THE Singaporean government refused to listen to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Transient Workers Count Too, about the cramped living conditions of migrant workers, which led to the Covid-19 "dormitory cluster".
Malaysia has 1.99 million foreign workers registered under the Temporary Visiting Work Permit as at Aug 31 last year. The Malaysian Employers Federation executive director said there could be up to 3.3 million undocumented foreign workers.
Up to April, 14,187 migrant workers had been tested for Covid-19, with 676 (4.8 per cent) testing positive. In May, Malaysia had 6,535 confirmed cases and less than 1,000 (15.4 per cent) of them involved migrants. During the same period, Singapore, which has 2.5 million legal migrants, registered 21,000 Covid-19 cases, mainly among its migrant workers.
We should address this urgently to avoid a repeat of what happened in Singapore, which suffered a second wave of Covid-19 infections from its dormitory cluster. These are some steps for the National Security Council (NSC) to consider.
First, there should be close collaboration between ministries, government agencies, international agencies (the International Organisation for Migration, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Health Organisation), NGOs and civil society organisations (CSOs).
Secondly, the collaboration should be coordinated by the National Disaster Management Agency.
Thirdly, there should be a moratorium against the arrest and detention of migrants.
Fourthly, this amnesty should be extended to industries employing undocumented foreign workers up until a date set by the NSC. This tripartite partnership between the government, the private sector and NGOs is pivotal so that an agreed framework of action could ensure a whole-of-society approach in mitigating outbreaks.
Fifth, the private sector must comply with measures that would mitigate Covid-19 transmissions by improving ventilation of living and work spaces, better sanitisation facilities, protective work-based "bubbles" and establishment of isolation quarters for those whose tests are pending. In the long term, improvements to living conditions is imperative, moving away from congested and poorly ventilated dormitories.
Sixth, the tacit agreement on the moratorium must be honoured by all parties and informed to foreign workers and related industries through the wide network of NGOs, CSOs, international agencies, embassies and the press.
Seven, many NGOs and CSOs have effectively reached out to the foreign worker community to protect their labour rights, health and social wellbeing. They should be roped in to effectively communicate with the community.
Eight, the Health Ministry should lead the testing of foreign workers. There needs to be an agreement on the best strategy for testing, namely a rapid diagnostic kit (RTK-Ag), which is practical, affordable and readily available at the point of care. Frequent testing is needed to identify cases early. Testing every two weeks should be considered. It is important to undertake perimeter screening around hotspots to rapidly detect any spillover into surrounding communities.
Ninth, tracking. Most foreign workers have smartphones. Empower employers to mandate (as part of the amnesty bargain) for all their workers to download a tracking app, like MySejahtera or SeLangkah.
Tenth, there should be isolation centres dedicated to pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic positive cases.
Eleventh, designated facilities for controlled mixing to enhance herd immunity build up should be considered.
Twelve, monitor the development of early complications through virtual consults and the availability of examination booths to check for the following vital signs namely; oxygen saturation monitoring, temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure.
Thirteen, admit foreign workers with early complications to dedicated hispitals.
Fourteen, upon verification of status on testing, allow those screened to safely join the workforce.
Fifteen, educate workers and employers on the essentials of Covid-19, with emphasis on early recognition of symptoms and early diagnosis, and the need for tracing.
Sixteen, NGOs and CSOs need to continue their work with leaders of foreign workers' communities towards capacity building and empowering their communities towards self-sustainability.
Seventeen, there is a need for translation of simple information and guides on Covid-19 in their respective mother tongues.
And, lastly, a similar strategy may need to be adopted to address another high- risk and vulnerable cluster, namely the 175,000 refugees. Most are in the Klang Valley (150,000), with others in Kedah, Penang and Johor.
The writer is a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, clinical professor of paediatrics, KPJ University College