Malaysians in two minds about stricter MCO measures

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are in two minds about any move to impose a more stringent movement control order.

Those supporting such a move say it is necessary to bring down the high number of Covid-19 cases in the country, while those opposed are worried about the economy, which could be affected further.

Viji Rama said the government should realise that the frontliners are human and have been working non-stop for more than a year.

"Just imagine if people collapse or give up. (A) lockdown will give them breathing space," he said on Facebook.

Ling Cham said that lessons should be learnt from Singapore, China and Taiwan.

"Announce and implement, even (if) few cases detected in the community. Taiwan the best. Citizens (impose) own lockdown," she said.

Jonathan Tan said that "enough is enough", and a total lockdown should be announced.

He wanted work from home to be implemented 100%.

Manda said with each day's delay in implementing it, a few more thousand people could be infected and people would die.

Muhammad Nazim Che Seman did not want a total lockdown and instead proposed the same amount of effort to set up roadblocks and daily surveillance of factories and construction sites carried out.

"Those factories and construction sites caught not complying with SOP should be given a stop-work order and a hefty compound. Do not waste resources or lockdown on low percentage contributors, targeted effort is needed now," he said.

Syafiqah Sch was also against a full lockdown, saying that people's savings are depleting, companies are having cashflow troubles, businesses are drowning and that salaried workers are worried.

Zelzan Kristy said that a targeted approach was preferred.

It was reported that Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) said the Prime Minister, mentris besar and chief ministers are expected to attend the NSC meeting on Friday (May 21) to discuss a possible full lockdown.