We hope that this article provides useful insight on how to handle COVID-19 in the workplace in Malaysia. These guidelines follow the Ministry of Human Resources in Malaysia.
Q&A How To Deal With COVID-19 In Malaysia Workplace?
1. What should an employer do if an employee appears to be suspected of new coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Instruct employees to seek medical examination immediately by a registered medical practitioner or medical officer, as specified under section 60F of the Employment Act 1955.
2. If the employee is diagnosed and received quarantine orders from a certified medical practitioner, what are the details that the employer needs to pay attention to?
Employers must offer paid sick leave or hospitalization leave to the employee who received quarantine orders from a certified medical practitioner. Employers are encouraged to offer remuneration to workers with quarantine orders that surpass sick leave or hospitalization.
Employers must pay full salary to employees who received quarantine orders from a certified medical practitioner if they return from countries affected by 2019-nCoV cases due to official duty from the company.
3. Can employers stop employees from attending work?
If no quarantine orders are issued by any licensed medical practitioner, employers cannot stop employees to go to work. Nonetheless, employers can inform employees who are not feeling well to take paid sick leave.
4. Can employers instruct employees who received quarantine orders from a certified medical practitioner, to take annual leave?
No. Employers cannot tell employees who received quarantine orders from a certified medical practitioner to take annual leave entitlement or take unpaid leave during the quarantine period.
5. What should I do if my boss still insists me to take annual leaves despite receiving quarantine orders from a certified medical practitioner?
You can lodge a report here: Labour Department
Chinese Version: (GUIDELINES) How To Handle COVID-19 In Malaysia Workplace?
How To Keep Your Workplace Safe From Covid-19 In Malaysia? (5 tips of how to handle COVID-19 In Malaysia Workplace)
According to the Ministry of Health, these are the prevention practice of COVID-19 in Malaysia workplace. Basic Protective Measures could be the terms as well.
1. Employers should start doing these things even if CoVID-19 has not arrived in the communities where they operate, by doing disinfecting works regularly especially on surfaces and objects that are easily contaminated by germs such as:
– Work Desks/ Table
– Doorknob
– Computer Keyboard
– Telephone
2. If there is an employee who is tested positive for CoVID-19, premises do not need to be closed, as disinfection is sufficient.
3. Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub/ hand sanitizer.
4. Avoid close contact from sick people. Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
5. Put on a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
Other Remarks:
- Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
For Further Information
1. You can do COVID-19 screening at home: https://www.doctoroncall.com.my/medicine/coronavirus-covid-19-test-kit?fbclid=IwAR0-tyAca7rj6aKgbjnfI-Bl53s3spz3FSU8CPp-uvramENBE9FgNjtxBmY
2. Employers or employees can contact to Crisis Preparedness And Response Centre (CPRC) for inquiries. Phone number 03-88810200 / 03-88810600 / 03-8881070.
3. Check the latest coronavirus cases update here in Malaysia: https://newslab.malaysiakini.com/covid-19/en
Chinese Version: (GUIDELINES) How To Handle COVID-19 In Malaysia Workplace?
