COMPANIES can resume operations under the conditional movement control order (CMCO) without having to send all workers for Covid-19 testing first, the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) said today.

In its latest set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) dated today, it said under the CMCO companies can resume business without approval letters from Miti and “screening of workers is not compulsory”.

However, this does not apply to foreign workers in the construction sector, who must undergo compulsory Covid-19 screening through the Social Security Organisation (Socso).

Miti said this was also stated in a separate set of standard operating procedures (SOP) for the construction sector.

“For foreign workers in other industrial sectors, employers need to  follow government orders and announcements from time to time,” Miti’s FAQ said.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob on May 4 had said all foreign workers must be tested for Covid-19, a decision made after the recent increase of infections among foreign workers.

On who bears the cost, it was later clarified that Socso will pay for the tests as long as the employer is registered with the fund.

Miti’s FAQ today also stressed that the screening by Socso is free for workers whose employers are registered with Socso.

The FAQ said the government will bear the cost of Covid-19 treatment, should any worker become infected.

This applies to both citizens and foreign workers.

“Whether it is a local or a foreign worker who has Covid-19, treatment has to be done at government hospitals and the cost will be borne by the government.

“It is the same for workers quarantined at government centres, but employers will bear the cost if they are quarantined elsewhere.

“Any cost related to other logistics outside the facilities of government hospitals or clinics are to be borne by the employer,” Miti’s FAQ said.

Since the CMCO began on May 4, employers struggling with the economic impact of the pandemic, have reported the confusion over testing requirements and who should pay for them. – May 8, 2020.