Pointless to have movement control order in Malaysia when restrictions are loosened as cases increase, says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR — What is the point of the movement-control order (MCO) if cases are rising and regulations are being relaxed, asked former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak.

“Farmers’ markets are open, night markets are open, factories are open, construction is open, furniture (shops) open, jewellery stores are open, luxury lingerie and fashion retailers are open, shopping complexes. Open until 10 at night,” he said in a Facebook post.

“So why are we having MCO when new Covid-19 cases are on the rise and the regulations are getting relaxed?” he questioned.

“It is better to stop the MCO to ensure that we are fair to all.”

Mr Najib said he has been suggesting since day one for the government to impose a stringent MCO for two weeks to see maximum impact.

The government could provide aid to the people during the two weeks, he added.

This way, hospitals and front-liners will have breathing space, he said.

“But that was not done. Instead, we have been under this half-baked MCO for 17 days, which is a waste,” he added.

Malaysia, which has reported more than 200,000 Covid-19 cases to date, is the worst hit nation in the region.

It reported a record high of 5,725 cases on Friday. The fresh cases have raised the overall caseload to 203,933.

Mr Najib added that the pressure on the health system and front-liners were getting heavier while the people have been placed under home quarantine.

At the same time, workplace clusters were also growing, but more leeway was being given by the government in terms of regulation.

“It seems like the government wants Covid cases to remain high and to linger on.

“Hence, the people should prepare to face a more severe spread of Covid-19 in the coming months,” he said.

He said schools being allowed to operate were also a questionable decision, adding that parents would also be worried to send their children to school due to the spread of the coronavirus. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT