“When we discussed it and looked at the scientific data, most of it stemmed from clusters in workers’ dormitories – both manufacturing and businesses,” he told the media after a meeting of the Covid-19 movement control order (MCO) SOPs’ enforcement and compliance coordination committee, which he chairs.

Hamzah’s statement comes a day after international trade and industry minister Azmin Ali said it was unfair to blame the manufacturing sector as the main contributor to Covid-19 cases in the country.

Meanwhile, Hamzah said it was unfair for the manufacturing sector to be allowed to operate without abiding by the rules.

“We feel sorry for those who comply with the SOPs, stay at home and don’t simply go out. I am very angry with employers who don’t leave their homes but instruct other people to do the work and commit offences,” he said.

On a separate matter, Hamzah said 602 fines had been issued to factories and other premises throughout Op Patuh from June 25 to June 30.

He added that 60 of them were instructed to close for failing to comply with SOPs and MCO directives.

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