ECONOMIC sectors in Penang have been told to be prepared for a possible new lockdown to stem the spread of Covid-19. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told reporters today that he was made to understand that the federal government will be holding talks with businesses and industries to discuss the impact of a new movement-control order.

“The state government will await the outcome of the engagement,” he said in a Facebook post today.

“For Penang, we will comply with the new conditions, or relaxations given to certain sectors.

“Our previous experience has taught us that each sector will see its own impact depending on its nature of business, operations and as such.

“As such I urge all sectors to be ready to face a new MCO,” he said in a Facebook posting.

Earlier today Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said any announcement on a second MCO will be made by the prime minister on Monday.

He said Putrajaya acknowledges the speculation on social media that another lockdown will be implemented following director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah’s remarks on January 6 on the need for a “circuit breaker” as Malaysia sees a surge in Covid-19 infections. – January 8, 2021.