Some Malaysian employers cover up status of staff infected by COVID-19

This was revealed by human resource minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan, who said such a move was a bad practice or culture by employers, occurring especially when the country was battling a pandemic. 

“I have given a warning to the manufacturing and construction companies. There are also positive cases, but (employers) do not inform the Health Ministry (MOH) for fear they will not be able to operate,” he said.  

“I urge employers if there is a positive case, please inform the MOH (for further action),” he said. 

Saravanan said this after presenting donations to flood victims at the temporary relief centre (PPS) Sekolah Kebangsaan Labong in Mersing. 

Earlier, Saravanan gave out financial aid amounting to RM120,000 (US$29,551) to 320 victims from 85 families affected by the floods in the Mersing district from Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Bhd, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Skills Development Fund Corp and Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), according to Bernama. 

When asked about the people’s concerns about their jobs upon the implementation of the movement control order (MCO), he said, “We see there are two crises (occurring), the first one is economic due to the implementation of MCO and the second one is the health crisis. The government is doing its best,” he said. 

Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah has declared a state of emergency across the country to curb the spread of COVID-19. The emergency will last until August 1st or earlier depending on the status of coronavirus infections. 

READ: Malaysia requires employers to provide quarantine centres for foreign workers

The decision was made after Sultan Abdullah met with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin at the national palace. 

Five states, including Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor and Sabah, and the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan have been placed under MCO again for two weeks until January 26th. Interstate travel will be banned across the country, while travelling between districts is not allowed for the states under MCO.