Ismail Sabri: Living with Covid-19 is a reality Malaysians must accept

PUTRAJAYA: Living with Covid-19 is a reality the Malaysian public has to accept, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“The government cannot control the people’s freedom forever. We know that Covid-19 will continue to be around us, just like other infectious diseases like dengue. In the end, we have to accept the fate and reality that we have to live with Covid-19, ” he said.

He said that this is why the government eased the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“We need to strike a balance between life and livelihood, ” said Ismail Sabri at a press conference on Tuesday (Dec 15).

The defence minister said the Covid-19 SOPs and restrictions have caused much damage to businesses and jobs.

“Companies have to be shut down. People have lost jobs. And this is despite them following the government’s Covid-19 restrictions and also testing negative for the virus. This is why we have chosen to reopen the economy, ” said Ismail Sabri.

He said the onus is on the public to stop the spread of Covid-19 by strictly adhering to the SOPs.

Ismail Sabri said in Monday’s special National Security Council (NSC) meeting, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry had proposed for several tourist attractions such as the National Zoo and the Legoland theme park to be reopened.

“In principle, the special meeting agreed to the ministry’s proposal. However the ministry has been asked to discuss with the Health Ministry and NSC to come up with more detailed SOPs, ” he said.

He added that the Youth and Sports Ministry has also tabled proposals to allow more sporting activities, particularly outdoor sports.