Govt has no intention to impose MCO 3.0, PM tells businesses

 

The government has no intention to enforce another round of the movement control order (MCO), Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told industry associations and business chambers today.

However, he said industries must ensure strict compliance with Covid-19 standard operating procedures - especially in workers' accommodations.

"Please continue to provide safe and conducive facilities and amenities that will help ensure no congestion and enhance hygiene in workers’ accommodations, which in turn will help reduce the risk of transmission of the virus.

"This is also a reminder that the government does not intend to impose another period of MCO. However, targeted MCO would be imposed in designated locations that are considered as the point of ignition sites," he said in a speech today.

Muhyiddin said more than 83 percent of Covid-19 cases are from the manufacturing sector, and that workers' accommodations and hostels were often the sources of infections.

His remarks came a day after it was announced that the MCO would be implemented in seven Kelantan districts starting Friday.

Previously, cramped and unhygienic accommodations for factory workers came under the spotlight after a string of clusters linked to such locations.

It was cited as one justification for the emergency declaration in January, saying that it would allow the government to impose heftier fines on errant employers. 

However, Muhyiddin assured today that the emergency was aimed solely at curbing the Covid-19 pandemic, by allowing the government to fast track legislative measures needed to manage the pandemic.

He stressed there was no sinister motive for the emergency.

"Again, I must reiterate that the emergency will not be used to violate human rights, private property and other legal rights.

"Malaysia is a firm believer of the rule of law and hence, we will not behave in a manner that is derogatory to the legal principles that we hold dear.

"And it is imperative that the business community, both domestic and international, understand this," he said.

On international trade, Muhyiddin said the government would continue actively pursuing free trade agreements (FTA) including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The CPTPP is a trade agreement among Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. - Mkini