Locksmith services should be included as part of essential services, says association

PETALING JAYA: Locksmith services should be included as part of the essential services during the nationwide lockdown period, says Malaysia Lock Associates.

Its deputy president Datuk Dr Azman Ching expressed regret that locksmith services were not qualified to apply for the letters under the one-stop-centre via the Covid-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS) 3.0.

"Most locksmiths are not allowed to operate during the lockdown. Our businesses have declined to almost zero without any income.

"We are worried that if the lockdown is extended further, then the livelihood of our members will continue to suffer big losses," he said in a statement on Thursday (June 24).

The National Security Council had made it compulsory for all essential businesses and its chain of supporting industries to have the CIMS 3.0 operating approval letter from the one-stop centre manned by the International Trade and Industries Ministry (Miti), with the approval by the relevant ministries.

Azman said that locksmith services are considered essential as they have received many requests to operate, especially during emergencies.

"We appeal to the government to take responsibility and list locksmith services under the essential services so we can qualify for valid permits for travels from Miti," he said.

He added that the association had prepared an official letter and a working paper in April to discuss and make its appeal to the Home Ministry, as well as other ministries regarding the matter.

"However, this was postponed due to the implementation of the nationwide lockdown," he said.

The association also appealed to the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry to accelerate the vaccination rollout immediately so locksmiths will be able to conduct their business as usual.

Regarding the statement by the police that those who are self-employed can apply for valid travel permits for 14 days at any police station, Azman said that it will cause confusion because such policy may not be implemented fairly.