Sep 6 – Employers will be supplied with Covid-19 test kits in an initiative to contain the spread of the virus at workplaces, says Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan.

The initiative – known as Recovery Phase Covid-19 screening programme – kicks off on Monday (Sept 6) following the reopening of more economic sectors under Phases One and Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan.

“By providing employers with the test kits, this will support efforts to ensure workplaces are safe from Covid-19,” he said.

Saravanan said workers were among those who were affected by the pandemic, with workplace clusters reported every day.

He added that this did not only affect them but also the economy as well as other industries and said that to date, Socso had made RM11.7mil in compensation payments to workers who had been affected by Covid-19.

Saravanan said Socso had also been directed to assist in the screening process for workers, this time by providing employers with RTK antigen test kits.

“Employers will be responsible to coordinate the screening process at their respective workplaces with clinics, hospitals or training doctors of their choice,” he said.

He added that this approach was hoped to lessen employers’ burden who now need to only bear costs to carry out the test that was being charged by hospitals or clinics.

“Aside from assisting employers, this programme will also allow the ministry to monitor screening processes through detailed reports that need to be submitted to the authorities,” he said.