KUALA LUMPUR – A Nepali security guard working at Top Glove Corp Bhd died of Covid-19 complications yesterday, people familiar with the matter tell The Vibes.
Yam Narayan Chaudhary, who was stationed at Top Glove’s 13th factory in Meru, Klang, died on December 12 after the company admitted him to the nearest hospital on November 21.
The source also said security guards’ duties were increased at Top Glove during the movement control order in the absence of thermal scanners, where they were responsible for taking people’s temperatures with handheld temperature scanners.
In an April 16 directive, the International Trade and Industry Ministry required companies operating under pandemic-induced lockdown to provide thermal scanners as well as screening for symptoms for cough, sore throat, or breathing difficulties, with the readings recorded and stored for at least three months for future reference.
The Vibes is awaiting comment from Top Glove.
Ever since the Teratai Covid-19 cluster was established in and around its Meru factories, Top Glove has come under intense scrutiny by the media and local authorities.
The Labour Department has opened 19 investigation papers in five states over allegations of flouting the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446), and will refer the findings to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Earlier today, Reuters reported that Top Glove had fired whistleblower Yubaraj Khadka, also a Nepali, for sharing photos of fellow employees crowding in a factory with a workers’ rights campaigner.
Top Glove has parried claims of abuse saying that it has already spent millions to improve living conditions in Meru and will be investing a further RM100 million in building new hostels and amenities for 7,300 workers over the next three years.
The glove maker also issued a warning to the media on reporting ethics after news portal Vice News published a YouTube video on Thursday titled “This PPE Factory Isn't Protecting Its Workers Against Covid”.
The problems raised in the video “are thoroughly misleading and damaging to the company’s good-standing reputation”, said Top Glove.
“Top Glove urges all media to honour the principles of ethical journalism by verifying the news they publish and broadcast, enabling their readers to have access to accurate, balanced, and transparent reporting.” – The Vibes, December 13, 2020
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