AT this crucial period of combatting Covid-19, the government must provide clear and concise instructions regarding standard operating procedure (SOP) for the conditional movement-control order (CMCO). A lack of a clear directive will only cause widespread confusion and limit the effectiveness of preventative measures, causing unnecessary strain on frontliners.

On October 12, senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya will be placed under CMCO starting from October 14.

A few days later, on October 17, it was announced that commercial sports facilities operators and owners in CMCO areas, namely gymnasiums, commercial football fields, futsal courts and commercial badminton courts were allowed to resume operations but only for the purpose of training, subject to 10 participants at a time.

This can be very confusing to the people. They will think: “Why must basic-level employees work from home, yet allow sports centres to open? Does that mean infection rates at sports centres are lower?”

Furthermore, the latest announcement by the International Trade and Industries Ministry indicates that basic-level employees will go to work as usual, while managerial and supervisory level employees are to work from home.

Even though this is understood to be a way to reduce movements by people, it will definitely be a setback against the economy’s recovery.

Moreover, some odd guidelines have been put in place, such as a three-day work week, with working hours limited from 10am to 2pm or just four hours. These, coupled with the distinction of red zones and non-red zones etc, only add to the rakyat’s confusion.

The virus does not differentiate between basic level and managerial positions, or pick a certain time of the day to infect people. While people are trying their best to adapt to the new normal, it is imperative for the government to be stringent and meticulous in the drafting of new guidelines. – October 21, 2020.

* Chong Sin Woon is MCA secretary-general.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.