Fearing shutdown, Penang factories boost virus SOPs

GEORGE TOWN – Factories in Penang have stepped up measures to protect their workers from Covid-19, especially given that many travel daily from hard-hit Kedah, said a manufacturing industry player.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) northern region chairman Datuk Dr Ooi Eng Hock told The Vibes that the sector cannot risk another movement control order.

The government directive, which took effect on March 18, saw almost all Penang factories declaring total losses in its first two weeks of implementation.

Manufacturing is key to the state’s economy, contributing 43.3% of its gross domestic product.

Penang commanded 20% of Malaysia’s total manufacturing investments and drew RM15 billion in foreign direct investments – the highest in the country – last year.

Ooi said the state saw RM16.9 billion in manufacturing investments, including local ones, involving 166 projects.

There are more than 1,000 active coronavirus cases in Kedah, where a number of clusters have emerged in the last few weeks.

In view of this, said Ooi, Penang factories have set up “double prevention methods” to protect workers.

In addition to tightening health and safety standard operating procedures, such as physical distancing, mask-wearing and barring those feeling unwell from coming into work, they have also stepped up reporting on the relevant staff activities to the human resource departments.

Some factories encourage their employees, especially administrative staff, to work from home if their job allows it, said Ooi. – The Vibes, October 8, 2020