Shut factories with Covid-19 cases for two weeks to check spread of virus, says Negri govt

SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government has proposed that factories in the state reporting Covid-19 cases are closed for two weeks.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said this was necessary to reduce the number of industrial clusters in the state and check the spread of Covid-19.

“The state exco discussed and agreed that these factories should be closed for two weeks so that their managements can take the necessary measures and enforce standard operating procedures to prevent more workers from being infected.

“We also want the health authorities to convey this to factory managements so they will be aware,” he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting on Wednesday (June 30).

Aminuddin said this was also necessary as the state has been reporting an unusually high number of cases in recent weeks.

However, he did not state how many workers had to be tested Covid-19 positive before a factory should be ordered to close for 14 days.

There are an estimated 18 active industrial clusters in the state.

On Wednesday, Negri Sembilan recorded the second highest number of cases at 644. On Tuesday (June 29), it reported 700 cases, 629 on Monday, 501 on Sunday and 741 on Saturday.

On another matter, Aminuddin said workers in the state who were laid off due to the Covid-19 pandemic may apply for RM300 aid from the state government.

The state government has set aside RM3mil for the purpose and affected workers may apply for the aid online at n9.digital, he added.

“I am told that some are finding it difficult to get into the website as the traffic is high.

“Please do not worry as we have set aside the funds for those affected,” he said, adding that they will have to provide supporting documents to file a claim.

Aminuddin said the Negri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Council has also spent RM2.65mil to help those affected by the pandemic during Phase One of the National Recovery Plan.

Of the amount, RM1.4mil was given in cash aid.