Since yesterday, several photos and a video showing a group of foreigners wearing pink Covid-19 wristbands at the back of a lorry have been making rounds on social media. They are believed to be workers of a chicken processing factory in Bedong, Kedah.
The Facebook post, which was first uploaded by a user known as Shahanim Mohamad Yusoff, has infuriated a lot of people soon after it went viral online. The local authorities have since stepped forth to take immediate action in handling the case.
As reported by Berita Harian, Kuala Muda District Police Chief, Asst. Comm. Adzli Abu Shah, revealed that the police have been trying their best to track the vehicle down after the clip and pictures went viral. “The Kuala Muda District Police Headquarters (IPD) managed to track the lorry down, before successfully detaining it while on its way back to Sungai Lalang,” the police official stated.
He added, “The investigation found that there were positive cases detected at a chicken processing factory in Sungai Lalang, Bedong and 135 employees were instructed to go to the Kuala Muda District Health Centre to wear the pink Covid-19 bracelets. It’s believed that the factory’s employer arranged three trips for the driver to bring all the employees.”
The publication further reported that the arrest was made when the last group (which consisted of 48 factory workers) were on their way back to their hostel in Sungai Lalang. Following that, the lorry driver has been compounded under Section 23 (2) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for using a motor vehicle license (LKM) for other purposes.
An investigation paper was also opened involving the factory management under Section 22 (b) of Act 342 for non-compliance with an order issued by an authorised officer, in addition to Section 270 of the Penal Code for negligent acts that may spread life-threatening diseases.
Source: Berita Harian.
