KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering emulating measures adopted in Singapore to have foreign construction workers undergo Covid-19 swab tests once every two weeks.
Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusoff said this was among the measures being considered by the ministry to strengthen the present standard operating procedures (SOP) and subsequently reduce the transmission of the virus at construction sites, as well as quarters and dormitories housing migrant construction workers.
"In Singapore, all foreign workers (in the construction sector) must undergo swab tests once every two weeks.
"Together with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, we will conduct engagement sessions with players in the construction sector as well as associations representing contractors before making any decision.
"And we will try to conduct the engagements virtually by next week after getting confirmation from all parties involve," he told reporters here today.
Fadillah added that the ministry was aware that the proposal would increase operating costs for construction companies.
"The contractors would, however, suffer from greater losses if cases were detected at their construction site due to the absence of preventive measures.
"The ministry will discuss the matter with the Human Resources Ministry if Social Security Organisation (Socso) could fund a portion of the costs for the swab tests if the proposal is implemented," he said.
Fadillah was asked to comment on the rise in Covid-19 cases detected among construction workers.
"We are aware of the rise in cases detected at construction sites in the country. We are looking into ways to mitigate the problem.
"I am happy to note that there are major construction companies which have taken the necessary measures by isolating the affected foreign construction workers at hotels and facilities gazetted by the government.
"The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) will continue to conduct inspections to ensure all parties in the construction sector comply with the SOPs in place," he said.