TANGKAK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob reiterated the federal government's stand today that it would not re-enforce any Movement Control Order (MCO) or declare another emergency despite the spike of COVID-19 cases in the country.
He said Malaysians need to live with COVID-19 and view it as an endemic just like other infectious diseases.
"The Health Ministry, and I myself have stated that we have to learn to live with COVID-19 as an endemic just like other diseases, including the flu and dengue, and we must carry on with our daily lives while controlling it by complying with the standard operating procedures (SOP)," he said.
Ismail Sabri, who is also UMNO vice-president, said this to reporters after attending a meet-and-greet programme with Ledang Barisan Nasional (BN) election machinery here today.
Also present were Johor Menteri Besar cum UMNO liaison committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad and Ledang UMNO chief Datuk Hamim Samuri.
Ismail Sabri said restricting movement and closing economic sectors would burden Malaysians greatly, especially as things were just beginning to return to a state of normalcy.
"Now that we have reopened our economic sector, it's not possible to shut it down again. We know how hard it was for Malaysians when the MCO was enforced...they want to resume their business, if we re-enforce the MCO again, they will close shop forever.
"The same goes for movement. We have allowed inter-district, interstate travel...we just haven't reopened our borders because of the high number of cases abroad, and they (other countries) too would not accept travellers," he said.
The prime minister, however, said that Enhanced MCO (EMCO) would be enforced by the government on the locality showing a spike in COVID-19 cases.
"We will only enforce EMCO in that particular locality or if it's a flat, then the whole flat...we don't want to affect the economy and movement of citizens," he said.
On the Pakatan Harapan (PH) presidential council's statement yesterday which urged the government to postpone the Johor state election due to the spike in COVID-19 cases, Ismail Sabri only a state of emergency could postpone the election.
Ismail Sabri, however, said that the government would not do such a thing as the rise in cases were nationwide and not restricted to Johor alone.
"The postponement of the election can only be done through a proclamation of emergency for the entire state of Johor. So I believe it will not happen because, during the Melaka state election, the cases were also high. So there is no reason to declare an emergency in Johor," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Feb 11 2022
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob reiterated the federal government's stand today that it would not re-enforce any Movement Control Order (MCO) or declare another emergency despite the spike of COVID-19 cases in the country. - BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.