Fine and jail for employers if workers are not tested

Fine and jail for employers if workers are not tested

Ministry says employers could be issued compounds, fined RM1,000 or jailed six months if Covid-19 screening is not done.

Employers will be made to pay a heavy price if foreign workers are not sent for Covid-19 screening.
PETALING JAYA:
Employers who do not send their foreign workers for Covid-19 screening can be fined RM1,000 or jailed up to six months, the human resources ministry has warned.

In a statement, the ministry said employers who fail to adhere to the ruling could also be issued compound fines.

“The ministry will not hesitate to take legal action if employers breach Act 342 and regulations under the Act,” it said, referring to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1998.

Last month, the ministry said all employers were required to ensure that their foreign workers undergo screening from Jan 1.

The cost of the screening and quarantine would be borne by the employer.

“The government is focusing its efforts on containing Covid-19 infections among employees, including foreign labourers.” it said.

In October, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said 30% of the total Covid-19 clusters in the country, since the pandemic first began, were detected in workplaces.

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