KUALA LUMPUR – The National Security Council has agreed in principle to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry’s proposal to reopen tourism and outdoor activities, such as Zoo Negara and Legoland, said Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.
However, the commencement date has yet to be decided, pending the ministry’s presentation of the proposed standard operating procedures to the NSC and the Health Ministry.
“However, we have asked Motac (Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry) to present the SOPs, which will be detailed and clear after holding talks,” he said in his daily briefing.
“But in principle, we have given the approval.”
Ismail Sabri said the Youth and Sports Ministry has also proposed the resumption of sports activities, especially those held outdoors.
“And, KBS (Youth and Sports Ministry) has been asked to present its SOPs in detail after discussing the matter with KKM (Health Ministry) and MKN (NSC).
“I’ve been made to understand that the technical task force (related to this) will hold a meeting on Thursday to develop the SOPs.
“There might be many things requested by them (Youth and Sports Ministry), including football competitions that have been delayed and so on.”
He said the government cannot restrict the public’s movements forever, as Covid-19 will continue to be present in the community, similar to illnesses such as dengue and those that are both contagious and not.
“In the end, we have to accept the reality that we have to live with Covid-19.
“That is why the government is beginning to relax in stages the restrictions that were implemented before this, to allow us to balance public health and the people’s economy, to balance lives and livelihoods.”
He added that Putrajaya knows that if it imposes overly strict restrictions, the people’s welfare will be affected and companies forced to close, while daily wage earners will have no income.
“This will bring bigger problems to our people, because as we know, not everyone is positive for Covid-19, but they are affected (by the restrictions).” – The Vibes, December 15, 2020
