KUCHING: Requiring all foreign workers to undergo the Covid-19 screening test starting Jan 1 next year is a good move to content the spread of infection, particularly in high-risk areas.
This was said by Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) Kuching chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok, adding that the testing of the foreign workers will also help in close contact tracing to content the spread of the virus in high-risk areas such as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Sabah.
“The testing of foreign workers will increase the cost of the employer’s operation and we hope that the Social Security Organisation (Socso) will continue to provide the testing subsidies,” he told New Sarawak Tribune today.
He said however, it is better to test and prevent infection rather than having to close down the whole operation for sanitisation and cleaning due to infection in factories or at operation sites and the quarantining of infected workers.
“This testing is also to help stop the spread in their local communities that might also affect the employer and family members,” he said.
Sim said in the case of Sarawak, the borders are still closed and strict quarantine procedures are still imposed on non-essential services.
“Most areas in Sarawak are classified as green zones and Sarawakians are cooperating well with Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in keeping the infection rates low,” he said.
He also said that it is good to hear that the Covid-19 vaccine is scheduled to arrive in the country by February next year.
“We hope all of us can be vaccinated before the end of next year. Until then, we must continue to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs), practise good hygiene and social distance,” said Sim.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan, in a statement today, said that all employers are required to ensure that their foreign workers undergo the Covid-19 screening test in an effort to address the spread of the pandemic.
He said the cost of the screening test would be borne by the employer, while for foreign workers who contribute to Socso, the screening test can be done at clinics appointed by Socso.
