KUCHING: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement on the relaxation of regulations under the conditional movement control order (Cmco) beginning tomorrow (May 4) has received mixed reviews.
In Sarawak, some state leaders and medical experts welcomed the move in view of the economic benefits it provides while others voiced their concerns over the possibility of a second wave of Covid-19 cases in the state and country.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he was glad to hear the good news from the prime minister on the relaxation of the MCO in addition to any economic and social activities being allowed to operate under strict conditions.
“The MCO cannot go on forever. The most important thing is that the federal government has managed to instil awareness on the public.
“It’s time to reboot the economy by allowing the opening of economic sectors. At the same time, relaxing certain sports activities is very much welcomed as well. Slowly but surely, our lives will return back to normal again,” said Abdul Karim who is also Youth and Sports minister.
He reminded that the war against Covid-19 was far from over.
“Malaysians must adhere strictly to the rules in our fight against the virus,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said the federal government had made the right decision in view of the economic benefits it provided.
“Those who take part in economic activities must play it smart and follow the rules of the Cmco so that their businesses can thrive once again. If they choose to ignore this, they will stand to lose if enforcements come down hard on them,” said Masing.
He also suggested for food premises allowed to operate in red zones to be reviewed carefully especially in Sarawak.
“However, once a vaccine is found, then we can go full throttle and live the life we had before the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Former Sarawak State physician Datuk Dr Chew Peng Hong, on the other hand, said the move could trigger a second wave of Covid-19 cases nationwide.
“In Malaysia, we do not have infectious disease facilities, self-contained with its own support services, that allow safe patient care without fear of contamination to other parts of the hospitals, which can still function,” he said.
He added that the situation had raised concerns with regard to accommodating a sudden increase of Covid-19 patients in hospitals nationwide.
“Where would they keep Covid-19 patients while ensuring that no cross contaminations are to happen? This is difficult as all medical staffs share the same facilities in the hospital,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang said Putrajaya’s move was implemented too soon based on the current number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
“They have yet to be able to flatten the curve of Covid-19 cases. Therefore, it is too soon to implement the Cmco,” he said.
Idris suggested that the state government continue with the current implementation of the MCO and observe the situation prior to implementing Cmco.
Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family, and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said certain measures must be taken by the state government in its approach to allow the implementation of Cmco in the state.
“We are looking into our health services facilities in terms of rapid testing and sufficient equipments required for treating Covid-19 patients.
“More importantly is that we are also looking into the ability of our medical workers to face the possibility of a high number of Covid-19 infections happening once most economic sectors are allowed to operate,” she revealed.
Fatimah assured that the state government would come to an appropriate decision in the interest of the people.
