KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 — Putrajaya cracked down on the operations of Top Glove Corporation Berhad in five states on November 26, after one of its factories in Meru, Klang became the biggest contributor of Covid-19 cases to the Teratai Cluster.

In a statement today, the Human Resources Ministry said that operations were carried out with the Department of Labour of Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM), in Johor, Perak, Kedah, Kelantan and Negri Sembilan involving six factories, with 19 investigation papers opened against the glove titan as a result.

"Results from a thorough investigation into employee accommodation and hostels found that the employer did not comply with the Minimum Standards Act on Housing, Accommodation and Employee Facilities 1990 (Act 446).

"The main violation is the failure of this company to apply for an Accommodation Certificate from the director-general of the Labour Department, as stipulated under Section 24D, Act 446.

"This failure in turn led to other offences including living conditions and hostels which are dense, uncomfortable and without proper air ventilation. Even buildings used as accommodations do not comply with local council (PBT) laws,” the ministry said.

It said that the JTKSM will take further action to refer the investigation papers which have been opened to the deputy public prosecutor, for all offences investigated under Act 446.

If convicted, an employer can be punished with a fine of up to RM 50,000 for each offence.

"Therefore, the ministry would like to reiterate that we will never compromise in matters of non-compliance by any employer, on Act 446 or any other laws in force. In addition,” the ministry said, also urging employers and centralised accommodation providers to immediately apply for the Accommodation Certificate, for those who have not yet done so.

Applications can be made online, via: http://akta446.mohr.gov.my, and for any questions or advice related to Act 446 as well as other Acts within the jurisdiction of the Department one can contact the ministry and JTKSM at 03-8886 5192 / 03-8886 2409 / 03- 8886 2352 / 03-8888 9111 or, they can visit any nearby Manpower offices.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday announced that he enhanced movement control order (EMCO) in place at the workers’ quarters of Top Glove in Meru, Klang has been extended for another 14 days from today, until December 14.

He added that the National Security Council has determined that all Top Glove workers there must be screened for the coronavirus and that even those found negative are considered "high risk” and will be subject to mandatory quarantine.

Ismail added that all workers will be issued a Home Surveillance Order (HSO) for 14 days, and will wear wrist bands for surveillance, have daily health checks, and undergo a repeat Covid-19 test on the 13th day of their HSO.

Earlier this month, Top Glove was forced to temporarily halt operations at some of its factories in Malaysia after thousands of workers tested positive for Covid-19.

The Teratai cluster, which is said to have originated from workers of the glove manufacturer at its factory in Selangor, is currently Malaysia’s biggest Covid-19 infection cluster since the pandemic began.