SEREMBAN: Factories in Negri Sembilan with Covid-19 cases will be ordered to shut for two weeks, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

       He said this was necessary to reduce the number of industrial clusters in the state and check the spread of Covid-19.

       “The state exco discussed and agreed that these factories should be closed for two weeks so that their respective managements can take measures to prevent more workers from being infected.

       “We also want the health authorities to convey this to factory managements so they are aware,” he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting.

       Aminuddin said this was also necessary as the state had been reporting an unusually high number of cases in recent weeks.

       However, he did not state how many workers had to be tested Covid-19 positive before the closure ruling comes into force.

       There are an estimated 18 active industrial clusters in the state.

       Negri Sembilan was the state with the second highest number of cases yesterday with 644.

       On June 29, it reported 700 cases, 629 (June 28), 501 (June 27) and 741 (June 26).

       On another matter, Aminuddin said workers in the state who were laid off due to the pandemic could apply for RM300 aid from the state government.

       RM3mil has been set aside for the purpose.

       These workers can apply for the aid online at n9.digital.