Govt should consider reopening domestic trade, retail sector - PKR man

Putrajaya should consider the reopening of domestic trade and retails sectors in states in Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and beyond if dining in, which poses a higher risk, is allowed in these states, said PKR exco member Gavin Way.

In a statement today, he said domestic trade and retail sectors apart from grocery stores should be allowed to operate at Phase 2 of NRP and beyond.

“Last Sunday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the relaxation of the SOP for fully vaccinated individuals, which included dine-in and interdistrict travel and tourism within the same state,” he said.

“However, the opening of domestic and retail sectors as demanded by sector representatives and business NGOs has not been considered in the relaxation whereas dine-in that poses a higher risk is allowed,” he said.

The data and statistics by the Health Ministry had proven that the domestic trade and retail sector was not a major contributor to the Covid-19 cluster.

“Only 0.8 percent of the all clusters involve this sector, while the SOP compliance level of the sector is 98.54 percent.

“Domestic trade and retail play an important role in the country’s economic ecosystem yet the sector was among the most affected due to the nationwide closure during the movement control order and NRP,” he said.

The government should consider reopening this sector with strict compliance of SOP, he said.

He also suggested those who are fully vaccinated be allowed to enter these retail premises.

“I urge the government to give priority and expedite the vaccination process to domestic trade and retail so that the opening of this sector can be expedited,” he said.

The government should exercise caution in the reopening of various economic sectors instead of making hasty decisions that would only please certain groups, he said.

“The relaxation of domestic tourism is not perfect with the closure of the retail sector involving all shopping malls,” he said.

On Aug 8, Muhyiddin unveiled relaxation of movement restrictions for people who have been fully vaccinated, subject to 14 days or 28 days after the completion of vaccination.

For states and territories in Phase 2 of NRP, dine-in, interdistrict travel and tourism within the same state for fully vaccinated individuals are allowed effective from today.

Muhyiddin said the government will make an announcement on the relaxation of economic activities soon.

Malaysia’s daily number of Covid-19 cases jumped to five digits since mid-July as the Delta variant spreads. On some days, the number of daily cases passed the 20,000 mark.  - Mkini