Let’s find joy in 2023

HAPPY New Year, everyone!

Things are looking good in some areas: we have a stable government (for now); La Nina, the weather phenomenon that brings with it a lot of rain, will finally ease into the end of a three-year stint, so there could be drier days ahead; and we seem to be closer to transitioning to the endemic stage of Covid-19.

But this optimism is also tempered by difficulties ahead.

Economists predict unavoidable headwinds in 2023, as the global economy is expected to grow slower this year compared with 2022 following an anticipated slowdown in the world’s three major economic drivers – China, Europe and the United States.

Malaysia, given our relatively open economic policies, will definitely be affected and we must be ready to deal with the rough waters ahead.

While citizens must be judicious in how we spend our money – not splurging too much on unnecessary items but enough to keep the economy going – the new government must focus on the urgency of addressing how to weather the storm ahead when retabling Budget 2023 next month.

It needs to prioritise the country’s structural reform agenda and build a strong foundation for the economy based firmly on the rule of law, as well as maintaining the momentum of our positive economic recovery, to ensure that people and businesses are prepared to face the challenges ahead with minimal impact.

Although the economy is still strong, with comparatively low inflation and positive GDP growth, Malaysians must be prepared to see a decline in the employment rate and volume of foreign trade this year.

The world is still very concerned about Covid-19, especially with the surge in cases in China after it abandoned its zero-Covid policy – so much so that some countries are imposing new restrictions on those travelling from there.

As China prepares to open up the country and relax its travel restrictions starting Jan 8, Chinese tourists are expected to head abroad for holidays in large numbers, including coming to Malaysia.

Our health authorities will hopefully be prepared to face this influx, especially with the extended lunar holidays towards the end of this month.

While Malaysia’s pandemic-battered tourism sector is undoubtedly eager to welcome the return of visitors from one of our best tourism markets, it is crucial to ensure this does not tax or even overwhelm our healthcare system with possible new Covid-19 variants.

The authorities are beefing up fever surveillance at our ports of entry and will also be testing wastewater samples from aircraft coming from China for the coronavirus.

But some experts are saying these measures might not be enough and are urging mandatory Covid-19 testing for all arrivals.

Of course, Malaysians, too, have a role to play in keeping the coronavirus at bay.

We cannot let our guard down and must continue adhering to personal Covid-19 protocols, like using masks in crowded places and on public transport, as well as washing our hands often or using sanitiser to prevent infection.

So let’s get set for a tough year ahead and let’s stay safe – but also, let’s find the joy in our lives in the new year.