KUALA LUMPUR – Starting December 1, companies employing foreign workers are required to get them screened for Covid-19.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, in his daily briefing today, said the National Security Council (NSC) reached the decision following a spike in infections among migrant workers, including those employed by Top Glove Corporation Bhd.
“We will start with (companies in) Selangor and Negri Sembilan, followed by Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Labuan.
“I was informed that this will involve around 100,000 tests, and to avoid overcrowding, employers need to arrange appointments with private clinics.”
The cost of the screenings will be borne by employers, but the Social Security Organisation will cover the RM60 test kits for the first screening.
Selangor two days ago recorded 1,673 coronavirus infections, of which 1,511 were in the Teratai cluster linked to thousands of Top Glove workers.
Ismail Sabri also announced that the Human Resources Ministry will inspect migrant workers’ dormitories to ensure that the accommodation is conducive.
“We believe that poor living conditions led to the spread of Covid-19 among (foreign workers). Several companies have already had action taken against them over such failure (to provide suitable accommodation).”
He said the conditional movement control order (CMCO) in Kuching will end today as scheduled, and enforced in Tongkang Pecah, Johor, beginning Sunday.
“NSC has also decided to extend the operation hours at daily markets in CMCO areas from 10am to 4pm starting tomorrow.” – The Vibes, November 27, 2020
