KUALA LUMPUR: Total economic shutdown in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19 infections should be avoided, but employers must play their part, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).
The Alliance for Safety Community chairman said safety at the workplace is paramount, thus employers should fully comply with safety procedures introduced by the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH), while adhering to the Health Ministry's standard operating procedures (SOPs).
"DOSH's safety procedures must go hand-in-hand with the SOPs, including using face masks, hand sanitisers and maintaining physical distancing," he said Monday (Jan 25).
"If they are not disciplined in following all measures introduced, it will be very difficult to deal with the pandemic.
"At the end of the day, as far as businesses are concerned, I don't think they want a total economic shutdown, as it will lead to many disastrous consequences," Lee said.
Lee also called on the government and relevant authorities to conduct more effective screenings, focus on targeted areas instead of shutting down the whole country and more effective contact tracing.
"Those that have been traced must be isolated as an effective quarantine is very important.
"Such measures have proved effective in a neighbouring country, which successfully controlled the spread of Covid-19 among foreign workers," he said.
Everyone is concerned about the spike in Covid-19 cases but it is not enough, he added.
"A particular concern has always been at the workplace and places where there are many foreign workers.
"Everyone, especially the employers and workers, must play their part in combating the virus," Lee said.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/01/25/employers-must-play-role-in-curbing-covid-19-avoiding-total-lockdown-says-lam-thye