A letter by EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Eurocham Malaysia) chief executive officer Sven Schneider to his members has revealed that Putrajaya is set to announce a total economic shutdown after Feb 4, should the number of Covid-19 cases in the country keep rising.
Malaysiakini spoke to a Eurocham source who confirmed the authenticity of the letter but said that it was intended for the internal consumption of its members only.
The letter contained a summary of Schneider's Jan 22 "important and urgent" meeting with International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) secretary-general Lokman Hakim Ali and other officials, during which it was mentioned that the Health Ministry "made a clear stand on the matter of a complete shutdown of the economy”.
“Should the infection rate not decrease, the government will announce a shutdown/strict lockdown immediately after Feb 4.
"This is the current situation we are facing and Miti is appealing to all companies, foreign and local, to join the effort of reducing infections, breaking the chain, to keep the economy open for business,” the letter read.
Schneider said that the Health Ministry believes the manufacturing sector, with 99 Covid-19 clusters, is the main source of infection.
"Construction was also mentioned, but since it is not under the purview of Miti, we did not discuss the sector in detail.
“Since in particular, dormitories and related activities (transportation, social activities) were identified as problems, while manufacturing sites itself usually demonstrate sufficient compliance, Miti brainstormed together with the present chambers of commerce a few potential measures.
“While we are awaiting more information from the ministry and since time is of the essence, we share the preliminary outcomes here with you,” he added.
It was suggested in the letter that companies assign at least one human resources person to manage and coordinate foreign workers and/or workers staying in dormitories.
The companies were also requested to take responsibility in cases where foreign workers management or housing have been outsourced to employment agencies.
Meanwhile, PKR treasurer-general Lee Chean Chung said Azmin must answer three questions in relation to the letter, including on the issue of transparency of information.
"Why is this risk only communicated to foreign investors but not to local small and medium enterprises?
"Are foreign investors more important than local businesses and lives of Malaysians?," said the Semambu assemblyperson.
Malaysiakini is seeking a response from Miti and the Health Ministry to the updates mentioned in Schneider's letter. - Mkini
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