Top Glove reiterates temporary closure of factories being done in stages

 

Leading disposable rubber gloves manufacturer Top Glove has issued a statement assuring the public - particularly those who live near its factories and workers' hostels - that they are working with the authorities to ensure a safe environment.

This comes amidst a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases involving its factory workers which spread to nearby communities.

This led to a Selangor state assemblyperson mulling legal action against the company for continuing its operations in Klang, Selangor.

"The temporary closure of Top Glove factories is being done in stages, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, and the company is undertaking the screening of its employees.

"As to concerns about Top Glove's workers being outside their designated quarantine quarters, Top Glove wishes to inform that workers staying in enhanced MCO hostels have no way to get out because the whole hostel is guarded by the army.

"Top Glove is also working towards improving the living conditions of our workers, an exercise which began in July 2020. Through all this, Top Glove is working closely with the relevant authorities in its efforts to curb the spread of Cvid-19 in the country, keeping its employees and the communities we serve safe," read the statement.

Health authorities reported yesterday that the Teratai cluster linked to Top Glove workers' hostels had accumulated 5,083 Covid-19 positive cases.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah told reporters they have found some 150 positive cases in surrounding communities involving Malaysians who live just outside of the area in Klang that is under the enhanced MCO.

The Teratai cluster was first disclosed to the public on Nov 7. At that time, the number of positive cases from it stood at 74 individuals.

The number had since spiked, forcing the government to impose a 14-day lockdown on a location in Meru that houses Top Glove hostels for workers. The order had since been extended for another two weeks until Dec 14.

The order, however, did not include Top Glove factories. Authorities had on Nov 23 ordered the company to close all its 28 factories in Klang, to be done in stages, and to test all of its workers for the virus. - Mkini