NSC: Companies flouting MCO guidelines will have operating approvals rescinded

PETALING JAYA: Companies that have gained approval to operate during the movement control order (MCO) period must follow strict guidelines or face cancellation of approval, says the National Security Council (NSC).

NSC said these businesses were given permission to operate to ensure there is a continuity in delivery of essential items and services during the two weeks until March 31.

The main guidelines are pertaining to the health and safety measures that must be put in place for employees of these companies.

"The International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) has engaged with all industries, through industry associations and business chambers.

"Among them are the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM), American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Amcham), and the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia (Jactim).

"The government has given its approval for continued operation with certain guidelines, especially with those producing critical products with an employee operation at a minimal level and rotation of workers.

"The industries have to be responsible in ensuring there is enough filtering and prevention of the Covid-19 epidemic that must be put in place for the safety of workers and customers.

"Companies are to cut down the number of employees by at least 50% of normal and register these employees throughout the MCO.

"The company must set a system of working from home for those not involved in critical production," stated the NSC.

The statement also said all companies allowed to operate during the MCO must produce enough for local consumption first and inform Miti of the list of workers during the period.

Workers must only be travelling from home to the company premises and their temperature must be taken at all entry points and recorded.

In the same statement, NSC also stated that sanitisers are to be placed at all entry points to company premises with face masks provided to all workers.

"Companies are to disinfect their premises before and after production hours, practise social distancing, especially in common spaces such as lobbies, lifts and cafeterias," said the statement.

NSC also said Miti has issued orders for sanitation and disinfection of workers' vehicles before usage.

"If any of the workers are found to have been infected by Covid-19, all medical and disinfection expenses are to be borne by the companies.

"Failure to avoid the directives issued during the MCO can result in the approval to operate being rescinded," said NSC.