KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 — Chinese nationals working for the East Coast Rail Link(ECRL) megaproject who have returned to their hometowns, have been advised by their employers to postpone their return trip to Malaysia, following the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak in several regions of China.
The Human Resource Ministry in a statement yesterday said the Chinese national employees were granted leave of absence by the ECRL employers until the coronavirus in China is contained.
In the statement, the ministry advised employers to continue paying salary to the workers who have been affected by the leave of absence.
"This is in line with the government's commitment in safeguarding the safety and health of workers who are exposed to hazardous environment such as the haze problem which resulted in increased risk of illness in recent months," it said.
The statement further added that the Labour Department (JTK) is considering introducing new provisions under current employment law, through amendments to the Employment Act 1955, to ensure that workers' rights to work in a healthy and safe working environment are guaranteed.
"This is in view of the absence of specific provisions relating to the granting of paid leave or relief from carrying out work in hazardous environment.
"For Malaysian employees who have returned from China, JTK advises their employers to adhere to government regulations," the statement said.
— Bernama
