GEORGE TOWN – The Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) issued 159 compounds amounting to RM1.49 million following nationwide inspections of workplaces since June 16.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Awang Hashim said the mass operation involved inspections at 1,585 workplaces where some were found to have flouted Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He said the manufacturing sector was the industry that received the most compounds with 123 cases, followed by the construction sector with 18, business services with four, and transportation with three cases.
“The most common offence is that employers fail to ensure the necessary attendance capacity of employees in the essential services sector, with 96 cases.
“The second most common offence is the owner of the premises failing to ensure physical distancing of at least one meter (13 cases), followed by the offence of operating without the permission of the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), with nine cases,” he told a press conference, here, today.
Awang had earlier spent time visiting the medical equipment factory, Penta Master Corporation Bhd in Bayan Lepas, here, which he acknowledged as a benchmark for all factories nationwide due its proper SOP compliance and practices.
He said DOSH and the Labour Department were now given authorisation to impose compounds under Act 342 by the health director-general from June 1.
With the newly given authority, the ministry, he said, will continue to investigate complaints received through the Working for Workers (WFW) app, especially when it involves the manufacturing sector.
“With the power of attorney, we can carry out investigations and enforcement tasks without having to bother other authorities, where it is seen as more systematic and orderly.”
Awang also added that his party will not hesitate to take stern action against employers who neglect the welfare of employees living in areas under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO).
He said DOSH would carry out enforcement under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) to ensure employers carry out their responsibilities in ensuring the safety and health of their employees – The Vibes, July 6, 2021
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