KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 - The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) encourages affected workers who are unable to attend work during the recovery period to apply to their employers for Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA).
This follows the gas pipeline fire incident in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya that occurred yesterday morning.
The ministry in a statement announced that the measure is provided for under Section 60P of the Employment Act 1955 in terms of changes in working hours, working days or place of work.
"In this case, KESUMA calls on employers to give consideration by taking into account the difficult times they are going through and approve the application of the affected workers for an appropriate period," according to the statement.
KESUMA also calls on private sector employers to consider granting paid compassionate leave for an appropriate period so that the affected workers can deal with matters related to damage and loss of their property.
Meanwhile, employers and employees who need advice on labor issues can contact the nearest Peninsular Malaysia Department of Manpower or call 03-8886 5192 for assistance and clarification on workers' rights in such situations.
At the same time, departments and agencies under the ministry have been mobilized to collaborate with other government bodies to provide full support to those affected.
In addition, safety measures are being taken to protect the safety of workers and expedite their recovery.
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOH) also went to the scene as soon as the incident was reported and began an investigation in accordance with Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 which provides for the employer's responsibility to ensure the safety of workers in the workplace.
"As an immediate action, DOH has issued a Prohibition of Disturbance Letter and five Prohibition Notices on each block valve at the scene of the incident," the statement added.
Any violation can result in the perpetrator facing a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine of RM500,000.
The Social Security Organization (SOCSO) Prihatin Squad has also been deployed to the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) in Putra Heights and nine hospitals around Selangor to provide support assistance to the victims.
"SOCSO has identified the victims who contributed to receive Disability Scheme benefits and are in the process of processing the payments.
"The contributors involved can review their claims under SOCSO's social protection scheme including Temporary Disability and Permanent Disability benefits, subject to the level of injury suffered," the statement said.
However, reviews can be done by contacting SOCSO's Customer Service Line call centre at 1-300-22-8000.