Sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Johor due to screening of foreign workers - exco

JOHOR BAHRU: The drastic increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Johor is a result of voluntary screening by employers on foreign workers since last December, said State Environment and Health Committee chairman R. Vidyananthan.

He said based on the field investigation by the Johor Health Department , the main reason for the detection of new cases among industrial workers was due to their movement to the red zones outsides the state.

Their non-compliance with the new standard operating procedures (SOP) was also identified as a contributing factor to the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, he said in a statement here today.

However, Vidyananthan said the State Health Department had acted promptly by imposing the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) at industrial locations which were reported to have high COVID-19 positive cases.

According to him, as of yesterday, three hostels for foreign workers have been placed under the EMCO, namely Asrama Westlite Johor Bahru, Arama Westlite 1 and Westlite 2 in Kulai , as well as Asrama Kejora Juara, Bukit Pasir in Muar.

Yesterday, Malaysia recorded the highest daily number of COVID-19 positive cases, totalling 3,027, with Johor recording the highest number at 1,103 cases.

-- BERNAMA