Two days prep time not enough, think tank warns gov't

A signature campaign by public health think tank Galen Centre has urged Putrajaya to reconsider loosening the movement control order (MCO) restrictions by Monday.

The petitioners said the government should allow businesses one week to be educated on and properly prepare themselves for the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the National Security Council (NSC).

The lack of preparation will result in the unsuccessful implementation of the SOPs, increased risk, frustration, conflict, public tension, rise in infections and spread of the disease.

"Successful adherence requires proper understanding and preparation. Two days is not enough time.

"Employers and employees of offices, retail and food shop outlets and other places of work are not likely to be adequately briefed and trained on the specifics of disease prevention according to their work location," read the petition.

The SOPs issued by the NSC would not suffice as communities, businesses and the public must be properly briefed and trained, the petition said. 

The petitioners said that Malaysians have paid a tremendous price by adhering to the MCO to keep the rate of Covid-19 infections and deaths low therefore the sacrifices made will be in vain if the reopening of the economy results in the imposition of new rounds of MCO.

"There is a real risk of successive waves of Covid-19 infection as a result of noncompliance and misunderstanding of the SOPs due to the lack of preparation time.

"This could result in Malaysia moving from this MCO to another one potentially in a couple of months. We cannot afford that," they said.

The petition was signed by doctors, NGOs and individuals, including those who recovered from Covid-19.

Inquiries regarding this petition should be directed to azrul@galencentre.org.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said most businesses would be allowed to resume work on Monday on condition that they observe SOPs, including social distancing requirements.

Muhyiddin said the country's economy was suffering therefore reopening the economy was necessary to prevent job losses and business closures. - Mkini