Strict MCO better than half-baked one, says Najib

 

Some luxury goods shops have been allowed to remain open but eateries have lost business, says former prime minister Najib Razak.

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Najib Razak has criticised the government’s management of the movement restrictions, saying the current rules were unfair to certain businesses, with some sectors remaining open despite the high number of Covid-19 cases in those sectors.

Najib said construction sites and factories were allowed to operate, despite contributing to a surge in Covid-19 cases during the third wave of the pandemic.

Furniture and jewellery shops and those selling luxury goods had also been allowed to operate as usual, while restrictions were placed on eateries, causing a loss of business in the food and beverage sector and public transport.

The movement control order regime was enforced on major states from Jan 13-26. and later extended to all states except Sarawak. It has been extended by two weeks until Feb 4.

“The longer the extension of this relaxed MCO 2.0, the longer the injustice will continue, and the harder it will be for our healthcare system to recover,” said Najib.

He reiterated his calls for the government to provide more aid to those affected, so stricter rules could be put in place to help contain the virus.

“Temporary sacrifices are far better than long-term impacts on the wellbeing of the people and the economy. A strict MCO for now is better than a prolonged, ‘half-baked’ MCO. Please consider this.”

Earlier today, the government extended the MCO 2.0 for Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan, Johor, Kelantan and Sabah until Feb 4. Beginning tomorrow, Kedah, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Terengganu and Perlis would also be placed under the MCO. - FMT