MALAYSIA has been in some form lockdown or other for the past 10 months, and one would expect some logic and common sense in what can open or has to be completely shut. 

That Putrajaya was signalling a return to the movement control order (MCO) first imposed in March 2020 should already mean that all operating procedures have been thought out and set in stone. 

Except, it took the government a few days to actually announce the MCO and one entire day to give out the rules minutes before it took effect. 

Yet, it didn’t take long to apply for and get the emergency imposed across the nation. Or to issue a gazette that indemnifies the government or its officials during the emergency period until August 1.

Talk about priorities.

On that score, the people have asked for and received news that optical shops and parks are now open, subject to standard operating procedures (SOP). 

Just like the fact that goldsmiths and even the IKEA furniture store were allowed to open from the first instance. As are supermarkets but subject to crowd limits. 

So, what is the idea to ask all restaurants and food stalls to only operate until 8pm and not to allow any form of dining? 

Are the powers-that-be, and their minions who come up with the lists and rules, on a diet and do not eat beyond those hours in MCO areas?

Perhaps this is due to their regular working hours and ability to get to food before 8pm. Yet, what about the frontliners who work 24/7 and are too tired to cook when they return home close to midnight, or even after 8pm?

There are no restaurants open, and even if they do order food before closing hours, the food would be cold. Not many have the foresight to do that or a microwave oven to reheat their food. 

Ditto the fact that even convenience shops close earlier. 

Also, why won’t the authorities allow any form of dining in? How about being creative and allowing one per table, tables set 2m apart in MCO areas? 

The authorities had 10 months to plan, and really one just needs to look at best practices across the world, then apply it to Malaysia. 

We’re not unique in being the only country suffering a pandemic. Perhaps we’re just unique in being the only country not thinking our plans ahead of time and having common sense. – January 16, 2021.