KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry will extend the scope of the Covid-19 Screening Programme for Foreign Workers to the rest of the country starting Tuesday (Feb 2).

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said this follows the re-implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) and the rolling out of the Perlindungan Ekonomi dan Rakyat Malaysia (Permai) assistance package.

Saravanan said Social Security Organisation (Socso) has allocated an additional RM54 million for the extension of screenings throughout the country, which would be implemented with the cooperation of private clinics nationwide.

He said the screening programme would utilise the RTK Antigen method that was approved by the Health Ministry, with the cost of the kit borne by Socso for foreign workers who are contributors. 

"Employers only need to pay the service charge imposed by the clinic or hospital," he said in a statement today.

Employers, however, would have to bear the total screening cost for foreign workers who are not Socso contributors.

The list of clinics offering Covid-19 screening can be obtained at https://psp.perkeso.gov.my

"The Covid-19 screening for foreign workers is made mandatory by the government through the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

"The ministry is monitoring compliance with the Act (in relation to the screening programme)," he said.