Supermax shuts plant in Meru for three days as workers test positive for Covid-19

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): Supermax Corp Bhd said it is implementing a temporary stoppage for three days at its manufacturing facility in Meru, Klang, from Feb 10 as it discovered several positive cases of Covid-19 among its workers.

In a filing with the bourse, the group said it has been screening its local and foreign workers at all of its factories on a periodic basis.

Despite its stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs), which include implementing social distancing measures, temperature checks, proper hygiene and PPE usage, the company recorded its first cases of Covid-19 infection, which are suspected to have originated from external transporters, based on its preliminary findings.

“The safety and well-being of the company’s employees and the local community are of paramount priority towards containing the situation, and the temporary closure will go a long way towards minimising the risk of further spreading of the Covid-19 virus within the community,” said Supermax.

It said it is cooperating and working closely with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and will continue to adhere to Covid-19 preventive SOPs on a stringent basis with the group to continue conducting disinfection exercises at all its premises and workers’ accommodation with the necessary precautionary measures strictly in place.

Supermax is the last of the big four glove makers to report cases of Covid-19 in their factories.

In November last year, Top Glove Corp Bhd had temporarily suspended operations in 28 of its factories in Meru for four weeks, following a surge in positive cases.

About a month later, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd and Hartalega Holdings Bhd had both reported positive cases among their workers as well in their factories in Klang and Sepang.

Supermax fell 14 sen or 2.2% to RM6.20, giving it a market capitalisation of RM16.87 billion.