Oil rig workers allowed to cross states, return home during MCO - Terengganu police

CORONAVIRUS | Petroleum industry workers based at oil and gas rigs must go through strict health screenings before being allowed to return home or start work, according to Terengganu police chief Roslee Chik.

According to Roslee, workers at oil and gas rigs are allowed to travel across states and return home during the movement control order (MCO) period, following discussions with employers in the industry.

"After the discussion, we have agreed to grant a little leeway for workers at oil rigs. However, upon finishing work, they are required to undergo a health screening.

"Only those who are cleared will be allowed to return home. They must follow our set procedure," he told Malaysiakini today.

"Every time they return home from work or return to the rig from home, they must undergo a health screening," he said when asked for comments about a notice issued by Terengganu police on the movement of oil rig workers.

The notice was shared on WhatsApp, particularly among workers in the oil and gas industry.

The notice stated that Bukit Aman has ordered all oil rig workers who completed their duty to not be allowed to return to their home state during the MCO period.

Aside from that, it was stated that an employer is required to provide accommodation and other facilities to their workers throughout the order.

Commenting further, Roslee said the decision was made after taking into consideration that the workers had spent a considerable amount of time at sea without seeing their family members.

"We took into consideration their welfare, after two weeks on the rig without seeing their family.

"We're afraid there could be other issues for example stress, depression or others. So we granted a leeway but with strict monitoring for compliance," he said.

He added the steps were taken as a preventive measure to ensure the workers do not return home or return to work at risk of spreading Covid-19. - Mkini