KUALA LUMPUR – Pictures of what appears to be dozens of factory workers loaded onto a lorry in Sg Petani, Kedah, have been spreading like wildfire on social media today, sparking outrage among netizens.
The pictures were purportedly taken by Sg Petani Umno division chief Datuk Shahanim Mohamad Yusoff, who said the workers are all wearing pink wristbands, suggesting that they are to be placed under quarantine for Covid-19.
Shahanim, who posted the photos on her Facebook page this evening, said she took the pictures herself at a traffic light near the northern Sg Petani toll exit.
However, it is not immediately clear whether workers on the lorry are locals or foreign migrants.
Her post comes as public anger intensifies over the government’s flexibility in allowing factories to operate when workplaces make up the majority of Covid-19 clusters.
“I am very angry because I received many complaints from factory workers today. So many are positive (infected) and go home to infect their families,” said Shahanim.
“But there are factories where those wearing pink wristbands must go to work.”
She said she is becoming increasingly worried over the rising number of coronavirus cases in Kuala Muda, where many factories are still operating.
She also slammed the federal government for allowing the plants to open after extending the lockdown by two weeks.
“If you want to close everything, then make sure everything is shut down. Close them all for only two weeks.
“There are only two weeks to go. (The government) places too much importance on profit, but the people’s lives are secondary.”
She reminded her followers to stay home and leave their houses only for important matters.
“Our friends should all stay home, and we should all pray that Kuala Muda does not turn (into a) red (zone).”
Her post received more than 600 shares and 300 comments at press time.
Other Facebook pages have also posted similar pictures, garnering thousands of likes and shares.
User Permata Hitam expressed frustration over the current lockdown.
“The government must be strict… close all factories where many cases come from… it’s no use having a lockdown otherwise… listen to the people.”
Another user, Qaseh Malaika, also shared the same sentiment.
“I agree… the factory sector must close... we have been working hard.” – The Vibes, June 13, 2021
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