Any MCO extension after record Covid-19 surge? says MP

 

A former deputy minister says the public needs to know if they can return to their hometowns for Chinese New Year.

PETALING JAYA: Will the movement control order be extended next week? Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye raised this question today after the health ministry reported a new record of 5,725 new Covid-19 infections.

Lee, who is Gopeng MP, said the government should inform the public about what lies next.

The MCO is scheduled to end on Feb 4, after being in force for three weeks. However the health ministry has said it might be needed for four weeks, creating the possibility that it might last until just before Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb 12.

Lee told FMT: “By tomorrow the authorities should inform the public about the next steps, so that businesses can make plans for the Chinese New Year.” The people need to know if they can return to their home towns, and if restaurants could accept bookings.

“Businesses need to decide what to do next,” he said.

He expressed disappointment with the lack of a warlike attitude in the government towards Covid-19. “We are facing a war and our allocation of resources should be adjusted accordingly,” he said. “But what are our Cabinet ministers and our civil service doing during this MCO?” - FMT