KUALA LUMPUR: The Covid-19 Screening Programme for Foreign Workers will be implemented in a targeted manner, starting with high risk districts from Tuesday (Dec 1), followed by red zone districts in other states from Dec 9.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said from Dec 16, screening will be conducted for the entire state of Sabah, Labuan and other districts in Selangor, Penang, and Negri Sembilan.
He said the programme would be carried out by the Social Security Organisation (Socso), in collaboration with private clinics and hospitals.
"The government, through a press conference by Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday (Friday), has set the procedure for the Covid-19 screening programme for all foreign workers.
"These screening tests will be conducted on a scheduled and gradual basis focusing on high-risk districts, starting Dec 1, with those working in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Sabah," he said in a statement today.
He said the screening activities would begin in Klang and Seremban on Dec 1, followed by other red zone districts in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Penang from Dec 9 onwards.
Saravanan said the screening test would use the RTK Antigen method approved by the Health Ministry and the test kit will be funded by Socso.
Employers, he said, would only need to finance the cost of services charged by the private clinic or hospital.
"For foreign workers who are not Socso contributors, the screening cost must be fully borne by the employer.
"This programme will be enforced by Human Resources Ministry under the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among foreign workers."
He added that more information on this programme will be updated on the PSP Portal (https://psp.perkeso.gov.my) and any inquiries could be made via email at hsp@perkeso.gov.my or hotline 1-300-22-8000 or 03-4264 5089.
On Friday, Ismail Sabri said all foreign workers would be required to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening from Dec 1 following the increasing number of positive cases among them, particularly at factories and construction sites.
He had said the first phase of Covid-19 screening will be carried out in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Labuan and Negri Sembilan.