Umno to Miti: Don't let confusion reign over proposed economic shutdown

 

Umno is demanding that the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) quickly clears the air over a proposed economic shutdown if the Covid-19 situation does not improve by Feb 4.

This proposal by the Health Ministry was leaked in a letter by the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Eurocham Malaysia) to its members following an informal meeting with Miti.

Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan (above) questioned why Miti had provided such information to the chamber of commerce.

"Shouldn't it be confidential, particularly since it involves a proposal that has yet to be finalised?

"After it was leaked, where is the government's official explanation to the people?" he asked.

Shahril said people learning about the proposal through a leak can cause confusion.

He said the government must respond immediately.

"If it is true, then be upfront with the people. Give people time to prepare if there will indeed be a tougher lockdown," he said.

According to the circular sent by Eurocham Malaysia chief executive officer Sven Schneider to the chamber's members, it said the government had informed that the Health Ministry had 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 says. 

Following the leak, Eurocham Malaysia stressed that the focus should be on complying with the Health Ministry's standard operating procedure so that an economic shutdown won't happen. - Mkini