KOTA KINABALU – The inter-district travel ban in Sabah, to take effect at midnight tomorrow, has left tens of thousands of residents, especially those working blue-collar jobs, worried about their livelihood.
The decision, announced yesterday by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, follows a worrying increase in coronavirus infections in the state, and will be in force until October 16.
Some have argued that the move will be disastrous to the economy despite its aim of containing Covid-19 in a state with almost 1,880 cases and 13 deaths so far.
Human resources trainer Richard A. Gontusan said the travel ban is expected to affect workers like bus and taxi drivers, farmers and deliverymen the most, as these jobs require them to be physically present.
“I myself have had to postpone three courses because of the spike in Covid-19 cases in the east coast. I was supposed to be in Sandakan today (yesterday) to conduct a leadership course.
“Definitely, this situation will affect businesses. How will Kundasang farmers transport their produce to Kota Kinabalu, where most of their buyers are? How will resorts and hotels fare?
“The multiplier effect will come into play. If the operations of one segment of the economy are disrupted, surely, the operations of other segments that depend on the first segment will be disrupted, too. People will lose their jobs and income.”
A bank officer, who wanted to be known only as Janice J.C., concurred, adding that those employed in professional fields will be impacted as well.
“White-collar workers may face risks, too. They could see another round of restructuring.
“This will affect businesses again. People will be scared to leave their homes for meals and such.
“The reduction in spending will affect businesses, and may eventually lead to staff cuts.
“Hopefully, the government is better able to handle this new (Covid-19) wave, as it has experience dealing with the first wave.”
Ismail Sabri said only essential services, such as those relating to food supply, healthcare and security, are exempted from the travel restrictions.
He said the targeted enhanced movement control order in Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna remains in place, and that the state government will provide updates from time to time. – The Vibes, October 2, 2020
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