About 2.8 million people will be at risk of losing their jobs should a total lockdown be imposed next month, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
He said the government will consider thoroughly all possible consequences before deciding on the next course of action after the current movement control order (MCO 2.0) expires on Feb 4.
Ismail was addressing speculations which are rife on social media of a possible total lockdown after an internal circular by the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Eurocham) was leaked to the public recently.
In a media briefing, the senior minister noted that Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had hinted about replacing the current MCO with a conditional MCO next month.
However, Ismail reiterated that nothing has been set in stone until the National Security Council meets before Feb 4.
"We want to look after the health of the people, but we also want to protect their interests, especially the poor. If we shut, the economy will be affected.
"As a result, 2.8 million people will risk losing their jobs, 2.5 million people will have their livelihoods impacted and losses per month for the B40 (bottom 40 percent income earners) will be at RM6.4 billion with an average of RM2,400 per family," he said.
Between March and October 2020, 13,445 companies had permanently closed their operations due to the MCO, he added.
On appeals by certain businesses such as barbers, night market traders and car wash operators to be allowed to resume operations, Ismail said the matter would be discussed in a meeting in the near future.
"We will consider each suggestion as best as we can," he said.
Asked on why certain non-essential services were allowed to operate when other small traders are not allowed to resume business, Ismail brushed off the question by saying that only essential services are allowed.
"It doesn't matter if it's a hypermarket, shopping mall or roadside stall, the standard operating procedures are the same.
"I hope the public can file a report with the authority (if there's a breach of SOPs) so that action can be taken," he said.
Previously, former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak had raised the issue of big furniture companies, popular goldsmith chains and a US lingerie boutique being allowed to stay open during the MCO 2.0. - Mkini
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