​PETALING JAYA: It is unfair to single out employers in general as culprits for not allowing their workers who had been classified as a Covid-19 contact to undergo home quarantine.

MEF President Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman J.P., in response to the allegation of Health Minister YB Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba against employers recently, said employers are responsible citizens and are doing their utmost by taking the prescribed steps to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“It is not right to paint a picture that employers in general are recalcitrant and do not follow the established SOPs,” said Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain. 

“Employers have in many ways played a positive role to ensure that they support the government and to protect their greatest assets, which are their employees. 

“MEF had briefed all our members and they are in full support to reduce and end this pandemic. 

“As long as the instructions provided by the authorities are clear and consistent, most employers will follow.”  

Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain also said that home quarantine was not the only option for employers as the Ministry of International Trade and Industry had introduced the Safe@Work voluntary programme for the manufacturing and related services industries whereby close contacts would still be allowed to attend work under the ‘safe bubble’ concept.

He said while the impact of a blanket MCO would be devastating to business and the economy, it is understood that there is a dire need to curb the rising number of Covid-19 infections.

“Any decisions and statements towards this end must also take into consideration the interest of business and preservation of livelihoods,” he added.

For further information, contact the MEF Secretariat at 03-7955-7778 or fax 03-7955-9008 or email mef-hq@mef.org.my. 

11 MAY 2021