KUALA LUMPUR (May 11): UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd’s subsidiary Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB) which is involved in manufacturing Toyota vehicles, has resumed its assembly operations.

In a statement today, UMW Toyota said this was pursuant to the approval given by the Selangor State Government in relation to the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) that was announced on May 4.

The company said ASSB had suspended all operations from March 18 when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was activated nationwide as a measure to break the transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus and will re-commence its operations from today.

UMW Toyota Motor president K Ravindran said with the resumption of operations, the firm hopes to add momentum to the automotive industry and business moving forward.

“As with all companies allowed to resume their operations at full capacity, there are strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which must be followed.

“ASSB will fully adhere to these SOPs for the protection and health of its approximate 2000 employees working at its facilities,” he said.

Ravindran said the SOPs include establishing distances of 1 metre or more between workers; regular temperature checks; provision and use of hand sanitizers and face masks; and sanitisation of various areas around the plant three times daily.

He said where necessary, working hours and work flows are adjusted to create a safe environment.

Meanwhile, UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama said Toyota Motor Corporation is also very serious about providing safe and healthy conditions for all employees.

“As a member of the global Toyota family, ASSB can therefore draw on healthcare advice and best practices from TMC regarding additional measures that can be taken here in Selangor,” he said.