Employers Cannot Cut Workers' Wages to Pay for Screenings
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Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that employers are not allowed to deduct the cost of the COVID-19 screenings from their employees' salary. Employers also cannot ask the employees to pay for the screenings themselves.
The minister responded to allegations that some employers had slashed their workers' salary to pay for the compulsory Covid-19 screening.
According to him, any employer who does so would face severe action from the Ministry of Human Resources. He was told by the ministry that employers cannot take such action. Ismail also said that many employers still refuse to cover the costs of screening their workers.
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Employers cannot deduct the cost of COVID-19 screenings from the workers' salary
"I was informed that the ministry would set up an online help service so that employees who face such discrimination from their employer can file a complaint with the human resources ministry," Ismail said during a press conference yesterday.
He said that employers were also instructed to provide suitable workers' accommodation to prevent another COVID-19 workplace cluster. He said that there might be amendments to the relevant law and emergency ordinances to compel employers to prepare acceptable accommodation and housing for their employees.
Among the proposals was to use low-cost hotels to house the employees, including foreign workers, to prevent overcrowding at certain quarters. The minister added that the Ministry of Human Resources was still discussing with employers on that matter.
Pasar Malam, hair salons and car wash services allowed to operate.
Ismail also announced that three business activities, specifically Pasar Malam, hair salons and car wash services, are now allowed to operate with a strict standard operating procedure (SOP) in place from today (Feb 5).
He said the National Security Council made the decision after discussions with health authorities and relevant ministries and agencies. Ismail said the Health Ministry had assessed the risks of allowing these businesses to reopen, including deciding if there were clusters that had appeared from these sectors.
The minister stated that Pasar Malam can operate from 4 pm to 10 pm. Among the SOP for Pasar Malam is:
- Ensuring that every stall is at least a metre apart.
- Different entry and exit points.
- Rela personnel will be on duty to enforce compliance.
As for hair salons, operating hours are up to 10 pm, and only hair cuts are allowed. They must use face shields, aprons, and gloves and clean scissors and hairbrush with hot water. Hair salons are also not allowed to provide facials and other services.
Car wash services are also permitted to operate until 10 pm.
Chinese New Year gathering SOP
Only family members who live in the same house are allowed to participate in reunion dinners for Chinese New Year. Ismail said this was part of the SOP for Chinese New Year celebrations written by the National Security Council.
The minister said this included all activities associated with the celebration, including reunion dinners and prayers. House-to-house visits and cross-border travels are disallowed. Prayers at temples are also not allowed, except for five of the committee members of the temple.
For those who will celebrate Chinese New Year in Sarawak, the state government would address the matter as parts of the state are under conditional MCO.
Chinese New Year falls on Feb 12 2021.
Sources: Free Malaysia Today, The Star
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