MPs want govt to clear confusion over MCO 3.0

 

Parents are left confused over differing government instructions on the operation of kindergartens, childcare centres and nurseries with the implementation of the nationwide movement control order (MCO) from May 12 onward.

Taking to social media, DAP’s Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching slammed the government for poor coordination with regard to the operation of kindergartens in the country.

“Before today, childcare centres and kindergartens were allowed to operate,” she said.

“This morning, the Education Ministry said all kindergartens must be closed from May 10 to June 6. This afternoon, the PM said all childcare centres and kindergartens can operate during MCO 3.0, ie between May 12 to June 7.

“Can this government be more disorganised? And can parents send their kids to kindergartens tomorrow?” she said.

During MCO 2.0 in January, the government allowed the operation of private kindergartens, pre-schools and childcare centres so that parents could go to work.

However, in the impending MCO 3.0, the Education Ministry no longer allowed private education operators running pre-schools, childcare centres, kindergartens and international schools in MCO areas to operate.

Parents in Penang and Johor were also confused by the last-minute reversal in rules.

Those in six Selangor districts placed under MCO, however, did not experience similar issues as the state government kept kindergartens and childcare centres open so parents could go to work.

Meanwhile, DAP’s Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh urged the government to allow grave visits for immediate family members who are residing in the same district during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“This is because grave visits are done outdoors and the family members will put on their masks. Please consider it,” she said in social media.

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman also requested the government to consider reinstating a moratorium for six months on house and vehicle loans.

“The people’s income will be severely affected, they are having a hard time even before MCO 3.0 is implemented nationwide.

“The government should impose a moratorium on vehicle loans and house loans for six months. This should be implemented immediately,” he said.

“The banks will not suffer a loss. Don't make up stories that banks could incur losses,” he said.

“Help the people immediately. This is not a political issue but it’s about the survival of the rakyat,” added Syed Saddiq.

Business groups have also demanded the government to implement a loan moratorium to prevent already-struggling businesses from collapsing.

The blanket loan moratorium was implemented from March 2020 for six months during the first MCO in March last year, which paralysed economic activities.  - Mkini