By Aisyah Azzahra Suhiri
KUCHING: The public generally agree that all sectors of the economy, which have been temporarily shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic, should be allowed to reopen soon.
They reason that this would save the livelihood of the people, but they also insist that strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be in place to control the spread of the virus.
Recently, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) advisor Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said that new strategies to manage the virus would be discussed with Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in expectation that the pandemic will become endemic.
Sarah Dahlia Marzuki, Engineer
Businesses should be allowed to reopen since there are many people who have lost their jobs. Reopening the economy can help them earn stable incomes. But there must be strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) to minimise the spread of the virus.
Jeanyfer Albert, Business administration student
I think it’s time for all sectors of the economy to reopen because we can’t let the pandemic affect our lives forever. Now that we have to live with the virus, I think the economy should also be revived, but of course everything must be according to the new norms.
Hussain Zainudin, Retiree
The resumption of all economic sectors is vital since we are now slowly entering the endemic phase of the pandemic. By opening all the sectors and adhering to the SOPs, those who lost their job can once again work but in a safe environment.
Nurul Aida Adris, Civil servant
I think all sectors of the economy should reopen but with stricter SOPs because we have to survive while learning to live with the virus. With all the sectors reopened, we can rebuild the state’s economy.
Sharifah Shamsiah Wan Morsidi, Nurse
In view of the struggling economy, it is necessary to reopen all sectors and let businesses operate again. However, it is very important for everybody to be disciplined and to follow the SOPs.
Ashrukh Adhwa Aryan Mas Misshar, Student
It is crucial for all sectors of the economy to reopen to protect the livelihoods of the people. Since we are about to enter the endemic phase of the pandemic, business owners should be allowed to operate.
