KUALA LUMPUR, January 2021: The rise of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia is very alarming. This has caused a second implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) which is vital in protecting ourselves as well as the entire nation from this deadly virus. This action should bring Malaysia back on its feet in becoming a COVID-19 free country.

The six states under the MCO restrictions are the main economic contributors for Malaysia with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 24.2 per cent from Selangor, 16.9 per cent from Wilayah Persekutuan, 9.4 per cent from Johor, 6.7 per cent from Pulau Pinang, 6.0 per cent from Sabah, and 3.1 per cent from Melaka respectively. However, these numbers should not be affected by the current MCO condition as essential services are still allowed to operate.

The government has shown great support for the low-income group, but attention should also be given to those who have been retrenched or lost their jobs. It would be a great relief for them if more support and guidance were given for them to continue with their lives despite the downfalls.

Besides, the government should also consider extending the moratorium or introducing any other financial reliefs throughout the whole year. This would indeed lessen the burden of the people and help them in restructuring their financial plans.

Lastly, the tourism industry that was just beginning to recover in the last quarter of 2020 needs to be highlighted as domestic travelling is no longer allowed throughout the two weeks of MCO that is currently being implemented. The tourism industry would need the government’s full support to bounce back and continue to contribute to the country’s economics.

In order to rebalance the economic activities as well as making our country COVID-19 free, we need to strictly abide by the SOP guidelines with great discipline and be more cautious of our surroundings. It is with great hopes that we are able to get through this together on a stronger note.

Dato’ Sri. Dr. Irmohizam bin Ibrahim
Executive Director of World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) and Chairman of Conferences & Exhibitions, Asia Pacific (APAC), Member Advisory Council (MAC), World Trade Centers Association (WTCA).