Industries must follow Covid-19 SOPs to avoid shutdown - Azmin

 

Companies and industries are reminded to continue with Covid-19 prevention measures in the workplace as recommended by the Health Ministry to ensure that the sector continues to operate even as the country grapples with the Omicron wave.

International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali said the Safe@Work initiative should remain in place to avoid disruption of company operations and reduce the impact on productivity when there are positive Covid-19 cases.

"Safe@Work is to create a 'bubble' in the accommodation of (factory) workers… if there is a new case, there is no need for us to close the entire facility (dormitory). Instead, the workers will be segregated and given appropriate treatment; this will ensure business activities can continue.

"We also encourage companies and industries to continue inspections and tests regularly so that the employees present are healthy and there are no situations where we have to close operations," the senior minister told reporters after visiting the STMicroelectronics Sdn Bhd plant in Tangkak, Johor, yesterday.

Azmin said this when asked about the strategy of the International Trade and Industry Ministry to face the Omicron wave.

Commenting further, Azmin acknowledged that the temporary closure of the industrial sector following the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) two years ago not only had an impact on the country's economy but also globally as Malaysia was among the main suppliers of several chains.

"This proves that Malaysia's role is very important. While we want to check Covid-19’s spread, we also want to ensure economic health is protected. It's the responsibility of the government and the private sector to work together to curb the spread of the disease," he said.

- Bernama