By Zareef Muzammil
KLANG, Feb 27 — The Selangor Task Force Operation (STFO) team is identifying more industrial companies to register for the Preventing and Detecting Outbreaks at Ignition Sites (POIS) programme.
STFO manager Dr Ahmad Munawwar Helmi said the focus is on industrial companies operating in high-risk districts such as Petaling, Hulu Langat and Klang.
According to him, the move is important to curb Covid-19 infection in the state, of which the majority is caused by workplaces as well as ensuring that the industry runs as usual.
“Currently there are several companies that are ready to cooperate and they need to practice every component outlined in this system through the guidance provided.
“I believe, if all industries follow what POIS recommends, the Covid-19 case can be resolved and thus prevent the spread among the community,” he said when met at the free targeted Covid-19 community screening programme at the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) Multipurpose Hall in Pendamar Indah 2 here today.
He added that POIS does not involve mere screening but instead emphasises aspects of public health in the workplace including where workers live.
“Screening alone is not able to solve the Covid-19 case for the long term. Therefore, every industry needs to understand the concept of POIS and have the initiative to implement it,” he said.
On January 6, the Selangor Task Force for Covid-19 (STFC) launched POIS to prevent and reduce workplace clusters.
Registered employers need to set up committees consisting of several small groups with different functions whose role is to identify areas and activities at high risk.
The committee should formulate an emergency action plan, reduce external contacts and ensure that all standard operating procedures (SOPs) are complied with.
The SELangkah (Step In, Safely) application records the movement of employees in and out and monitors the POIS component as well as analyses employee’s risk to adjust the frequency of screening.
