KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is urging Malaysians to return the government’s kind gesture of not fully shutting down the economy by strictly complying with all standard operating procedures (SOPs).
In a televised address today, he said the government acknowledges that imposing a total lockdown will greatly impact the economy and livelihood of the people.
However, he said if movements are not further restricted, the country will not be able to break the chain of Covid-19 infections and cases will continue to rise, causing further strain on Malaysia’s healthcare system.
As such, he said the government needs to find a balance between the economy and public safety, something that can only be achieved through adherence to SOPs.
“I urge the industry and the public to strictly comply with SOPs imposed by the government. The government listens to your views by not shutting down the economy during the movement control order (MCO) 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, help break the chain of transmission at the workplace and in the community.”
Muhyiddin said SOP compliance is especially vital at workplaces, workers’ dormitories, factories and construction sites, as there have been a high number of Covid-19 infections reported there.
He added that the latest data showed 59% of cases occurred at the workplace, followed by detention centres (19%), residential areas (14%), houses of worship (5%), and imported cases and high-risk groups (2% each).
He then reminded Malaysians of the government’s SOP of only allowing 30% of the workforce in the management category to be present at their offices, while the rest are required to work from home.
“Employers must not force any staff who are undergoing home quarantine to come to work, as this will endanger others. There is a risk of infection should the affected employee be confirmed positive.
“I would like to stress that the government will not hesitate to take stern action against any quarters that fail to abide by the rules and SOPs.”
Muhyiddin reiterated that those who flout SOPs will face much stiffer punishments, under a soon-to-be-amended Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 through the emergency ordinance.
Among other things, higher compounds will be issued to repeat offenders, imprisonment for SOP flouters, legal action against offending premises owners and operators, and disciplinary action against non-complying civil servants.
Meanwhile, he said 31 private hospitals have agreed to allow public health institutions to outsource non-Covid-19 patients to their facilities for treatment, with RM27 million allocated by the government for this purpose.
Additionally, a number of private hospitals have agreed to provide a total of 1,344 beds in normal wards and 65 beds in intensive care units for Covid-19 patients. – The Vibes, February 4, 2021
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