IT is time for employers to adhere to COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) strictly as new virus cases would not bode well for public health and the economy.
“While I agree a total lockdown is bad for the economy, employers should also take steps to ensure total compliance to SOP in order to flatten the COVID-19 curve.
“Infections at workplace is soaring and strict compliance is needed, particularly those who offer accommodation to their workers,” Sunway University economist Prof Yeah Kim Leng told FocusM.
Last week, EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Eurocham Malaysia) and officials from the International Trade and Industries Ministry (MITI) held a meeting, with some speculating that the Government may impose a “full lockdown” due rising cases of COVID-19.
However, the business chamber clarified that the meeting had not discussed such measures, adding it was all about how the business community could held the Government stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Yeah said that it was good that Eurocham Malaysia had clarified the matter, saying the matter had heightened insecurity among employers in the country.
On what is causing a spike on workplace clusters, Yeah said that it could a combination of several factors; such as lack of compliance to SOP and lackadaisical attitude taken by certain employers.
“Just take lessons from our neighbour, Singapore. They are very strict on the SOP compliance to ensure the virus cases can be contained.
“Just follow the SOPs strictly and I believe we can flatten the curve. However, if COVID-19 cases increase at workplaces, I would suggest the Government to impose an enhanced movement control order (EMCO) at targetted places instead of a total lockdown.
“Plus, we must also beef up our contact tracing efforts and quickly quarantine those who are exposed,” he added.
SOP: Gov’t says this, local authorities say that!
Socio-Economic Research Centre (SERC) executive director Lee Heng Guie said when it comes to SOP, the Government should decide who has the final say on the matter.
“From what I understand, when the Government comes up with a SOP, the local councils have their own interpretations of things, creating much confusion to all.
“So, who do we listen to? The Government had one year of experience to get this done right. Plus, you must announce the SOP when the MCO announcement was made, not two or three days later,” he said.
Lee added that there was also a trust deficit between the Government and public, especially after several high-ranking politicians were caught flouting SOPs but no action was taken against them.
“So, we need to build trust. It was good that Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah came out and cautioned us that the public healthcare system was on the edge.
“It’s important to be transparent, especially when in crisis, so that people will also act accordingly. The Government can start by giving us more details during the daily infection cases update,” he added.
On that note, Lee urged the Government to announce a comprehensive vaccination plan soon and not wait until the last minute.
He also said that there was no time to waste as the vaccines are due to arrive late next month and it was important to keep the communication channel between the Government and public open on this.
“There are concerns that up to 30% of our population are sceptical about the vaccines. The Government must address the issue immediately by vital disseminating information,” Lee remarked. – Jan 26, 2021.
