[UPDATED] Covid test compulsory for migrant workers in 4 states, KL and Labuan

KUALA LUMPUR – The National Security Council (NSC) today agreed to impose compulsory Covid-19 swab tests for all migrant workers in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan.

It was agreed that the workers have to undergo RTK-AG (Rapid Test Kit-Antigen) testing.

“For migrant workers contributing to the Social Security Organisation (Socso), the cost of the screening will be partially borne by their employers. 

“Socso migrant worker contributors can claim RM60 per person and the rest will be paid for by their employers,” Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Ismail told his daily press briefing today.

Meanwhile, for migrant workers who are not Socso contributors, the Covid-19 screening costs will be borne entirely by their employers.

Currently, Malaysia has more than 1.7 million foreign workers.

This move comes after the NSC consulted with the Human Resources Ministry following a surge of Covid-19 cases among foreign workers, especially at construction sites.

However, Ismail Sabri said the compulsory RTK-AG tests will be imposed on foreign workers in all industries, not just those in the construction sector.

Recently, the Health Ministry recorded two Covid-19 clusters in construction sites around the Klang Valley, namely the Damanlela Cluster and the Merpati cluster.

Damanlela recorded the higher number of cases, with 1,346 workers testing positive for Covid-19. – The Vibes, November 20, 2020