Manufacturers’ group: Help us comply with Act 446, subsidise testing costs

MALAYSIAN manufacturers may not be able to withstand the onslaught of another “full lockdown” and are urged to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) strictly.

However, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) also called on the Government to address some of the obstacles they are facing, especially in adhering to Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).

“On Act 446, the major obstacle faced currently are the lack of hostels and centralised living quarters and accommodation.

“The most critical part is the lack of facilitation by local authorities to get approvals, which is a critical element to compliance,” said its president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai, in a statement.

Recently, the media went abuzz after the International Trade and Industries Ministry (MITI) had a meeting with the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Eurocham Malaysia), with some speculating that the Government is mulling a “full lockdown” due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

However, Eurocham Malaysia later clarified there was no such mention and the meeting was about how the business community can help flatten the COVID-19 curve and potential economic ramifications if the pandemic goes out of hand.

In need for transparent, comprehensive vaccination plan

On that note, Soh urged the Government to subside the cost of RTK-antigen test kits, so that employers in all the states under the movement control order (MCO 2.0) can conclude the mandatory screening for migrant workers before the deadline.

He added that the Government should also get healthcare facilities to adhere strictly to the gazetted cost of the RTK-antigen / RT-PCR tests for all, including foreigners.

“And when the bulk tests are done, please consider giving us an appropriate discount for the service cost / test costs, which would be borne by employers,” Soh said.

He added that the Government should also ensure there are enough healthcare facilities and labs to cope with the sheer volume of tests that would be carried out during this period, and for timely release of test results.

“At this juncture, the business community welcomes a transparent and comprehensive national COVID-19 vaccination programme for the entire population, which is crucial at not only preserving public health and lives but also for economic recovery.

“An early announcement of the national vaccination programme and the prioritised groups are vital towards the industries’ business continuity plans,” Soh remarked.

He added: “As long as the pandemic pervades, the growth and investments by the private sector will remain subdued and the economic recovery will continue to be sluggish.”- Jan 25, 2021.

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