Since the announcement of the Movement Control Order by Putrajaya, several complaints have been lodged in Penang against company managements, who compelled their workers to physically appear at work despite the order.
State investment agency, Invest Penang said industries, including factories, stated in the "essential" category can operate at a minimal level.
Lee Kah Choon, the special investment adviser to the Penang chief minister, said this will sustain the factories instead of a total shut down.
"As to what level is sustainable, it will be up to the individual factories to decide, some factories may chose to shut down totally for various reasons," Lee told Malaysiakini.
"The reasons include the workers refusal to work; production may be futile as ancillary services such as logistics may not be working or remain at below efficiency level."
Lee said his comments were based on the latest update from Invest Penang regarding the current industrial situation in the current Movement Control Order, which was announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on March 16.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said some of the factories or companies which are currently still operating obtained exemptions directly from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
Chow added, the issue will be one of the four matters raised at the National Security Council special meeting on Covid-19 in Putrajaya today.
"This is because the manufacturing industry is one of the main industries for Penang, without full details, many are still confused by the closure guidelines and exceptions of factory closures," Chow said.
Meanwhile, Lee said most of the industries in Penang are in the essential categories such as food, medical, electrical and electronics devices.
"As a result they still can work at the minimal level. This is the best outcome in this difficult situation," Lee said.
Asked if Penang Invest had a record of which companies were allowed to operate, Lee replied in the negative.
"We are not sure as there is confusion on the ground between enforcement, management, and workers.
"We need time to settle down (in the midst of the movement control order)," he added. - Mkini
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