JOHOR BAHRU – Johor hopes that the federal government will implement health screenings through swab tests on heavy vehicle drivers entering the country to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said temperature inspections imposed on lorry drivers and attendants currently were unable to accurately measure the actual level or status of their health.
He said the proposal was made as the Malaysia-Singapore border had begun to be opened in stages not only to essential services but also to vehicles carrying building materials and so on.
“We feel the lorry drivers and attendants should also undergo a swab test. InsyaAllah (God willing), this matter is being discussed by the relevant ministry.
“We (the state government) feel the need to do a swab test (to prevent the spread of COVID-19),” he said at the ceremony marking the business matching between Konsortium Penternak Ayam Muslim Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Cooperative Commission, here, today.
Hasni said the proposal was also aimed at safeguarding the interests of people affected by the implementation of the Movement Control Order in the government’s effort to help support the country’s economic growth.
“We need to safeguard the interests of the community so that the pandemic does not continue to spread. The government has already spent RM295 billion to support our country’s economy and in helping those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. .
“Therefore, we need to be more meticulous with the tests imposed at our country’s entry points. I hope the federal government will take these preventive measures to control the spread of COVID-19,” said Hasni, who is also Benut assemblyman.
Meanwhile, he assured that the agricultural sector would be given due attention so that local food supply would always be adequate and be of quality.
“We will review all existing policies and assistance, and then we will look at the best ways to speed up the process at all levels in this sector,” Hasni said.
— BERNAMA
