Mass Testing in Penang Would Include 400,000 Factory Workers

In Penang, about 400,000 factory workers will undergo the on-site polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test via the deep throat saliva method. This initiative aims to step up mass testing over the next few weeks. 

Since Saturday, five factories have tested their staff using the method to speed up testing and increase the rate of Covid-19 screenings. 

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Penang chairman Datuk Jimmy Ong stated that the mass testing would display a spike in Covid-19 cases in Penang. However, it is crucial to ensure the early detection of clusters. 

This mass testing method is believed to be the first involving factories in Malaysia. 

 

Why mass testing works

"When there is mass testing, it is expected that there will be a spike in the cases. It is up to individual companies to come onboard and test their workers," Ong said.

According to him, the mass testing is cost-effective as the employers would only need to spend RM60 per worker instead of RM200 to RM250 in private testing. 

He added that they would be using the pool testing method with multiple samples combined to carry out one test on the entire batch. 

"It means workers who stay together, work in the same department or use the same transportation, will be pooled together based on the categories mentioned before the test is conducted.

He said the lab involved would do the grouping and test them according to the pools they fall under. Different workers from every pool would be tested on a rotation basis every few weeks. If the result comes back positive for Covid-19, the whole group of workers will undergo testing. 

The Health Minister said that the deep throat saliva sampling method was safe and not invasive compared to others.

Ong stated that not all workers are necessary for the second round of testing. 

"You can test 20% of the workers every two weeks or over a month. It means a fewer number of tests and early detection of cases, which will reduce the chance of clusters at work," he added.

He said that under this method, the worker who tests positive would need to isolate with his pool of coworkers immediately, reducing the chances of spreading to other pools in the factory. He said factories had been hard hit by the pandemic, and it was tedious and costly to test workers continuously.

 

Efficient and effective

A general manager at a manufacturing company, Sim Saw Beng stated all 111 workers, including himself, would be tested at the factory.

He said that it is a cost-effective and straightforward method without waiting for someone to show symptoms. 

Dr Lee Toong Chow, who was at the factory to explain the screening procedure, said the mass testing method could be effective as it will create a clean bubble for factories when screened every few weeks.

In February 2021, the Health Ministry approved the method as another way to collect samples from a person.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said that the deep throat saliva sampling method was safe and not invasive compared to the nose and throat swab.

 

Penang S.A.F.E programme

The Penang S.A.F.E programme prepares a full flow to implement continuous mass screening. The mass screening is relatively cost-efficient, so small and medium industries (SMI) and small and medium enterprises (SME) can also participate in the programme. 

This programme includes the complete process of registration, screening, sample collection, and results in 24 hours This programme is also in collaboration with the Penang Health Department (JKNPP) to notify them of positive cases for further action. 

You can read more about the programme here

 

You can find more information regarding the programme at www.penangsafe.com or email info@penangsafe.com.

Source: The Star

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