‘Govt made the right call’
If economic activities are not resumed, Kong fears that more companies will be in trouble and this can trigger a more serious wave of unemployment where the entire population would suffer.
(The Star) – The move to allow most economic sectors to resume operations is crucial to stimulate social vitality and reboot the country’s economy, says Nirvana Asia Group founder and executive chairman Tan Sri Kong Hon Kong (pic).
The government’s decision to implement the conditional movement control order (MCO) starting yesterday came after the Covid-19 outbreak was contained after almost 50 days, he said.
In having to choose between the people’s safety and the national economy, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had made the right decision, said Kong.
“Different countries face different situations, and therefore, different countermeasures are taken to tackle the different situations.
“Due to the national condition and geographical factor, it is impossible to reopen economic activities only after there are zero cases of Covid-19, ” he told Sin Chew Daily in a recent interview.
“With a gradually relaxed MCO and allowing economic activities to resume by strictly following the standard operating procedure issued by the Health Ministry, we can avoid severely affecting the economy that could lead to other social problems due to a longer-term control.
“After nearly 50 days of MCO, it has clearly shown results and the pandemic has gradually come under control.
“It has also raised people’s awareness in preventing the virus and beginning to go by their daily lives with the new norm, ” said Kong.
He added that this was a desirable phenomenon where the people and the government work hand in hand to fight the pandemic.
“I understand that some citizens do not agree with the government in relaxing the MCO and they are worried that the situation will worsen.
“It is impossible for Malaysia to wait until the pandemic is completely over before restoring social and economic order.
