MTUC calls for clear guidelines on Covid-19 test for workers

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has urged the government to come out with clear guidelines and directives on the mandatory Covid-19 testing for workers resuming work.

MTUC secretary-general J Solomon in a statement said this was as it would take more than just a one-off test to ensure that only those free of the virus are allowed to turn up for work.

"The government has said that the Social Security Organisation (Socso) would pay for the tests of all workers who contribute to the fund, including foreign workers.

"In making the announcement, the government implied that the tests would be a one-off screening as a pre-condition for them to return to work," he said.

"However, it is clear a one-off or single test on workers, specifically foreign employees currently targeted for the screening, is far from enough to ensure workplaces remain free of Covid-19 outbreaks.

"Employees need to undergo testing periodically to achieve this objective," he said in noting that the government has yet to address the point.

Solomon said the need was as identified as Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that workers can still be infected with Covid-19 beyond a certain time frame, after undergoing tests, if they are exposed to the virus.

In the event that periodic tests are required, Solomon further questioned whether Socso will still be made to cover the costs.

"MTUC understands that periodic testing will cost a lot of money but flatly opposes any move to use Socso funds for the purpose.

"The funds needed for Covid-19 tests can be derived from various other means that must not preclude employers from fulfilling their responsibility in ensuring the health of their employees," said Solomon who also urged private companies to contribute as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

Many businesses and sectors are resuming operations under the current conditional movement control order period and Solomon urged the government to place the safety of workers as a top priority to ensure that businesses remain open.

"Therefore, Malaysia must come out with clear measures on periodic testing of both local and foreign workers that would ensure public safety and help sustain the government’s efforts to revive the economy," he said.

In recent weeks, new Covid-19 cases have been identified among workers at a construction site, as well as security guards.

Human Resources Minister M Saravanan last week said the Covid-19 tests in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor under Socso's free Prihatin Screening Programme (PSP) will prioritise testing on migrant workers in the construction and private security sectors in the two jurisdictions. - Mkini