Let common sense prevail and stay strong together

ADUN SPEAKS | The failure to plan is planning to fail.

We have heard this before. When things suddenly happen out of nowhere and are beyond our preparations, we are faced with a sudden surge of uncertainty and with that, comes despair, worry and all the negative thought process that try to jolt us to reality.

When Severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) happened in the 2000's, Malaysians were very much isolated and safe from those travelling to Hong Kong, Singapore and Southern China. That reality did not bite. While Hong Kong struggled, the world was basically looking after themselves. Yet Hong Kongers who lived through that period know of the difficulties they faced, not only from the health standpoint but grave financial implications too.

Today, we face Covid-19. Yet, for many in our society, the thought and attitude of "it won’t happen to me" is perhaps alarming. We now know of the spike in cases caused by some who recently attended a mass gathering. The vile and hate and "uncommon" sense seen in Twitterjaya and other social media platforms commenting on recent events are just astounding, to say the least.

While many look to our new government leaders for answers, I would prefer if we all place trust in our very own common sense. And practice the following:

1. Observe personal spaces by keeping contact minimal, and if you absolutely have to go to events, make a list of close proximity contacts you have made. This is for the eventuality that if you do catch the virus, contract tracing would not be a mystery to the authorities.
2. Keep vigilant and away from public gatherings. Observe hygiene and avoid eating in open spaces such as public buffets et cetera. This is not paranoia, due to the number of cases stemming from not taking sure care.
3. Organisers of mass events/public gatherings should take the immediate step to stop all events. Forget about the inconvenience and be more concerned of unplanned eventualities. All it takes is for one person who is sick to cause another trigger.
4. Keep a list of "what to do, and who to contact" from medical facilities to your family members. The act of isolation is never easy, and for the safety to your loved ones, the isolation of suspected contact cases must be implemented by those affected.

These are just basic points that have already been put to practice and proven to be effective when implemented. I hope everyone will take the effort and precautions to help Malaysia counter this pandemic so that we can emerge better from this.

Although there has been a change in government, I hope those in power can have the common sense to see the after-effects of what the rakyat is facing on the ground.

Small and medium enterprises are the economic engines of the nation, and many of these companies are facing real issues with fixed overhead costs that might not be met due to these very tough times. As such, the government must consider all aspects, even to the extent of getting utility companies to cut tariff’s, provide relief such as absorbing costs for a fixed period to help spread the burden of the entire nation.

Also, if airlines and the travel industry fall, then the implications will be high indeed. Taking an example of only five thousand employees of an airline taking three months of unpaid leave, the possibility of non-performing loans and financial repercussions that follow will be debilitating.

Banks should consider providing a relief period for payments of loans. What happens in these next few months will be crucial for Malaysia. The 1997 financial crisis saw a severe hit on many industries across the region, and the implications of such an event which has changed the way we live will stay on longer even after a vaccine, God permits, is found. Tax relief is another way to go, for any liquidity would mean a better flow of disposable income to counter the slowdown of cashflow.

All said, the government must first acknowledge the real implications of Covid 19 and make really brave decisions so that we can all get by with the least effects. Wishful thinking this might be, but it’s not impossible for them to decide soon, even on a Sunday.

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TERENCE NAIDU is Adun for Pasir Berdamar, Perak. - Mkini