PRIME Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin assured businesses that the Government will not impose a “full lockdown” as they understand the need to balance between lives and livelihoods.
However, the premier issued a stern warning to business operators that the Government would not hesitate to throw the book at those who do not adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP).
“I urge industries and the public to comply strictly with the SOPs imposed by the Government. We listened to your views by not shutting down the economy during the current movement control order (MCO 2.0) period.
“So, please reciprocate this gesture by complying strictly with the SOPs so that we can ensure business and trade will continue to operate while at the same time, break the chain of COVID-19 transmission at the workplace and in the community,” he said, in a live telecast today.
Yesterday, Industries Unite voiced opposition to the MCO 2.0 extension, calling it a death knell for more businesses and warned of massive unemployment.
“We regret to hear the Government’s decision of extending the MCO 2.0 until the 18th. We expect to see more business closing down due to this.
“Unemployment rate will also rise and put further stress on the economy and vital supply chains,” the group was reported saying.
Muhyiddin said that the Government knows that the best way to contain the pandemic is by imposing a “full lockdown”, closing most economic sectors.
He also said the measure would ensure people stay at home, similar to during MCO 1.0, adding it would flatten the COVID-19 curve within weeks.
“A ‘total lockdown’ will cripple the economy and people’s livelihoods. Factories and other businesses will fold and people will lose their jobs, a situation we don’t want to see happening.
“But without controlling people’s movements, we will not be able to contain COVID-19 and people’s lives will be at stake.
“So, we have to find a middle ground. Therefore, we allowed essential economic sectors to operate but under strict SOP not only at work place but in our community,” he said.
Therefore, Muhyiddin reminded employers that only 30% of those under the management category are allowed to be at workplace, while the rest are required to work from home.
General election once pandemic subsides
He added that with that measure, the Government need not impose a “total lockdown” which will cripple businesses but at the same time, restrict people’s movements.
“If there are employees who are found to be COVID-19 positive, they must be quarantined in their homes or hostels and reported to the Health Ministry for treatment. Contact tracing must also be done.
“Employers are not allowed to force employees undergoing quarantine to attend work as it will endanger a lot of people,” he said.
On that note, Muhyiddin said that as of Feb 3, officers from the International Trade and Industries Ministry (Miti) had inspected 2,276 business premises across the country.
From that, 197 premises have received warning and 34 were ordered to be closed for SOP breach.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin urged several quarters to stop slandering the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for consenting to proclaim an Emergency to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“The Ruler made the decision to ensure that the Government could contain the pandemic effectively. Rest assured that all we are doing now is about containing COVID-19 and protecting people’s lives.
“Though there are people who are challenging the matter in court, I want to tell all of you that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong understand and respects the laws of the land.
“And I stand by my commitment that once the pandemic has subsided, I will seek His Majesty’s consent to dissolve the Parliament, to make way for a general election,” the Pagoh MP stressed. – Feb 4, 2021.
