UMNO has set eight conditions for its backing on a full lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a drastic measure was needed to curb the spread while ensuring the welfare of the people was taken care.

Among the eight conditions that it proposed was a strict 21-day lockdown such as the one implemented in Hong Kong and Singapore.

“The movement control order (MCO) implemented before the Hari Raya still allows economic activities when data shows that factories, contraction sites and malls contribute to the most number of infections.

“The government should close down these economic sectors and prohibit all social gatherings for 21 days.

“This half-baked MCO will not bring down the number of infections,” he wrote on Facebook.

Zahid said a blanket moratorium should also be given to all to lessen the burden of the people.

“Putrajaya should make it compulsory that the banks give a three to six months moratorium without any conditions, adding that the banks were still able to generate profit during the first two MCOs.”

The Bagan Datuk MP said monetary aid to the people must be increased and expedited.

“These aids should not only focus on the B40 group but also the M40 and small and medium entrepreneurs.

“i-Lestari and i-Sinar withdrawal from the Employers Provident Fund should also be continued.”

He said one-off payments should also be given to those who have been affectedly badly, such as the tourism industry.

Zahid also urged the government to expedite the distribution of 150,000 laptops for students, strengthen the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, hand out more food aid, convert urban transformation centres dan rural transformation centres to a one-stop centre for people who need help and set up more field hospitals as low risk Covid-19 treatment centres.

“In short, let the people suffer for a short while for the health of the nation,” he said.

Zahid joins a chorus of other leaders such as former prime ministers Najib Razak and Dr Mahathir Mohamad who have made similar suggestions to the government.

Malaysia recorded 6,493 cases today, bringing the national caseload to 498,795 cases. 50 deaths were reported, taking the death toll to 2,149. – May 21, 2021.