New hurdle for M'sia, get rid of Covid-19 virus among foreign workers

By Dawn Chan - June 1, 2020 @ 7:30pm

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia now has a new hurdle to overcome in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic - to eliminate the virus transmission among foreign workers.

This was because other than those who were infected overseas, cases of foreign workers in various sectors and those in several Immigration Detention Centres had risen since April 29.

The increased number of daily cases had exceeded the figures projected by the Health Ministry.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah called on various parties such as the government, employers, non-governmental organisations and foreign missions to pool efforts in tackling the issue.

"The country is now facing a new challenge that we need to solve together, which is the rise of Covid-19 cases among non-Malaysians. However, this group must not be sidelined and stigmatised by Malaysians.

"We need to assist them so that we can axe the Covid-19 transmission in our country. Although socialising and mixing between Malaysians and non-Malaysians have always been limited, their (non-Malaysians) presence had contributed to empowering the country's economy.

"Therefore, it is only right that we identify and find solutions to address the spread of Covid-19 among them," said Dr Noor Hisham during a press daily briefing at the ministry today.

He said the issue of cramped and crowded accommodation of foreign workers must be resolved immediately to ensure that it did not lead to the spread of Covid-19 and other infectious diseases.

"As stressed by the government, foreign workers, especially in the construction, security sectors and red zones, must be screened. Employers, with foreign workers in yellow and green zones, are encouraged to send them for screenings on their initiative.

"Employers must take the responsibility to educate their foreign workers on hygienic practices by ensuring adherence of the Standard Operating Procedures at their accommodation, such as cleanliness at sleeping and common areas and social distancing.

"Make sure that it is not cramped and they do not engage in conversations in close proximity."