MALAYSIA has just implemented a movement control order (MCO), a drastic but necessary social distancing measure to “flatten the curve” of the Covid-19 outbreak. The aim is to decelerate infection rates, thus preventing our healthcare facilities from being overwhelmed.
However, the MCO will exert a toll on our economy. If prior to it, voluntary self-distancing and cross-border measures had led to a drastic drop in revenue for the tourism and hospitality sectors, the MCO will see a domino effect on almost all economic sectors.