GEORGE TOWN – Factories and companies in the Bayan Lepas industrial zone and Bayan Baru township have been busy preparing travel letters for their staff following a Covid-19 cluster in the area.
They are anticipating the area will be placed under enhanced movement control order (EMCO).
Web Bytes Sdn Bhd human resources executive Tan Kar Heim said the company is maintaining a balance between flexibility and productivity.
Even with options to work from home, the company has an internal Covid-19 action team comprising key leaders.
The software company is in the same premises where an outlet was closed down due to a Covid-19 positive case under the Bayan cluster.
“We often remind our employees to practice transparency and inform HR immediately if they have had close contact with a Covid-19 patient or if they have developed any symptoms.
“We have also connected with authorised swab test panels, and informed relevant employees that we can arrange the swab test appointment for them,” she said, adding that travel papers for those who have to work at the office or meet clients have been prepared.
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang branch chairman Datuk Ooi Eng Hock told The Vibes that preparing travel papers are not necessary.
“We just have to follow the guidelines set by the Health Ministry. We must not spread fake news through WhatsApp and other platforms as there are a lot of foreign investors in that area.
“There are still factories that encourage their workers to work from home, especially the administrative staff. But the workforce is still needed on the factory floor.”
He said prevention methods including the reporting of daily activities to the HR department and tighter SOPs are practiced by most factories.
State Public Health Committee chairperson Norlela Ariffin advised Penangites to follow guidelines set by the authorities and to stay updated on the virus cases.
“Just assume everybody has Covid-19, which is what we tell everybody. When you assume everybody has it, then you will always take precautions such as physical distancing, washing hands and wearing masks.”
Some 199 foreign factory workers were put under quarantine in Batu Maung last Sunday after fears of coming into close contact with the index case.
They have been isolated and swabbed and the factory involved is temporarily closed.
This was followed by closures of several cafes and restaurants in Bayan Lepas for sanitisation.
Penang reported 19 new Covid-19 cases yesterday. – The Vibes, October 29, 2020
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