PETALING JAYA: Industry players have voiced their support for the government’s intention to tighten the standard operating procedure for high-risk sectors under the extension of the current movement control order.
The extension is necessary to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases as new infections are still alarmingly high, said Federation of Manufacturers Malaysia (FMM) president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai.
“The industry is cognisant of the overall clusters that have been reported lately, including those from the manufacturing sector.
“This is indeed very concerning but at the same time must be recognised that most of the clusters involving the manufacturing sector have stemmed from the targeted screening of foreign workers and not as a result of infections that have occurred directly at the workplace, ” he said.
However, FMM also appealed to the government not to impose a full lockdown during this extended period and appealed for some currently closed sectors to be allowed to operate under SOP.
FMM, he added, also recognised the need for industries to take on even tighter and stringent SOP in workplaces and living quarters of employees.
“We have constantly reminded members that breaking this chain of infection is of utmost importance and must be a concerted effort of both the public and private sector. “We are all front liners in this fight against Covid-19 and each and every one of us must have the collective responsibility to support the government’s continued efforts in flattening the Covid-19 curve while ensuring the economic well-being of the rakyat and the nation, ” said Soh.
SME Association of Malaysia president Datuk Michael Kang said the MCO extension is necessary but a balanced solution is required for small businesses to survive during this period and for the protection of public health.
Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan said businesses need to run the course and stakeholders need to be responsible and follow the necessary SOP stringently.
“Hopefully with closer cooperation among all parties such as the government, employers and workers, we will be able to bring down the number of new infections and head towards recovery of businesses, ” he said.
Industries Unite, a coalition of more than 40 trade, business and professional associations nationwide, said the extension of the MCO could see more business closure during the period and inevitably put further stress on the economy and vital chain supply.
The coalition said the bi-weekly extensions do more harm than good as businesses need to plan ahead to make vital decisions.
“The industry requires assistance from the government in moratorium on financial commitments, wage subsidies and more.
“The main issue to be addressed is a structured recovery plan with emphasis on stricter compliance with the SOP through education community, engagement and encouragement, ” said the coalition.
Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah said: “SOP and enforcement must be tightened or else we are not going to see any improvement in the numbers of Covid-19 cases.”
Malaysian Medical Association president Prof Datuk Dr M. Subramaniam hoped that the Health Ministry would be able to share more detailed data on the increase in community transmissions.
“We agree that restrictions are still needed but how will the MCO reduce spread of infections when people are still allowed to go to work and be around others? What is the science?
“There are less restrictions under the MCO 2.0 compared to MCO 1.0 so how can we expect to see a result?” he asked.
Dr Subramaniam said relying solely on public compliance to SOP and enforcement measures might lead to a failure as these were some of the biggest challenges in managing the pandemic.
He said proper strategies were needed to address the challenges in attaining higher SOP compliance.
“The question we should also be asking is what if the number of cases don’t come down by Feb 18? What is the plan then? What we do now till Feb 18 will also be crucial, ” he added.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/02/03/industry-players-voice-support-for-govts-move