The Malaysian Insight

FACTORIES contributed the highest number of Covid-19 clusters in Selangor in July, accounting for 54% of 180 active clusters, said state health director Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman.

He said there were 96 clusters linked to factories.

This was followed by services, construction and community clusters. 

“We found there was not even one cluster linked to Hari Raya. This means that Selangor residents were compliant with the standard operating procedure during Hari Raya Aidiladaha,” he said in a joint press conference today.

The services industry contributed 22 clusters, or 12% of the 180 active clusters, reported in July, while the construction industry contributed 18 clusters.

Community clusters accounted for 5% of the total reported last month. However, all nine clusters were reported before Hari Raya Aidiladha.

Sha’ari said 40% of the cases in Selangor were due to close contacts, 22% were symptomatic clusters and 20% were among workers, while the remaining were not work-related.

Based on checks conducted by state authorities, he said most factories have been compliant with SOP.

“If we look at the factory clusters, they may have complied with SOP while they were at work but may have been lax once they go home. The source of infection is not from the factory itself,” he said.

The transmission could have happened outside the factories, be it in the hostel or their homes,” he added.

Therefore, he said it is important to be compliant with SOP at all times, including outside the workplace.

Meanwhile, deputy director-general of health (public health) Dr Chong Chee Keong who said he has recently engaged with two trade chambers.

He said employers in the Klang Valley should get their employees vaccinated as soon as possible.

The Greater Klang Valley task force chief also said that symptomatic employees must be tested for Covid-19.

He also encouraged employers to ensure that their staff have access to GPs and panel clinics, as some may delay seeking medical attention due to the cost.

He said the saliva test kits could also be used for on-site testing.

Employers must also ensure that cases and close contacts are isolated, he said.

He also asked employers to ensure that the welfare of people in quarantine are given the necessary aid and food.

Chong also urged employers to sign up for the Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s Safe@Work programme. – August 6, 2021.