WITH the current phase of the movement control order (MCO 3.0) expected to end in less than a week, should the lockdown be extended again?
The MCO 3.0, which was from June 1 to June 14, was extended by another two weeks by the Federal Government to June 28 following the surge of Covid-19 cases.
Buletin Mutiara managed to interview a few Penangites and below are their views:
Nur Azwina Shah Bodin (28, customer service executive)
“If we look at the Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow statement’s yesterday, he clearly stated that workplace transmission was still the highest with 27 factory clusters detected; non-factory clusters (three); construction site clusters (two); community clusters (two); detention centre cluster (one); and religious cluster (one).
“From this data, we can clearly see that the rising cases of Covid-19 in Penang mostly come from the factories.
“So, what is the point we have the so-called ‘total lockdown’ if most of the factories are allowed to operate by the Federal Government?
“This is the main issue that we need to address.
“I also don’t think that by extending the MCO 3.0 would be a wise decision based on the reason given above.
“The total lockdown should be implemented like the first MCO last year. Only then can we reduce the cases significantly.”
Syarmila Rastam (34, civil servant)
“I think the Federal Government should extend the lockdown.
“We can see the downward trend of Covid-19 cases for the past few days.
“Thus, I believe MCO 3.0 is effective in curbing the spread of the virus.
“As an example, the country recorded 4,611 Covid-19 cases yesterday and from that number, Penang has only 84 cases.
“This is good news which means MCO 3.0 has played an important part in reducing the infection numbers.
“At least, I think the Government should enforce the MCO 3.0 until the cases in the country are below 2,000.”
Mohamad Fazrul Mohamad Nazlan (31, restaurant owner)
“Honestly, I hope the Government will think carefully before they decide whether the MCO 3.0 should be continued or not.
“I personally feel they should not continue with it.
“They should take the livelihoods of other people into consideration, especially those in small businesses like myself.
“I have suffered about 80% losses since the MCO 3.0 started. Prior to this, my business was just starting to catch up and everything was doing well.
“The Government should at least consider to allow dine-ins at the eateries should they decide to prolong the MCO period.
“If not, I am not sure how long I can sustain my business.
“I have already tried using the online delivery platform to sell our food but the profits are not that much. Takeaways also did not work.
“Thus, I really hope they will think about us this time.”
G. Magendraan (35, barbershop owner)
“I know and understand that the nationwide MCO is needed to break the chain of Covid-19 infection. And I agree with it.
“I also humbly call upon the Federal Government to allow barbershops to resume operation as soon as possible even though they might decide to extend the MCO period.
“Currently, I have not laid off any of my workers yet but I have to cut their salary by 50%.
“It is a very difficult decision for me since I know they also try to put food on the table and most of them also are the sole breadwinner for their family. But, I got no other choice.
“If we are still not allowed to reopen in the following months, then I am afraid I may have to take a drastic measure such as to reduce the manpower or worst, I may have to close the shop.
“So, I really hope that the Federal Government will consider our request.
“After all, we always strictly adhere to the strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).”
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis