CORONAVIRUS | The movement control order (MCO), which has inflicted a devastating blow on the nation's economy, can be a blessing in disguise for those who dare to be innovative, according to economic analyst Barjoyai Bardai.
He said with social distancing becoming a norm, some small businesses have explored other alternatives to survive using the outline platform.
"For instance, fishermen in Kedah have already learned how to sell their catch online.
"Farmers have already thought of directly selling their products to consumers via online platforms.
"By the end of the MCO, there is a possibility that these people would have established a stable income through online platforms," he told Malaysiakini.
The Universiti Tun Abdul Razak lecturer said on the other hand, there are those who do not take the initiative and are waiting for government assistance.
Beginning early this month, websites such as Lazada have offered vegetables from Cameron Highlands at RM29 per set directly to consumers.
Barjoyai said those who lost their jobs due to the impact on businesses during the MCO would also learn to adapt.
"Losing a job overnight will give them a shock but they will adopt a different approach by becoming self-employed.
"They will no longer rely on new jobs," he added.
The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research had estimated that 2.4 million people in the country would lose their jobs due to the economic implications of the Covid-19 outbreak.
On the same note, Barjoyai said efforts to restore the economy would be strenuous if the MCO is extended and noted how small businesses are on the brink of collapse.
"In the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, medium-sized businesses are surviving but the small businesses are almost crippled.
"It means if we extend the MCO, our economy will become weak. Efforts to restore the economy will become difficult," he added.
The government implemented the MCO on March 18 to flatten the Covid-19 infection curve. The restriction was scheduled to end on March 31 but has been extended until April 14.
Putrajaya is expected to announce if there would be another extension after reviewing the data from the Health Ministry tomorrow.
Earlier, the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia called on the government to extend the MCO beyond Hari Raya, fearing that a balik kampung rush could worsen the situation. - Mkini
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