THE private sector is relieved that Putrajaya will not impose a full nationwide lockdown and will instead go for stricter enforcement of Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP), the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) said.

“The MEF would like to thank Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and members of the National Security Council (NSC) for engaging with industry and for carefully considering views of the businesses on why a total lockdown should not be imposed during MCO 3.0, despite pressure from medical personnel,” said MEF president Syed Hussain Syed Husman. 

“The decision not to implement a full lockdown would allow employers to continue to resuscitate their businesses during this very challenging period, and pave the way to full economic recovery,” he said in a statement.

Muhyiddin said tighter SOPs for the economic and social sectors, and stricter enforcement measures would be announced today following a special meeting of the NSC yesterday.

The country is already under an MCO but, unlike that of last year when the pandemic began, restrictions are looser in terms of economic activities and leaving the house. 

However, dining at restaurants, social gatherings, events involving large crowds, interstate and inter-district travel are still prohibited.

News of the NSC meeting yesterday gave rise to speculation of a full lockdown, but Muhyiddin said since the country was already under MCO 3.0, measures would just be tightened.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah are to give a joint press conference at 5pm today.

Syed Hussain acknowledged the government’s difficult position in balancing lives and livelihoods, and urged employers and employees to comply with the SOPs.

“The MEF advises all employers and employees that this step may not be the best to control the spread of Covid-19 but they have no choice based on the financial impact of full shutdown. 

“Malaysians must realise that the burden to control the spread is with us and not the government. So, we must be disciplined and change our behaviour, attitude and practices to follow the SOP. 

“We are only able to address this growing concern by working together as the government is doing their best and that’s all we can expect them to do,” Syed Hussain said.

Covid-19 infections have been rising, with new records for fresh infections, intensive care admissions and deaths made in recent days.

There are currently more than 52,000 active cases hospitals are reporting intensive care units are more than 90% full.

To date, at least 2,149 Malaysians have died from Covid-19. – May 22, 2021.