by AFIQ AZIZ / pic by BERNAMA

MANUFACTURING operators must ensure that all staff present at work premises undergo the RTK Antigen test, approved by the Health Ministry, every two weeks.

In a statement yesterday, the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) said the swab test can be done via self-testing or at any health facilities.

The requirement, which is in addition to the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) including the assurance that present staff completed their vaccine doses, was to curb Covid-19 transmission among workers.

“The current SOPs, such as physical distancing and the use of masks, are still applicable and mandatory for companies.

“The government would like to remind companies to follow the SOPs, and that action, including the issuance of compounds or the suspension of operations, may be taken for non-compliance,” Miti said.

The announcement was made following Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement that manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying are allowed to resume operation starting today depending on the company’s vaccination rate.

Muhyiddin also announced that a total of 11 economic activities in states under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan were allowed to reopen once the state reached 50% of the vaccination rate of its adult population.

Miti said manufacturing companies have to make an official declaration on the number of employees who are fully vaccinated in the Covid-19 Intelligent Management System 3.0, after which new operating approval letters will be issued.

“This declaration is limited to the manufacturing sector.

“Confirmation on the vaccination rate among employees will be made through a review with the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force,” Miti said. It added that periodic verification visits will be conducted by enforcement personnel on manufacturers.

On its Twitter account, Miti also clarified that the SOPs for other sectors would have to be referred to respective ministries. For example, saloons fall under the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.