Medical experts feel the current Movement Control Order (MCO) can be lifted.
The Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association (PPPKAM) president, Datuk Dr Zainal Arrifin Omar told Astro Radio News what’s more important is enforcing stricter SOPs to curb the spread of COVID-19.
This comes after the Health Ministry (MOH) suggested MCO 2.0 would likely not be extended to avoid negative effects on the economy.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob also said the government will not completely shut down the economic sector even when implementing the MCO, as this would adversely affect small businesses.
He explained that Putrajaya will ensure that it strikes a balance between safeguarding lives and economic interests.
Meanwhile, Dr Zainal said rather than an MCO, the government should instead identify high-risk areas that are contributing to the emergence of clusters.
Following that, they should implement a targeted MCO at these specific areas such as factories.
Dr Zainal also reminded the public that even if the MCO is lifted and replaced with other strategies, we need to continue adhering to COVID-19 SOPs such as wearing a face mask and practising physical distancing.
This comes ahead of the National Security Council’s meeting today (February 2nd) to discuss the status of the MCO, which is scheduled to end on Thursday (February 4th).
Stay home and stay safe, guys!
by Roshini Ravindran
