PETALING JAYA: Employers should be responsible in properly managing their workers when transporting them in a vehicle, says the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti).
The ministry said it condemned the irresponsible actions of a chicken processing factory for having a group of their workers crammed at the back of a lorry while they were being transported elsewhere.
“We vehemently condemn the irresponsible actions of a chicken processing factory in Sungai Petani for its unethical management of its workers, and for not following the SOPs.
“Employers are required to follow the right protocol in managing their workers, in accordance with Act 446,” it said in a tweet on Monday (June 14).
Miti urged the public to report to the authorities if they know of any factories that commit such unethical acts.
“Report immediately to us via [email protected],” the ministry said.
A 19-second video recently went viral, showing a group of over 40 foreign workers standing shoulder-to-shoulder while they were being transported in an open lorry.
The workers, wearing pink quarantine wristbands, were being taken to the Kuala Muda district health office after they were tested positive for Covid-19.
Kedah health director Dr Mohd Fikri Ujang said the workers were being taken to the district health office to be assessed for the next step in their treatment, Bernama reported.
“On Sunday (June 13), 225 positive cases were recorded in the Kuala Muda district. Of the total, 150 positive cases were from the cluster which involved the chicken factory.
“We need to determine whether they need to be treated at the hospital or be taken to the Low Risk Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC), or be quarantined at the hostels provided by the employers,” he said.
The Human Resources ministry has also come forward to urge employers to use the appropriate vehicle when transporting workers to be screened or quarantined for Covid-19.
“The ministry wishes to remind and advise all employers who need to transport their workers for screening or quarantine purposes to use the suitable mode of transport to ensure the safety and welfare of both the workers and the public.
“The ministry will not make any compromises with any employers who are found to be flouting the law,” it said.
Kami mengutuk sekeras-kerasnya tindakan tidak bertanggungjawab sebuah kilang ayam di Sg.Petani dalam pengurusan pekerjanya yang tidak beretika dan tidak mematuhi SOP. Majikan wajib melaksanakan tatacara pengurusan pekerja mengikut ketetapan #Akta446 yang boleh dirujuk kepada KSM. pic.twitter.com/bmJ9fbDGuN
— MITI Malaysia (@MITIMalaysia) June 14, 2021
