SEVERAL states have snubbed Putrajaya’s move to reopen the economy by loosening restrictions under the movement-control order (MCO), effective tomorrow, eight days ahead of the rules expiring.

As Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, the states are entitled to do so but cannot deviate from the limits of the fourth MCO that ends on May 12.

But you know what would be better than rejecting out right the conditional MCO (CMCO)? And for that matter something that Putrajaya has to consider in the next few days as offices, factories, restaurants and others start to reopen and recoup back some of their losses that run to a couple of billion ringgit daily.

Put out the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each and every economic sector that is being reopened from now on – be it offices or restaurants or factories.

Otherwise, it just seems like a political exercise to point out the inadequacies of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government ruling the country now.

Yes, PN has not performed well in their two months in power, most of which was spent on managing the Covid-19 pandemic but the state governments need to show they can do a better job.

For example, having all the office towers, shopping malls and factories upgrade their air-conditioning to prevent the virus from spreading in enclosed areas? How about thermal imaging for all and sundry entering these places?

Are there SOPs for specific economic sectors? How many can be seated in a restaurant of 100 square metres? How about 200 square metres? What are the protocols for office blocks? Who is in charge and who is responsible when things go wrong?

The reality is business owners are fretting about restarting their businesses in a world where the virus is a clear and present danger. Will they have enough funds to pay for their employees’ treatment for Covid-19 if there is an outbreak? 

Do business owners even think it is viable to reopen and recoup costs when most people are still wary and staying home or want to continue working from home? 

The reality is no one is really capable of following existing and perhaps more SOPs and re-pen for business tomorrow. Not even government departments unless the air-conditioning has been serviced, the work and public areas cleaned, digital thermometers are available and such.

The other reality is this. All authorities, be it federal or state, need to figure out all these issues and put out a plan to enable the economy to reopen again.

So instead of just saying wait until May 12, it is best that everyone in authority work out the specifics. Otherwise, no one is prepared to open for business or work on May 13.

And when that happens, more businesses will fail and more will be jobless. Who would they blame then? Covid-19, PN or the state governments? – May 3, 2020.

* Jahabar Sadiq runs The Malaysian Insight.