2nd December 2020

Dear Members,

COVID-19 SCREENING TESTS FOR FOREIGN WORKERS

PERKESO will be conducting COVID-19 screenings for all foreign workers that contribute to PERKESO and work in , , , and . This program is enforced by the HR ministry under the Workers’ Minimum Standards Of Housing And Amenities Act 1990.

The screening is based on the red zone localities with the highest density of foreign workers, in view of the high number of cases involving the group recently, particularly at factories and construction sides.

The screening tests will be carried out with the cooperation of clinics and private hospitals in scheduled with priority being given to high-risk districts, starting from 1st December 2020. The list of clinics and hospitals can be found here: https://psp.perkeso.gov.my/direktori-panel-perkhidmatan-rtk.html

The Schedule for the periodic screenings in the identified districts are as follows:

• Klang and district from 1st December 2020; • Other Red Zones in Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur and Penang from 9th December 2020; o Selangor: Hulu Langat, Petaling, Gombak Kuala Langat, Sepang o Whole of WP Kuala Lumpur o Penang: Seberang Perai Selatan, Timur Laut, Barat Daya • Sabah, WP Labuan and other districts in Selangor, Penang dan Negeri Sembilan from 16th December 2020. o Whole of Sabah & WP Labuan o Selangor: Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Sabak Bernam o Penang: Seberang Prai Tengah, Seberang Prai Utara o Negeri Sembilan: , , , Jempol, Jelebu,

This screening process will use the RTK Antigen Method which has been approved by the Health Ministry and the price of the testing kits will be borne by PERKESO, for first time test only. The Employer will have to bear the service charges imposed by the clinic or hospital.

We have also attached a guideline for employer for this screening: https://psp.perkeso.gov.my/media/1.%20Garis%20Panduan%20Majikan%20Bagi%20Pelaksanaan%2 0Program%20Saringan%20COVID-19%20Kepada%20Pekerja%20Asing%20.pdf

Best Regards, Shao Min Ng Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the definition of foreign workers in the announcement include expats?

A: Expats should not be included here. The PERKESO website mentioned that the Human Resources Ministry is carrying out this mandatory screening under the Workers’ Minimum Standards Of Housing And Amenities Act 1990. In this Act, workers are defined as per the Employment Act 1955 and as expats would not fall under the scope of the Employment Act and therefore they would not be categorised as foreign workers.

2. Can the Covid-19 screening test only can be done at PERKESO’s panel clinic?

A: According to the guidelines provided by PERKESO, employers should book the screening with PERKESO Panel Clinics or Private Healthcare Facilities as listed on their website. The FAQ even states that you could conduct the screening at the premises, provided that the screening providers listed are able to comply with your request.

3. If my foreign workers have undergone screening through RT-PCR Method, are they required to undergo another screening?

A: Foreign workers who has undergone screening before through RT-PCR Method, the foreign workers can undergo the screening again through RTK Antigen Method.

4. Are the cost of the screening for foreign workers who are not contributing to SOCSO covered by PERKESO?

A: For foreign workers who did not contribute to SOCSO, the cost for the screening will be fully covered by the employer.

5. Are employers allowed to operate after the screening for the foreign workers?

A: Employers are allowed to operate as usual depending on further instruction from KKM or JTK based on the test result of the Covid-19 screening.

6. Will the test result be released to employee after undergone the screening? A: The clinic or hospital who conducted the screening will release the result to employers and employees.

7. What are the steps to be taken while undergoing the process of the screening? A: Employees are required to follow the SOP while undergoing the screening. Screening conducted in the employer’s premises are required to follow the SOP set by KKM.

8. Must employer bear any cost for the screening of eligible foreign workers?

A: While the screening cost will be borne by PERKESO, the employer will have to bear the cost of service charge imposed by the clinic. We would suggest for you to have your HR team to set up a claim or reimbursement system to assist in managing the payout.

9. What happens if an employee tests positive for Covid-19 on the Antigen Test?

A : To quote Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, in the article, “Mandatory Covid-19 screenings for foreign workers start tomorrow” published by the Edge on 30.11.2020: "If a worker tests positive using the Antigen rapid test kit (RTK-Ag) and has no symptoms, the worker can be placed in the workers’ dormitory prepared by employers as long as he is isolated from workers who tested negative using the RTK-Ag,”

• If the dormitory conditions were unsuitable, the worker would need to be placed in the low-risk Covid-19 quarantine and treatment centre prepared by the employer. • Workers who are positive on the RTK-Ag test and have serious symptoms will be admitted to hospital while workers confirmed positive through the RT-PCR test would have the option of being placed immediately at the quarantine and treatment centre prepared by the employer or admitted to hospital. • "Workers who test positive using the RTK-Ag test and have mild symptoms will be placed in the quarantine and treatment centre prepared by their employers. • "All patients who are discharged must wear monitoring wristbands that will be of a different colour from home surveillance order wristbands,”