Kossan says another 563 positive cases detected among its workers

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 22): Another 563 employees of Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd tested positive for Covid-19 as of yesterday, causing the affected plant in Klang to remain suspended until Dec 30.

This raises to 990 the number of employees who have been infected with the virus, the company said.

Kossan halted operations at the plant from Dec 4 after 427 employees tested positive during company-wide screenings of closed to 7,000 employees. It had hoped to reopen the affected plant in stages starting yesterday.

Kossan's founder Tan Sri Lim Kuang Sia had previously estimated that the temporary closure of the plant would impact less than 2% of its bottom line.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the rubber glove maker said it has conducted a rescreening for the employees in the affected plant premises.

"Arising from the subsequent screening, an additional of 563 positive cases were detected, as at Dec 21," it said.

"Due to the continuous efforts in mitigating, containment and prevention of the widespread pandemic, the affected plant premises will remain closed until Dec 30," it added.

Kossan said it views the pandemic and public health situation seriously and will ensure the safety and health of all stakeholders.

The company said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and will carry on with the rescreening exercise on an ongoing basis.

Shares price of Kossan closed down four sen or 0.79% at RM5.03, after 5.76 million shares were traded. The stock has appreciated 142% year to date.

At the current price, the company's market capitalisation stands at RM12.85 billion.

Get the latest news @ www.EdgeProp.my

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates 

Click here for more property stories