KUALA LUMPUR (June 6): UEM Edgenta Bhd said it will ensure there is no service disruption at all hospitals under its care and manage any issues relating to the welfare of its workers internally.

In a statement, UEM Edgenta reiterated that it had always remained professional in dealings with the National Union of Workers in Hospital Support and Allied Services.

Referring to a gathering on June 2 at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB), Ipoh, which took place during the conditional movement control order (CMCO) period, the firm said it was unfortunate.

It said actions taken by the authorities relating to the organisation of public gatherings during the CMCO are matters which are neither determined, nor issued by the company.

“UEM Edgenta would like to reiterate that the company neither contacted the authorities during the unfortunate incident, nor is the company pressing any charges against them,” it said.

It said that out of the five union members who were detained and charged with defying the CMCO, only one was confirmed to be a current employee of its healthcare support division, Edgenta UEMS Sdn Bhd.

UEM Edgenta said based on internal investigations, it had identified that only four who gathered in front of HRPB on June 2 were hospital frontliners, while the rest were made up of external parties and not its employees.

“The company did not stop any of our employees from participating in the gathering as they took personal leave to do so,” it said.

It said pursuant to an insourcing arrangement discussed within UEM Edgenta, a total of 2,200 cleaners from previous subcontractors became employees of Edgenta UEMS on Jan 1, 2020.

It said their benefits included permanent employment, an improved basic salary, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution of 13%, healthcare benefits and paid annual leave.

It said only six individuals refused the terms offered.

“The acceptance of over 99% of cleaners to become Edgenta UEMS permanent employees was a clear indicator of improved welfare and benefits, compared to the frontliners’ previous contract terms, which the company wishes to highlight,” it said.

UEM Edgenta also said due to prioritisation of worker’s safety over cost, personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies and stocks were adequate since April 2020, and its staff had been provided with appropriate PPE based on hospital recommended usage guidelines.

The company said there are differentiated usage guidelines for Covid-19 versus non Covid-19 treatment areas due to the level of risk involved following Ministry of Health Guidelines Covid-19 Management No.5/2020.

“UEM Edgenta is committed to the highest standards of professionalism, honesty, integrity, accountability and ethical behaviour in the conduct of its business and operations.

“We aspire to conduct our affairs in an ethical, responsible and transparent manner,” it said.

Last Friday, UEM Edgenta dipped 1.87% or four sen to RM2.10, giving it a market capitalisation of RM1.75 billion.

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