Seven garment workers were allowed to go home and another six sent back to hospital after they returned to work at a factory in Sihanoukville yesterday where 201 workers fainted or suffered headaches and dizziness on Monday, officials said.

Yov Khemara, director of the provincial labour department, said yesterday that he suggested to the Nanguo Garment factory that the workers return home or receive treatment.

“Those 13 were very weak and cannot perform work,” he said.

Pok Vanthat, a health official who heads an inter-ministerial committee tasked with preventing fainting incidents told the Post this week that 201 workers had been affected on Monday by poor ventilation and too many working hours.

Yov Khemara said that 30 had fainted.

Employees who had not yet returned to work were concerned their salaries would be cut.

“I heard the factory will cut [our] money,” Chhay Trak said.

Factory representatives could not be reached for comment.