ALL foreign workers in Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Sabah, Labuan and Kuala Lumpur must take a Covid-19 test, said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Ismail Sabri said the decision was made following the advice of the Health Ministry to reduce Covid-19 infection among foreign labour.

“There are 1.61 million foreign workers in these areas, and to lower infections, the ministry has advised the government to make it a must for all foreign workers to undergo RTK Antigen swab test.

“For workers who contribute to Socso, the test is borne by the employer and Socso. The RM60 subsidy for RTK – Antigen screening test can be claimed to Socso and the rest of the cost is paid by the employer.

“For foreign workers who are not Socso contributors, the cost is fully borne by employer,” said Ismail Sabri in his daily press conference.

Early this week, Ismail Sabri said that Putrajaya was mulling whether to make foreign workers wear wristbands.

“We are currently discussing whether all foreign workers have to wear wristbands, so we will know when they are out and we can prevent them from going out.

“These are the details we will decide and table again during Friday’s National Security Council meeting,” he had said.

The move was slammed by Lawyers for Liberty saying it will only incite fear among the public that they are the cause of the rising Covid-19 rate in the country.

The group said wearing wristbands not only made foreigners easy targets for harassment by the authorities, but will also spark public discrimination. – November 20, 2020.