KUALA LUMPUR:The government will temporarily shut down factories and business premises that fail to comply with the standard operation procedure (SOP) on COVID-19 prevention and cause infections to occur.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said stern action would also be taken against factory operators who fail to ensure that their foreign workers undergo mandatory COVID-19 screening tests.
He said nine factories and 16 business premises, which are not allowed to operate during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period as they are not on the list of essential services, have been ordered to shut down by the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI).
“We are serious about ensuring there are not COVID-19 infections in factories, including closing them down temporarily until all COVID-19 cases have recovered. We will also ensure that their workers are free from COVID-19,” he said at the media conference on MCO development here today.
There has been a rise in COVID-19 positive cases and clusters involving workplaces, which have contributed to a spike in daily cases.
In addition, Ismail Sabri said that although interstate travelling was allowed for long-distance couples, they are still required to obtain approval from the police and also advised to undergo COVID-19 screening tests.
When asked about the actions of the management of some condominiums instructing tenants to undergo COVID-19 swab tests before being allowed to enter their units, he said that this was allowed.
He said although the National Security Council (MKN) did not issue such a policy, the council would not stop the management of any condominium or residential area from doing so in order to protect the safety of residents there.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said police could use their discretion to allow residents living at state borders to cross over to another state to get to the nearest town for daily necessities.
"It is reasonable to allow interstate travel for the purpose of purchasing necessities in the town nearest to them.
"… the radius allowed for travel is a maximum of 10 kilometres (km), but if a town in the same state is 15-km away compared to a town in another state (neighbouring) that is three km away, I hope the police will allow (interstate travel),” he said.
He said this in reply to questions as to whether the government would consider allowing residents in a border area like Hulu Bernam, Selangor to cross the border to Pekan Tanjung Malim, Perak if the nearest town is in the other state.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Jan 28 2021
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government was serious about ensuring there are no COVID-19 infections in factories, including closing them down temporarily until all COVID-19 cases have recovered.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.