‘Ensure no spike in cases for S’pore to reopen its border’

JOHOR BARU: Locals have been urged to give their all in combating Covid-19 in order for Singapore to reopen its border with Johor.

Johor MCA Government Affairs coordinating chairman Michael Tay said Singapore would not reopen the two land checkpoints if Covid-19 cases in Johor were to spike.

“We have been declared a red zone. This is not good, especially when we are looking at reopening the border for workers soon, ” he said, adding that Singapore managed to bring its daily Covid-19 cases down to single digits.

Tay hoped everyone would comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) such as maintaining appropriate distancing and wearing masks whenever they are out, saying that Johor’s economy was adversely affected since the border closure on March 18.

“If the government announces a conditional movement control order (MCO) similar to the Klang Valley here in Johor Baru, we are all going to be in serious trouble, ” he said, appealing to everyone to be meticulous in checking the spread of the disease.

Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Low Kueck Shin echoed the call, adding that some sacrifices must be made to keep the numbers down.

“We need to work really hard to ensure the numbers do not go up in the months to come. This is crucial for the state’s economy.

“I urge everyone to take the SOP seriously. Sacrifices such as limiting unnecessary travels must be made, ” he said, adding that businesses in Johor Baru would be hard hit if the district remained a red zone for some time or if a conditional MCO was implemented.

“As such, I urge employers to be alert and take note of their workers’ health, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong urged the public, including tourism industry players, to continue following SOP strictly.

“We must continue to adhere to the guidelines even after the district is no longer considered a red zone. We should not let our guard down, ” he said.

Earlier, state Health and Environment Committee chairman R. Vidyananthan said Johor Baru district was declared a red zone on Thursday, with surveillance of the situation expected to be enhanced following an expected increase in the number of cases in the near future.

He said that as of Thursday, there were 65 active cases in the district.

“Ten new Covid-19 cases were reported on Thursday, including nine cases from existing clusters and one from other screenings, ” he said in a statement yesterday.

The Education Ministry said all education institutions in red zones in the district would be closed from tomorrow until Nov 14.

This directive affects 376 institutions in the district.