GEORGE TOWN – Penang PKR has called on the National Security Council (NSC) to lift the current movement control order (MCO 3.0) in some districts in the state, reasoning that it has become stifling for the local economy.
Penang PKR liaison acting chairman Muhammed Bakhtiar Wan Chik said the closing of many economic sectors coupled with the lack of sustainable financial support from the federal government has resulted in losses of jobs and income.
He stressed that the situation has become so severe that there have been 53 recorded suicides in the state in the last five months.
The Balik Pulau MP said that many small business owners have resorted to selling their kitchen appliances and various other tools of the trade just to stay afloat.
He said the NSC needs to undertake more efficient and targeted approaches for different states and districts after having gained the experience in handling the pandemic since it began in early 2020.
“The economic strain resulting from the strict lockdown measures has become untenable.
“In worse cases, these restrictions have even cost lives. In Penang alone, 53 cases of suicide have been reported in the last five months. We are seeing in real time how months of strict lockdowns have taken their deadly toll,” he said in a statement here.
Bakhtiar added that the rate Covid-19 infections has improved over the course of MCO 3.0.
In the week of June 13 to 19, Penang registered one of the lowest positivity rates in the country, at 3.36%. It also registered the second lowest percentage of sporadic cases in the country at 38.36%.
“With infections under control due to efficient contact tracing, we believe the time has come for selective lockdown restrictions to allow for people – especially those in small businesses – to recoup their losses.
“We call for the revision of opening hours to extend beyond 8pm, and for dine-in policies to be reviewed to allow up to two people per table. Businesses such as stationery stores and complementary medicine providers, including chiropractors, physios and mental health practitioners should be allowed to operate as usual.”
Bakhtiar stressed that efficient management of the dangerous variants should include mass testing at all commercial premises which gain approval to operate.
“Covid-19 poses a real and immediate threat to the health of our rakyat, and we recognise this. However, when these restrictions continue unabated without adequate consideration for livelihoods, we also risk losing lives.”
He added that any continuation of a lockdown must come with a necessary and meaningful quantum of assistance for small and medium-scale enterprises. – The Vibes, June 24, 2021
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