Riverstone confirms Covid-19 infections at Malaysia manufacturing facilities

MALAYSIAN glove maker Riverstone Holdings has confirmed 75 positive Covid-19 cases among its factory workers from its manufacturing facilities based in Perak, it said in a regulatory update on Sunday.

The temporary closures of its manufacturing facilities in Perak, together with a 60 per cent limit on workforce capacity, will result in an estimated loss of 2 per cent of the group's total annual production capacity of 10.5 billion pieces of gloves, said the group.

It added that it had taken immediate action upon discovering positive Covid-19 infections at its manufacturing facilities on June 4, and is in the process of conducting Covid-19 screening tests for both its local and foreign workers.

It has since conducted about 1,500 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and further testing is being carried out.

Workers who have tested positive have been isolated within specially-designated worker dormitory blocks where adequate healthcare facilities are provided. As at June 6, there are no workers who are critically ill, said the group.

Those who have recently been in close contact with affected workers have also been isolated, and are under quarantine at separate designated zones within the group's worker dormitories.

The group said it has and will continue to adhere to stringent Covid-19 safety measures. This includes frequent disinfection and deep sanitisation of all its manufacturing facilities and worker dormitories. Safety protocols such as safe distancing, regular Covid-19 testing and contact tracing to minimise further risks of infection are also in place.

"The health, safety and well-being of our employees remain our top priority. The group will continue to provide support to its workers, reach out to the respective families of those impacted to keep them informed of their situation, and make any special arrangements necessary to ensure their general well-being and needs are met during this trying period," said Riverstone.

Shares of Riverstone ended Friday at S$1.38, down S$0.05 or 3.5 per cent.