Industries must keep up Covid SOPs to avoid shutdowns, says Azmin

Companies and industries have been 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 Mohamed Azmin Ali said the Safe@Work initiative should remain in place to prevent the 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, workers will be segregated and given appropriate treatment. This will ensure that business activities can continue.

“We also encourage companies and industries to continue regular inspections and tests so that the employees present are healthy and there are no situations where we have to close operations,” he told reporters after visiting the STMicroelectronics Sdn Bhd plant in Tangkak today.

He said this when asked about his ministry’s strategy to face the Omicron wave.

Azmin said the temporary closure of the industrial sector following the implementation of the movement control order two years ago had impacted not only the country’s economy but the global situation as well, as Malaysia is one of the main suppliers in several chains.

“This proves that Malaysia’s role is very important. While we want to check the Covid-19 spread, we also want to ensure that 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.