Still no guidelines on indoor ventilation amid rise in workplace clusters

PETALING JAYA (June 29): Despite numerous calls from the experts, the government has yet to formulate proper guidelines on ventilation in enclosed spaces such as workplaces and factories, reported Malaysiakini.

Quoting data from the Health Ministry, workplace clusters make up the majority of the daily new Covid-19 clusters. Out of 22 new clusters reported yesterday (June 28), 16 were from workplaces.

In a tweet last Friday, the prime minister’s special advisor on public health, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood has urged for the guidelines to be urgently implemented.

[sic] "In every meeting I attend, I raise the issue of ventilation guidelines & how we need this urgently in Malaysia. Looking fwd to @MKNJPM getting this done with relevant ministries. This is so important. Please @KKMPutrajaya. We can learn from others,"  tweeted Jemilah. 

Her words echoed that of World Health Organization (WHO) Science Council member and infectious diseases expert Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman who also urged for clear guidelines on the ventilation system in building.

“Industry experts and leaders need to step up as well. Do not sit back and wait for the government to draw up the policy.” These words are part of the clarion call made by Adeeba in a phone interview with EdgeProp.my on June 8.

Read: Urgent need on improving indoor air quality to fight Covid-19 – Dr Adeeba

Meanwhile, there have been various guidelines published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and recently, the Singapore government on May 25 with its guideline for ventilation in enclosed spaces including shopping malls, offices, eateries, retail shops, markets and workers’ dormitories.  

However in a local context, there is no mention of ventilation in the International Trade and Industry Ministry’s (MITI) Safe@Work standard operating procedures for manufacturing and service industries (published in March), citing guidelines by the Health Ministry.

Many of the premises mentioned in the Singapore guideline would fall under the purview of the Local Government and Housing Ministry (KPKT) here, Malaysiakini further reported.

However, KPKT did not respond to multiple questions by the news portal on whether it has or will issue guidelines for ventilation for premises

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