Lockdowns not worth the impact on mental health, economy: PM

KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya no longer sees lockdowns as an appropriate measure to curb the Covid-19 surge, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, adding that such actions could lead to further implications.

This is one of a number of reasons, he said, that the government decided to reopen certain sectors of the economy, including 11 types of business activities in states under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) beginning last month.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Ismail Sabri (Bera-BN) said the government is worried that a prolonged lockdown could impact negatively on the public, particularly on the issue of mental health.

“That is why we gave priority to reopening the economic sectors. It not only helps to revitalise the economy, but also provides the space and opportunity to the rakyat to improve their lives.”

He was responding to Datuk Mohd Salim Sharif (Jempol-BN) on the necessity to reopen 11 economic sectors in states under Phase 1 of the NRP last month, when Covid-19 cases were continuing to record high numbers. 

The business categories in question are namely car wash services; electrical and electronics stores; household items and kitchenware stores; furniture stores; sports equipment stores; car accessory stores; car distribution and sales centres; morning markets and farmer’s markets; clothing, fashion and accessory stores; jewellery stores as well as barbershops and beauty centres/salons. 

Ismail Sabri said the decision was also made following risk assessment by the Health Ministry and after taking into consideration the high vaccination rate.

Presently, he said 74.7% of the adult population nationwide has been fully vaccinated, while 91.6% has received at least one dose of the vaccine.

“Additionally, the sectors that were allowed to reopen have to abide by strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), with only customers that are fully vaccinated being allowed to enter premises. 

“Similarly, workers at the premises also have to be inoculated.”

On a supplementary question, the prime minister said it is vital for the public to practise self-control when in public places, highlighting the importance of abiding by SOPs. 

“We saw how there are many people who do not even put on their masks when visiting tourist spots. The future of our Covid-19 fight depends on ourselves, otherwise, everything will be a waste. 

“One day, we will have to live with Covid-19. For our own safety, we need to take care of ourselves, our families and the community.”

Upon questioning by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (Kulim Bandar Baru-PH) on whether the government acted based on science and data, Ismail Sabri provided several examples of why the government decided to reopen certain sectors of the economy.

Among others, the prime minister said throughout the last year, the government only recorded one Covid-19 cluster involving barbershops, despite concerns raised on its reopening.

Similarly for beauty salons and car wash, he said – only a few virus cases stemmed from them last year. 

“It is based on this data that we made our decisions on which sectors are safe to open.” – The Vibes, September 14, 2021