Like It Or Not Lockdown Is Necessary Malaysians Agree

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The government needs to do mass testing and increase the vaccination rate to bring the country back to normalcy, say leaders. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: News of a two-week total lockdown from June 1 has been met with both relief and concern, with politicians and social media users conceding that it is necessary, especially after the daily infections crossed the 8,000 mark.
Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said the total lockdown was “good” and that the country could not go on with business as usual given that the public health system is on the brink of collapse.
“Let’s ramp up mass testing and vaccination as soon as we can. Please use private clinics to speed up the administration of vaccines,” he told FMT.
“There are thousands of clinics nationwide, in cities and rural areas. We do not have to reinvent the wheel, let’s make the most use of existing resources.”
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, however, said the lockdown should have been implemented sooner.
“What is important now is that we carry out mass testing in the next two weeks. We also need heavy and immediate investments in medical infrastructure and aid for the people and businesses.
“This lockdown must be the last one, so the government needs to develop and publicise its plans to make sure it is the last one,” he told FMT.
Bersatu’s Tambun MP Ahmad Faizal Azumu also lauded the decision to implement a total lockdown, describing it as a “brave” move, despite the impact it would have on the economy.
He said it was necessary given the severity of the Covid-19 situation, with most hospitals and quarantine centres operating at full capacity.
“Without a total lockdown, these cases will continue to rise and the health system could collapse.
“According to the PMO’s statement, the finance ministry will announce an aid package soon. We hope the private sector, especially banks, will help the government for the sake of the people.”
On Twitter, many welcomed the news, although some were disappointed that the situation had come to this.
“And… we are back to square one. As much as I despise being in a total lockdown mode, I know the measures are necessary. Hoping that this lockdown will be the last one for Malaysia,” said Twitter user, @jambufloyd.
Another user @KaraSevde31, urged Malaysians to make the lockdown successful.
“We made it through the 1st round and we will make it again! Back to zero cases per day! Go Malaysia!”
Another user @kuihsepotong, said the people must push the government to provide sufficient financial support.
He added the two-week lockdown meant many, especially those in the informal sector, would lose a lot of income.
“The Employees Provident Fund savings of many has already been depleted.”
The government has said the finance ministry will announce an aid package for the people and industries affected by the lockdown soon. - FMT

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