Covid-19: Malaysians express hopes that stricter restrictions will allow country to recover

PETALING JAYA: With stricter movement controls and restrictions enforced during the 14-day total lockdown starting June 1, Internet users took to social media to express their hopes that the measure will allow the country to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Latifah Othman on Facebook said people should stop complaining and follow the standard operating procedures that will be implemented.

"Stop complaining. Just follow the SOP and hopefully, we can bring the numbers down. It's time we help our health frontliners by staying safe," she said.

Brian L S Ong commented on Facebook that most services in the listing should be removed, as he believed that stricter measures should be in place.

"Our nation's security is very lacking. It seems when we see such restrictions being imposed, everything can still operate like usual. Most in the listing should be taken out, as they are not really essential goods and services.

"Jogging and going to the park are not really essential, I've known people jogging within their own 4 walls," he said.

Despite several comments disagreeing on some economic sectors that are allowed to operate, others noted how it was crucial for parts of the industry to continue operations.

Facebook user JY MC said business continuity will prevent the supply of food and essential items to be disrupted.

"Thank you government for allowing some of the key industries to keep the economy humming and to ensure supermarket shelves will continue to be well stocked with products because the ecosystem of the supply chain (manufacturing) will not be disrupted," he said.

Another user, Elio Mazrano Oliver Amad, wanted strict enforcement in place to ensure compliance.

"Frankly speaking, it's the enforcement that matters. If you put SOP in place but no strict enforcement and allow loopholes to happen, then it's just a waste of time," he said.

Facebook user Thana CK opined that the measure should have been implemented earlier to save lives and avoid unwanted stress among the public.

Some others still wanted clarification on the details of how the essential services will be allowed to operate.

Internet user See Wan questioned on Facebook whether on-site workers and all staff, including administrative and account staff under the maintenance sector will be allowed to operate, while Kee Lim queried whether hardware shops can be opened as usual as construction and critical repairs are allowed to carry out work during the MCO.

"A measure that should have been taken months ago, it could have saved numerous lives, unwanted stress and funds. Indecisiveness and procrastination from the government. Sad reality," he commented.

Another user Bavindh PV agreed on the essential services that were allowed to open to ensure the continuity of livelihood.

"Almost all open for some sectors? So are you okay if waste management people are also under lockdown and banking people all go to sleep?

"Don't simply comment without seeing the list. So, if all the markets close, how will you get your food?" he said.