KUALA LUMPUR – With public frustration running high, the prime minister’s sudden Covid-19 lockdown announcement yesterday did not score brownie points with Malaysians.
After the first movement control order (MCO 1.0) took effect on March 18 last year, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced a RM250 billion economic stimulus package nine days later.
Following the “total lockdown” announcement yesterday, netizens are asking why he did not also announce economic or aid packages.
“Greetings Tan Sri. I think you left out the part about moratoriums and financial aid. Please upload the final version of the PDF,” tweeted @baihaqi.
Salam Tan Sri. Rasanya tertinggal bahagian moratorium dan bantuan kewangan. Mohon upload versi final pdf.
— Penumpang kerusi belakang bas (@baihaqi1989) May 28, 2021
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was quick to point out that a full-scale lockdown should have been implemented two weeks ago, when Covid-19 cases started surging after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Given that this is not the first time such an order is imposed on the country, he said, Malaysians should not have to wait for another announcement on aid packages.
“Why is it so difficult to announce welfare packages for the people when announcing a total lockdown? Give an automatic moratorium, welfare to the B40 and M40 groups, education for students, and wage subsidies for workers,” he said on Facebook.
“These should have been announced immediately. The people must plan for this total lockdown.”
Syed Saddiq’s views were echoed by Ipoh Barat MP and former human resources minister M. Kula Segaran, who called for an automatic loan moratorium, financial aid, and wage subsidies.
A full lockdown must be accompanied by:
— M. Kula Segaran (@mkula) May 28, 2021
Automatic Moratorium
Financial relief for businesses
Financial relief for B40
Financial relief for vulnerable groups
Wage incentive for businesses and workers
Proper SOPs
Don't play with the lives of Malaysians any longer https://t.co/xyWc8TfuzD
Another issue highlighted by social media users is the lack of an explanation on just what constitutes essential services.
“So, the lobbying on who should be considered essential during the upcoming total lockdown begins…” tweeted Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming.
So, the lobbying on who should be considered essential during the upcoming total lockdown begins...
— Ong Kian Ming ?? (@imokman) May 28, 2021
“In one go, release what sectors are allowed to operate and gauge the people’s reaction. Also announce recommendations for welfare aid, moratoriums and SOPs. Don’t just save as PDF one day before the lockdown,” said @om4rs.
Terus keluarkan senarai operasi yang dibenarkan, tengok reaksi rakyat macam mana. Umumkan sekali cadangan2 bantuan, moratorium, dah SOP secara telus.
— omar (@om4rs) May 28, 2021
Jangan sehari sebelum 'lockdown' baru nak save as PDF.
Another Twitter user, @DrAmirul93, highlighted a contradiction in Muhyiddin’s statement.
“The first paragraph says, FULL CLOSURE OF THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SECTORS.
"The second paragraph, however, adds that ALL SECTORS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO OPERATE except the ECONOMIC SECTOR and ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
“You don’t double-check before releasing a statement?”
The statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office said the nation will be placed under a Phase 1 total lockdown from June 1 to 14.
All sectors are ordered closed except for essential economic activities and services, and these will be listed by the National Security Council.
It came hours after the country recorded its highest daily Covid-19 caseload of 8,290, of which more than 70,000 are active, and a total of 2,552 deaths.
“If this Phase 1 lockdown successfully reduces daily Covid-19 cases, the government will move to a Phase 2 lockdown, which is allowing the reopening of some economic sectors that do not involve large crowds and can be subject to physical distancing,” said the statement.
“This Phase 2 lockdown will be implemented for a period of four weeks after Phase 1 has ended.
“After Phase 2 ends, the next step is Phase 3, which is to implement the MCO similar to what is currently enforced, where social activities are not allowed, and almost all economic sectors are allowed to operate subject to strict standard operating procedures and limited physical attendance at the workplace.”
The decision to move from one phase to the next will be based on a risk assessment by the Health Ministry, to be made according to developments in daily Covid-19 cases and hospitals’ capacity to treat patients.
“Following the government’s decision to close most economic and social sectors, the Finance Ministry will detail an assistance package for the rakyat and affected economic sectors. An announcement on this assistance package will be made in the near future,” added the statement. – The Vibes, May 29, 2021
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