Wise move in extending MCO

THE third phase of the movement control order (MCO) from April 15 to 28 needs to be implemented strictly to ensure 100% compliance in controlling the transmission of Covid-19.

It is regrettable that a lot of people are still taking the MCO lightly, as can be seen in the numbers arrested for violating it. In public and commercial areas, there are still large numbers of people milling around under the pretext of wanting to buy food and other daily essentials.

Even though the rate of infection is declining and recovery rate is increasing, the government should not let its guard down. The experience of many countries does not give any assurance that the danger posed by Covid-19 is reduced.

It is heartening to note that the Health Ministry is slowly winning the battle. However, relaxing the restrictions on movement any time soon could spell danger, as all that is needed is for a few infected persons to spread the disease. There is an additional danger of persons who have recovered becoming infected again, as numerous cases in South Korea have shown.

It is therefore more rational and logical to continue the MCO rather than to lift it and then impose it again when the numbers start to go up.

The government needs to be wary and concerned about loosening the movement restrictions when it is uncertain about the future consequences. The risk of transmission is still high.

There is no need to open hairdressing salons, launderettes or motor workshops and other non-essential industries for the time being.

Only food-related businesses need to be open and the government has allowed this. The food supply chain must be kept operational however difficult the process may be.

Hundreds of multi-nationals and other large firms that employ thousands of workers and pay millions in corporate tax are accepting the present situation because they know they do not have a better alternative.

Some very important industries that would face irretrievable losses, such as palm oil, have been allowed to operate during the MCO period, however. Many large firms and SMEs, which are mostly export-oriented, may not even be able to re-start production as international maritime trade is also adversely affected by Covid-19.

We need to appreciate what the government is doing to ensure that our country is safe. Constructive criticisms must be considered by the government so that it will be able to correct the situation. A lot of criticisms are, however, racially or politically tinged, and the government should just ignore them.

THOMAS ZACHARIA GEORGE

Banting, Selangor