THE nationwide movement control order (MCO) will be imposed from tomorrow (May 12) to June 7.
While some people welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement, others felt that it ‘was too sudden’.
Nur Azwina Shah Bodin (28, customer service executive)
“I welcome decision made by the Federal Government. The decision to reimplement the MCO is timely, in view of the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.
“We want to prevent any possibility of facing a situation similar to India.
“It is important that the people observe the SOPs to stay safe.”
Mohamad Fazrul Mohamad Nazlan (31, restaurant owner)
“I was taken aback by the announcement. It was too sudden.
“I remembered that Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said that there would be no nationwide MCO, and only targeted restrictions would be enforced instead.
“The announcement has dampened my Hari Raya mood as I’m unable to visit my parents.
“I understand the need to implement the MCO. The least the Federal Government could do is to inform us early so that we can be more prepared for such an announcement.
“Instead, the announcement was made days before the Hari Raya celebration.
“Anyways, I hope that the implementation of the MCO, this time, will finally curb the spread of Covid-19.”
Syarmila Rastam (34, civil servant)
“The surge in the number of Covid-19 cases was due to the people’s inability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“The nationwide MCO is needed to break the chain of Covid-19 infection.
“The enforcement personnel should conduct more regular checks to ensure that the public are adhering to the SOPs.”
Muhamad Hanif (23, trader)
“This would be the second year that we are unable to celebrate the Hari Raya.
“Komtar is not as lively as it used to be, due to the travel restrictions.
“Our business will be affected by the coming MCO.
“Nevertheless, I hope the MCO could flatten the infection curve so that we would be able to lead our ‘normal life’ back again.
Malar Chandrasekhar ( 34, Senior Conference Producer)
“The last-minute announcement had actually caused some panicking among working mothers like me.
“I have two daughters who are attending pre- school and I was shocked to receive 24 hours- notice of closure from the management. Luckily, the decision was then revised, and all the pre- schools are allowed to operate as usual now.
“Even though I understand the MCO 3.0 is important to break the chain of covid-19 infection, my heart really goes for those who are financially not sound such as the small traders who would be suffering economically due to the MCO 3.0 implementation. I hope that the Federal government would consider of giving financial aid to them.
Shatyeeswary Raja Vikraman Varman (35, Administrative Executive)
“The nationwide MCO announcement, which was made suddenly, has created feelings of uncertainty and fear among the people.
“The Federal Government could have introduced several early intervention measures to prevent the situation from worsening.
“We need to take the matter seriously. Hence, I believe that the MCO is necessary.
“We have successfully flattened the infection curve before, let us do it again.”
Story by Riadz Akmal & Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan & Riadz Akmal & Darwina Mohd Daud