The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has released an instructional video for all factories about how to upload an updated list of workers for the ministry’s benefits database.
The video was posted on the ministry’s official Facebook page after it notified factories in the textile, garment, footwear and travel products and bags sectors on May 12 to update their workers' telephone numbers prior to May 27.
"This update will make it easier to support the families of citizens who are experiencing difficulties due to the Covid-19 epidemic," it said.
In addition to the 22-minute instructional video, the ministry also recommends that factories that are unsure about what to do or are unable to comply with the guidelines call its 1297 hotline during regular working hours for assistance.
The Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) deputy secretary-general Kaing Monika told The Post on May 17 that the association has always advised members to follow the labour ministry’s instructions in a timely manner.
However, sending the updated list of workers for some factories is difficult because some of them have changed their phone numbers and some new workers do not have their National Social Security Fund (NSSF) membership card because the issuance of NSSF cards has been suspended during the Covid-19 outbreak.
"Of course, the best practice is to make these subsidy payments based on proper legal documents, because it provides accountability and it can be fully audited," he said.
The ministry has warned that if any worker fails to provide their current phone number to them, that worker will be the person held solely responsible if they fail to receive the cash assistance provided by the government.
