He said workers wearing the quarantine band (those in home quarantine) should not be forced to be present at the workplace and such incidents can be reported to the ministry’s hotline.

“Workers are also told to report if employers infringe the 60% capacity allowed. If those wearing pink (quarantine) bands were ordered to work, I hope the cases would be reported to the ministry so that action could be taken as all parties should cooperate to ensure there is no SOP violation.

“Employers who force their workers to work should face action but I understand their workers have no choice as they could have been warned or face termination,” he told a media conference after visiting a roadblock at Jalan Ampang here today.

Ismail said there were cases where action had been taken and the premises were ordered to close and issued compounds as well.

He said the National Security Council had also received many complaints about business premises and factories continuing to operate during the lockdown although they are not categorised as being essential services.

“Prime Minister (Muhyiddin Yassin) has ordered for the tightening of enforcement,” he said.

Ismail said members of the public could lodge their complaints at 03-80008000 or report errant employers to the human resources ministry at 03-88862409, 03-88862352 and 03-88889111.

He said police training centres and military camps are not allowed to carry out any new activities, training or classes during the lockdown period because such activities would involve big groups and, thus, increase the risk of Covid-19 infections.

To another question, Ismail said the number of personnel for the SOP compliance task force teams would be increased to ensure no business and manufacturing premises were operating illegally during the total lockdown period.