KUALA LUMPUR – The government should look into a more relevant and accurate measure to assess the local Covid-19 situation, rather than just relying on the number of daily infections to determine the state of the lockdown, said the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF).
Its president, Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman, said Malaysians cannot continue to live in fear of Covid-19 and remain in prolonged lockdown conditions indefinitely because businesses and the rakyat are approaching the breaking point.
“The lockdowns have also had a horrifying impact on the mental health of many Malaysians, with cases of suicide, crime, domestic violence, depression and homelessness rising rapidly.
“On top of this, the disruptions caused to business supply chains due to the prolonged lockdowns are pushing long-established investors to exit Malaysia, while potential investors are now wary of investing.
“This distressing situation needs to change and turn around fast,” he said in a statement today.
Syed Hussain said both employers and the people play a critical role in accelerating the National Recovery Plan (NRP) towards “new normal” conditions by putting in place and strictly adhering to biosafety measures at the workplace.
He said it is high time that employers demonstrate serious responsibility and reassure the people and the government by providing a safe, healthy and hygienic working environment.
“Many countries impacted by the airborne Delta variant have accepted Covid-19 as endemic, and if all stakeholders realise this and work together, it would be for the greater good and well-being of all Malaysians,” he added. – Bernama, July 16, 2021
