KUALA LUMPUR – The National Security Council (NSC) has agreed to let the Home Ministry coordinate all enforcement actions, including raids, against factories violating the movement control order (MCO) standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that lately, the government has received many complaints about factories allegedly abusing the government’s approval letter by running non-essential operations during the full MCO implemented since June 1.
Some factories were found flouting the SOP by allowing more than 60% of their staff to work, with some even directing those wearing the quarantine wristband to turn up for work, he said.
“As such, the government will take stern action by conducting checks and raids against factories that violate the SOP. Errant factories will be compounded and ordered to close immediately,” he said today.
On June 17, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had been reported as saying that beginning June 18, employers in the manufacturing sector found to have violated the SOPs would be issued compound notices without any warning.
Hamzah had said more than 49 factories nationwide had been compounded for breaching the SOP since June 1. – Bernama, June 21, 2021