The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) today urged all employers to provide free face masks to their workers in view of the worsening haze in the country.

Priority should be given to those working in the field, like the construction, plantation and port workers, said its vice-president, A Balasubramaniam.

surgical mask He told Bernama that at present some of the workers were buying their own masks and this was imposing a financial burden on them.

Balasubramaniam, who is also the MTUC’s Health and Safety Committee chairperson, said the employers should also give due consideration to their employees who were asthmatic or suffering from other respiratory ailments.

He said these categories of workers should be given proper medical assistance or days off depending on the haze situation and their health needs.

He said it was hoped that the government would provide special incentives to encourage employers to ensure the health of their workers during this critical period.

- Bernama

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