Covid-19 Screening Programme for All Foreign Workers Nationwide

1.   YB Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, Minister of Human Resources announced on 28^th November 2020 that it was compulsory for foreign workers in every sector working in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Sabah to undergo Covid-19 RTK-Antigen swab test with effect from 1^st January 2021, members are informed that YB Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has also announced on 30^th January 2021 that the Covid-19 Screening for all foreign workers is mandatory.

2.    Members are advised that the mandatory Covid-19 Screening for all foreign workers is provided under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) through Regulation 10 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) (No. 9) Regulations 2020 [P.U.(A) 400 dated 31^st December 2020] which is effective for period from 1^st January 2021 to 31^st March 2021.

3.    YB Datuk Seri M. Saravanan further stated that the Covid-19 Screening Programme implemented by SOCSO only for foreign workers who are holders of temporary work pass (Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara) effective from 1^st December 2020 has been extended nationwide starting 2^nd February 2021.

4.   The cost for the RTK-Antigen test kit for the first Covid-19 Screening will still be borne by SOCSO and employers are only required to pay for the cost of service charged by the private clinics or hospitals for foreign workers who are contributing to SOCSO. As for foreign workers who do not contribute to SOCSO, the cost of the tests are to be fully borne by employers. Please be informed that the cost for the second and any subsequent Covid-19 tests will be borne by employers.

5.    The Covid-19 RTK-Antigen test can be done at the SOCSO panel clinics or hospitals and employers may arrange with the clinics or hospitals for the test to be conducted at the employers’ premises.

6.    Members are advised to refer to the list of clinics and hospitals registered as SOCSO Health Screening Panel at PSP Portal (https://psp.perkeso.gov.my). Members may also contact SOCSO for further enquiry via email: hsp@perkeso.gov.my or hotline 1300-22-8000 or 03-4264 5089. Click here to view the original circular from Malaysian Employers Federation

Source: Malaysian Employers Federation - MEF