Kuala Lumpur, May 5 (Sin Chew Daily) — The government's decision to carry out mandatory screening for all foreign workers and for employers to pay their COVID-19 tests is unfair, said Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) executive director Datuk Hj Shamsuddin Bardan.

Shamsuddin told Sin Chew Daily a swab test was not cheap and cost about RM500.

There are 2.3 million legal migrant workers in the country and their employers have to come up with a total of RM1.15 billion for the tests.

Shamsuddin said the government had earlier said the Social Security Organization (Socso) would provide free screening for workers, but now told employers to pay for the cost.

He said Malaysia was capable of performing up to 16,300 tests a day. To carry out mandatory tests on all 2.3 million foreign workers, it would take not fewer than six months.

He said the government was making a hasty decision without discussing with the employers beforehand.

"Prior to the conclusion of an investigation, it is unfair to claim that a construction site in Ampang is a new cluster for COVID-19," he said.

Dr Ooi Eng Hock, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang branch chairman, said if the government, in particular the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, had promised that Socso would pay for the screening of foreign workers, it should then honor the promise.

"Nobody wants to see the COVID-19 outbreak at construction sites and wet markets in Kuala Lumpur. Since positive cases have been detected in those areas, the government should keep its promise of having Socso to bear the cost of screening foreign workers," he added.

Dr Ooi earlier said foreign workers in Malaysia were also Socso members, and the government should not neglect their well-being as Socso members.

"Many manufactures, especially those in Penang, are foreign investors. The government should honor its promise," he asserted.

Foo Yong Hooi, president of the Malaysian Association of Foreign Maid Agencies (PAPA) said the best solution was for both employers and foreign workers to share the screening cost.

He said many employers were facing the financial impact of Movement Control Order (MCO). They should not be forced to bear the screening charges.

Foo also pointed out that the price for screening tests varied, ranging between RM300 and RM600 . He urged the government to standardize the charges.

"If possible, let a government agency takes charge of the screening with fees determined by the government. For example, if the cost of the test is RM100, the government can charge RM120. Such measure is better than allowing private companies to make profit," he said.