KOTA KINABALU: Three factories and 12 factory workers were issued compound notices for violating the standard operating procedures (SOP) during Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) during an operation around the state capital here.

       Kota Kinabalu OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Zaidi Abdullah said three factory owners were fined for operating without International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) approval, while 12 factory workers were issued compound notices for violating SOP.

       He said among the factories inspected were in the metalworks, plastic, beverage and polystyrene industries.

       The operation was conducted together with City Hall, Health Ministry and the People's Volunteer Corps at 10 factories in Menggatal and Inanam here on Saturday (July 3).

       ACP Zaidi said that the three factory operators had claimed that they were unaware of the SOP in place for factories.

       He said Ops Patuh would continue from time to time until enforcement involving Covid-19 is complete.

       The operation was part of the nationwide enforcement under Ops Patuh since July 1, which was announced by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

       Under the operations, 12 agencies under 21 ministries are to ensure compliance with the SOP under Phase One of the NRP.

       He said that more sudden checks at certain locations, including factories, workplaces and business premises would be carried out in an effort to lower the number Covid-19 cases in the country.