate to job losses,” said Veeriah.
However, he said the third wave of infections is hitting the manufacturing sector because the factories are unable to comply with certain health SOPs.
“The production space is narrow with many workers. We haven’t heard much about it because many of those working in such conditions are foreigners.”
But the same SOP on physical distancing, wearing of masks and personal hygiene must be applicable, he said.
Veeriah added this is more important now that the main production hub for electrical and electronics in Penang has come under the conditional movement control order (CMCO) until November 19.
“It means that there must be more efforts to curtail the virus from spreading, especially among factory workers. It includes ensuring that their staff quarters have ample room and that their hygiene levels are maintained.”
He said factories are checking temperatures of workers, regular sanitisation and physical distancing where possible.
But they cannot commit the same standards at the production lines.
A spokesman with the northern chapter of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers said most production lines have been modified to accommodate physical distancing.
Also, many factories here have upgraded their lines to accommodate automation with an emphasis on research and development rather than just assembly lines.
Meanwhile, KPJ Healthcare Bhd has issued a statement saying the operation of its hospital near Bukit Mertajam was closed from yesterday until further notice.
The hospital's hemodialysis and laboratory services will remain open.
The Health Ministry yesterday announced a new cluster known as Permatang, involving eight frontline workers at KPJ Penang.
The cluster recorded five new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the latest number to 13 cases.
In another development, Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Mohd Noor said congregational prayers on Friday are allowed in Mukim 12, which is currently under the CMCO.
However, prayers should be brief, and the solat sunat qabliyyah is not permitted.
Friday prayers should be completed within 20 minutes from the time of the call to prayer, he said – The Vibes, November 6, 2020
Additional reporting by Sofia Nasir
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