Compulsory Covid-19 test on migrant workers to kick off next month
The compulsory Covid-19 swab test ruling on migrant workers from all sectors will take effect from Dec 1, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
"The implementation of Covid-19 swab test will be carried out in stages (among) targeted (groups) from Dec 1 in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Labuan," he told the media at a daily briefing today...
The compulsory Covid-19 swab test ruling on migrant workers from all sectors will take effect from Dec 1, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
"The implementation of Covid-19 swab test will be carried out in stages (among) targeted (groups) from Dec 1 in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Labuan," he told the media at a daily briefing today.
The government encourages employers to set an appointment with private health facilities for the Covid-19 test using the rapid test kit (RTK) antigen to avoid long queues at the laboratories and clinics, Ismail Sabri said.
He reiterated that the subsidy for the first RTK-antigen screening test of RM60 can be claimed from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) while the remaining cost should be paid by the employers.
Putrajaya originally made it compulsory for the migrant workers in the construction industry and those who work as security personnel to take the Covid-19 swab test.
The recent outbreak at other factories prompted the government to further expand the compulsory Covid-19 test ruling to all sectors.
In another development, Ismail Sabri declared Tongkang Pecah in Batu Pahat, Johor to be placed under conditional movement control order (MCO) for two weeks starting Nov 29.
This came as 56 Covid-19 positive cases were recorded from 672 swab tests at the area. The results of another 302 swab test samples are still pending.
The partial lockdown was expected to affect 16,300 individuals at Bandar Putera Indah, Lorong 7 to Lorong 10, Batu 7 and Kampung Mohd Nor.
The government also decided to lift the conditional MCO in Kuching district today as scheduled because the outbreak is under control at the Sarawak capital.
Ismail Sabri also revealed that government agencies had discussed but decided against allowing motor racing events to be held at this stage despite there is no physical contact among the racers.
"The matter was raised by the NSC director-general but the Health Ministry felt that while physical contact could be avoided during the race, they're worried that groups might gather before and after the race that may lead to physical contact.
"So, for the time being, we could not allow it yet," he said.
Ismail Sabri, however, urged the motorsport industry, the organisers and rider associations to submit a proposed standard operating procedure on the motorsport and make an official application to the government.
He said the government will look into the matter thoroughly.
It was reported the motorsport industry players faced financial constraints and some may go bankrupt if races are not allowed to go on as planned.
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