MITI: No compromise if factories flout MCO SOPs

MITI: No compromise if factories flout MCO SOPs

07 Jun 2021

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) will not compromise if any factories arbitrarily operate as they are pleased and violate the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) as prescribed by the government.

MITI and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs are monitoring the situation and will continue to do so, as well as make surprise visits.

Based on the outcome of the MITI Covid-19 special task force today in Shah Alam, a factory was discovered to be operating during the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0 even though it is not a provider of any of the essential services listed.

“Suzuki Latex Industry Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s factory, which produces finger sleeves, has changed its sub-sector to electrical and electronics, however, MITI detected its fake registration when (its officers) arrived at the location,” MITI said when asked about the surprise visit today.

MITI said the factory accepted the compound offer of RM50,000 and was directed to close for 14 days.

Senior Minister cum International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali together with Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi led the visits to factories in Klang and Shah Alam based on complaints about their non-compliance with the SOPs.

“The offer of maximum compound and notice of premise closure were immediately issued to the factories,” it added.

Meanwhile, Syarikat Barry Callebaut Malaysia Sdn Bhd was slapped with a compound of RM10,000 because its employees did not use the MySejahtera app at the point-of-entry into its premises.

“Three security guards and a supplier did not use the MySejahtera app. The company representative accepted the compound offer,” it said.

Syarikat Wistron Technology (M) Sdn Bhd located in Klang, Selangor, which reopened on June 3, 2021 after it was directed to close previously, was deemed to have fully complied with the SOPs.

“Industry players are reminded to always adhere to the latest SOPs issued by the National Security Council.”

The violation of the SOPs not only put companies at risk of being compounded but could cause deaths if individuals contract Covid-19.

For any complaints on the non-compliance of SOPs by factories, the public can submit their complaints to [email protected].

Source: Bernama