KUALA LUMPUR: The EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Eurocham Malaysia) today has denied that the government is planning to impose a total economic lockdown after Feb 4 in a bid to control the spread of Covid-19.
It said this in a statement today following news reports pertaining to Eurocham Malaysia's informal discussion with the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) on Friday (Jan 22).
It noted that the discussion with MITI was aimed at raising awareness about how the business community can play a role in flattening the Covid-19 curve, and the economic repercussions that could follow if businesses do not play a very active role, while expecting the government to exhaust its efforts independently.
"In this context, the demanding situation of worker accommodations has been raised many times and was mentioned in our internal circular as crucial contribution in the effort of breaking the chain.
"Furthermore, Eurocham Malaysia wishes to clarify that while MITI underscored the heightened sense of urgency that currently prevails, given the rising number of cases, there was no mention of an immediate lockdown after Feb 4, and therefore, we seek for people to remain focused on the bigger picture - in doing their part to ensure that another lockdown is avoided instead.
"Please be informed that the communique was a confidential internal circular that was sent out to all our members to relay the essence of the informal discussion - and the commendable efforts of the Malaysian government - in tackling the spread of Covid-19.
"Eurocham Malaysia has been tasked as the main contact point for the EU-Malaysia business community, and has been working very closely with the government, especially MITI, from the early stages of the pandemic (in 2020) to date," the statement read.
Meanwhile, Eurocham Malaysia chairman Oliver Roche commended the government and MITI for efforts taken to manage the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
"In this trying time, we appreciate the strong working relationship with the Malaysian government, in particular, MITI, and in our earnest opinion, they have been doing a commendable job in managing the pandemic since 2020.
"There have been many reports in the media of clusters on infections associated with various factories, construction sites and other places of work," he said.
Roche added that it is imperative to urge the business community to take this matter seriously and more importantly do their part, by investing in resources to assist in implementing strict SOPs to avoid another full MCO.
Eurocham Malaysia chief executive officer Sven Schneider, meanwhile, said while the focus is on the pandemic and its negative impacts on the economy, it is also vital to take a step back and look at how much the Malaysian government has done for its Rakyat, and note that everyone, from mass public to the business community, has a responsibility to do what we can to flatten the curve.
"Globally, this pandemic has caused panic and disruption to every aspect of life, since 2020 and therefore we should focus on our capacity to contribute to ending the pandemic', Schneider added.
Earlier today, an online portal reported on a letter issued to Eurocham Malaysia members detailing a summary of Schneider's meeting with Miti, which mentioned that the Health Ministry "has made a clear stand on the matter of a complete shutdown of the economy".
This, it said, would be the case should the infection rate not decrease.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/01/660146/eurochem-malaysis-explains-essence-discussion-miti