Kedah, Kelantan not rushing into easing MCO, say state leaders

PETALING JAYA: Kedah and Kelantan are not rushing into easing the movement control order (MCO) as state leaders say human life is their priority.

Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said the state prefers to err on the side of caution.

"We understand the reason why the Federal Government needs to impose the conditional MCO. Yes, the economy is important. We empathise with those facing financial setbacks because of the MCO.

"But at the same time, we do not want to see a sudden surge in the number of Covid-19 cases. Human life is our priority," he said when contacted on Sunday (May 3).

Mukhriz said it was important to take heed of lessons learnt by other countries where they experienced sudden surge in the number of cases after easing movement restrictions.

"Although all the districts in Kedah are certified green zones, we do not want to open up too early and regret later. I agree with senior minister (security cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that we have to be absolutely sure of the outcome.

"We need to be convinced that the chain of transmission is effectively broken," said Mukhriz.

He said the matter would be deliberated further during a special state security committee meeting on Tuesday (May 5).

Meanwhile, Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said they do not want to ease restrictions too early although the entire state enjoyed green zone status.

"The well-being of the rakyat is our priority," he said.

Ahmad said the state security committee would meet on Thursday (May 7) to deliberate further on the subject following the Federal Government's decision to allow controlled MCO in a move to revive the business sector.

"Until then, the previous conditions imposed during the MCO would remain applicable in the state," he said.