WITH COVID-19 cases rising in the nation and several major companies found hiding outbreaks in their premises, a former health minister has urged the Government to throw the book on errant individuals.
“On top of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, we have several other federal gazettes passed to stem the rise of COVID-19 cases.
“If any individuals or companies, with knowledge of an infectious disease does not notify the public health authority, they are liable to a fine and jail time,” former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam told FocusM.
Recently, it was reported that Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd did not notify public health authorities on COVID-19 outbreak among its workers. It only informed the matter to a group of analysts.
Subsequently, Minority Shareholder Watch Group chief executive officer Devanesan Evanson hit out at Kossan for holding back the information, saying such a move would have negative effect on stock prices.
Another company caught for flouting Government regulation was glove maker, Top Glove Corp Bhd, where many of its factories have been placed under movement control due to the virus outbreak.
The Labour Department has also commenced 19 investigation papers against Top Glove for breaching the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).
One of Top Glove’s security guard, 29-year-old Yam Narayan Bahadur, passed away after the company took him to the hospital in the last minute, at the final stages of the COVID-19 infection.
Subramaniam said that enough notices and advice have been given to the public, especially the business community, on the dos and don’ts during the pandemic and everyone should act responsibly to prevent the spread of the virus.
“I cannot blame the enforcement officers as it is impossible for them to check every business premises in the country to ensure standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance.
“So, if there is a breach, punitive action must be taken,” said the former Segamat MP.
Echoing Subramaniam’s sentiments, the Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association said that by keeping mum on vital information, the Government would be hard-pressed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s very irresponsible of them to hide this information from the authorities. I’m also curious on what the Government is doing about it,” said its president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar.
He added: “The Government has given enough information and leeway to them. It’s time for the Health Ministry to take firm action against irresponsible quarters before our people suffer even further.” – Dec 17, 2020
