Toyota to Resume Production in its Bukit Raja Plant

Toyota will be starting up its production back again after its closure due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) which was put in place by the Malaysian government to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.  Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB), UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd’s subsidiary involved in manufacturing Toyota vehicles, has resumed its assembly operations at its plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor.

The re-start of the Toyota assembly plant follows approval given by the Selangor State Government in relation to the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) that was announced on 4 May 2020. During the MCO, ASSB suspended all operations from 18 March 2020 when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was activated nationwide. Operations has officially re-commenced on 11 May 2020. 

“We are grateful to the Selangor State Government for its decision to implement the CMCO with customised details and understand that it is in the best interest of the state and people. With the  resumption of operations, we hope to help in boosting the economy and add momentum to the automotive industry and business moving forward.”  said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. 

Of course, 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. The usual sanitisation and distancing rules will now apply.

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 sanitization of various areas around the plant three times daily. Where necessary, working hours and work flows are adjusted to create a safe environment.

“Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) 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,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

Businesses are now starting up again. We personally believe that this CMCO is a necessary balance for the country as people need jobs to be able to sustain themselves and the companies that are paying them salaries would need to sell stuff again. The balance needs to be struck in order for people to get on with buying (and producing) the essential.