THE public took to social media to vent out their frustration against the International Trade and Industries Ministry (Miti) for seemingly allowing non-essential economic sectors to operate during lockdown.
“I knew Miti won’t stop the non-essential sectors. Because Azmin (Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali) treasures the economy more than the citizens life,” said user Eggo.
User Chen echoed Eggo’s sentiments, adding: “Miti approved my company to work eventhough not essential service.
“Omg otak kat mana Miti letak? Jangan zalim pls.” (Are you using your brain, Miti? Don’t be cruel.)
Earlier today, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak criticised the Government for providing exemptions for many economic sectors during the total lockdown, particularly those in the electric and electrical (E&E) goods.
“Why can’t you have some guts just for 14 days? Too many factories given exemptions during the lockdown.
“The E&E factories, which employs about 600,000 workers, are allowed to operate. If you allow them to continue, other direct and indirect suppliers such as transportation providers and ports will also have to be allowed to operate on grounds to ‘preserve global economic supply chain’.
“But who is going to preserve national interest and the people’s economic interest who are calling for a total lockdown to flatten the COVID-19 curve, which is at a critical level now?
“And where is the fairness in closing down shops owned by petty traders while big corporations owned by tycoons continue to make money during this tough time?” the Pekan MP asked.
Former deputy minister steps in
On that note, user Chu said that Miti seems to have given approval for most manufacturing sectors to operate as usual despite skyrocketing COVID-19 cases.
“Those yang doesn’t produce any essential products, please close it for at least two weeks only to flatten the curve. Tarik balik approval letter pada kilang yang tak produce essential goods for time being. Kilang vacuum pun approve apo?!
(Revoke approval letters issued to factories which do not produce essential goods for the time being. What is this allowing vacuum cleaner factories to operate?)
Fellow user Chris Wong YC claimed that it appears there was communication breakdown between Miti and the National Security Council (NSC) on how to manage the new nationwide lockdown.
“Early news looks like Miti is not talking to MKN (NSC). And on the ground, it seems that way as I am seeing my supply chain, that is not essential, being allowed to operate. #KerajaanGagal”.
Throwing his hat in the argument, Miti’s former deputy minister Ong Kian Ming urged Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and NSC to reign in on the confusion.
“My humble suggestion to @IsmailSabri60 & @MKNJPM. Ask all Ministries to use the @MITIMalaysia CIMS 3.0 to issue letters under their respective letterheads.
“Approvals for the non-manufacturing sectors come from the respective Ministries. Miti only plays a facilitation role.”
As of press time, #MITI is trending among the top five of the day, with over 26,000 people tweeting on the matter. – May 31, 2021
