PUTRAJAYA – States that have transitioned to Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) will not revert to Phase 1, NRP Coordinating Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said.
Tengku Zafrul, who is also finance minister, said it is not sustainable for the country to “open and close” a state, and the NRP is a roadmap with specific planning to enable the people to return to normal life.
“Once we go to Phase 2, if there are (Covid-19) cases in a certain area or location, it will be closed or (imposed with the) EMCO (enhanced movement control order), not the whole state,” he said after surveying the Kiosk D’Harmoni@9 and Precinct 9 food court here today.
To date, eight states have transitioned to Phase 2 of the NRP – Perlis, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.
He said other states will follow suit.
Tengku Zafrul said the standard operation procedures (SOP) in EMCO areas need to be tightened as factories deemed essential remain in operation.
“For example, Covid-19 screenings must be done twice a week. Importantly, we must reduce cases in EMCO areas,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul said he has conducted engagement sessions on the NRP with several political parties and stakeholders this week, and will continue such sessions in the near future.
He said the sessions are productive, and various inputs have been received, especially regarding the health and aid for those affected by the EMCO.
He added that the discussions regarding the NRP have been conducted with Pejuang, Umno, PAS, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Amanah, PKR, DAP, Bersatu, MCA and MIC. – Bernama, July 14, 2021
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