KUALA LUMPUR – The government may tighten standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent outbreaks at ignition sites and introduce clear guidance on geospatial planning at any given time, said the International Trade and Industry Ministry.
“We could step up targeted testing and regulate the cost of RTK-Antigen test kits to make Covid-19 testing more affordable and on a larger scale, particularly for industries.”
The ministry in a statement today said this in response to recent calls for the government to re-impose a total lockdown to deal with the surging spikes in the number of virus infections in the country.
It said any action taken must be viewed along with other suggestions concerning alternative strategies and options.
It has been suggested that SOPs for social events should be tightened, while a full ban on interstate travels should be imposed for the interim.
In any event, the ministry said the call is for businesses to remain open, on the condition of full compliance with stricter SOPs.
It stressed that community engagement and empowerment are important in combatting Covid-19, as the pandemic starts and spreads in communities, adding that the solutions are within the communities themselves, through their behaviour, adaptation and compliance.
“It is important to note that apart from the toll on health and the economy, Covid-19 has a direct impact on the people.
“One loss in income affects the whole household. In practical terms, the loss of income for one breadwinner may adversely affect the livelihoods of at least four persons in a family.”
The ministry also acknowledged the strong support and collaboration by industry stakeholders and the people towards ensuring economic recovery and sustainability amid the pandemic.
It said the public-private-people synergy is an invaluable value proposition for nation-building and should be embraced by all. – Bernama, January 25, 2021
