Salary out soon but don't crowd the banks - senior minister

CORONAVIRUS | In contrast to the chaotic scenes on the night of March 17 where people crowded bus stations, police stations and supermarkets before a partial lockdown, thus increasing the risk of Covid-19 spread, the government is now planning ahead by anticipating large crowds at banks once salaries are paid out later this month. 

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also a coordinating senior minister, advised the public not to crowd banks and stressed that social distancing measures must be enforced.

"We are expecting that there will be crowding at banks and ATM machines.

"Therefore, we urge people not to rush to banks or ATMs and we ask that the police and army, if necessary, to guard the banks and ATMs to ensure that social distancing is practised during the process of withdrawing money," he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

Ismail also called on auxiliary police and security guards at the banks to facilitate in ensuring social distancing.

"The banks will determine how many people will be allowed in at one time to ensure social distancing.

"We hope anyone who wishes to withdraw money will comply with the instructions," he said.

On a separate matter, Ismail was asked why the government was allowing people to dip into their EPF savings to cope with the Covid-19 crisis instead of distributing aid through the government's own reserves. 

At this, he said the details of further aid will be discussed by the cabinet tomorrow.

It will be part of an expanded stimulus plan that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is expected to announce on March 30.

Economic activities in the country have come to an almost standstill following the enforcement of the movement control order beginning March 18.

Under the order, non-essential businesses and services have been ordered to shut while people are discouraged from leaving home except for pressing reasons.

The partial lockdown is expected to end on March 31 but could be extended.

As of noon yesterday, there were 1,518 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 14 deaths in the country. - Mkini