SETIA Alam will not be placed under an enhanced movement-control order (EMCO), despite there being a cluster of Covid-19 cases detected at a construction site.

“The situation appears to be under control, and does not warrant an EMCO,” director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah told a media conference in Putrajaya today. 

He said those infected have been isolated and quarantined while their close contacts have been screened.

Earlier today, the Health Ministry said 12 Bangladeshi workers tested positive for Covid-19 in the area.  

A further nine workers tested negative with results for another seven still pending. Investigations have been carried out after a private hospital alerted the ministry of the infections.

The source of the infection is still being investigated.

Dr Noor Hisham said that cramped living conditions is a major factor in the rapid spread of Covid-19 among migrant workers.

Workers who reside within the same unit may work in shifts, take turns to rest in the same quarters.

“If you noticed from the cases in Selangor Mansion, Malaya Mansion and the Menara One City condominium, one apartment may have as many as 30 people. 

“And you might notice that 15 people sit in one housing unit at the construction site.”

Dr Noor Hisham said the ministry will continue to monitor the situation, although no new cases have been detected in Setia Alam. 

This morning, the areas around the Jalan Othman wet market in Petaling Jaya were placed under EMCO until May 23, affecting 2,900 residents.

Active case detections and a targeted approach will continue to be utilised, with the conditional MCO extended to June 9, he said.

While economic sectors are opening up, Dr Noor Hisham urged the public to practise good personal hygiene, maintain social distancing, and refrain from leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary.

“If there is high compliance among the public, then we will be able to control and further reduce new Covid-19 cases,” he said.

He added that the ministry will continue to monitor developments in the country and abroad, and also via information from the World Health Organisation.

He also wished all mothers Happy Mothers’ Day. 

“The theme Prihatin Keluarga, Hargai Ibu (Care for your family, cherish your mother) is most appropriate, because we appreciate the role and sacrifice of all mothers, especially during this period when we are trying to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.” – May 10, 2020.