Full MCO issue is just an informal discussion with MITI - EuroCham

KUALA LUMPUR: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the European Union (EU)-Malaysia (EuroCham Malaysia) has denied that the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has mentioned the full lockdown or implementation of the full Movement Control Order (MCO) if the COVID-19 infection fails to be reduced next February.

In a statement to the media, EuroCham informed that the letter was an internal circular sent to all members to convey the essence of the informal discussions with MITI.

“The essence of the informal discussion with MITI was aimed to raise awareness about how the business community can play a role in flattening the COVID-19 curve – and the economic repercussions that could follow if we do not play a very active role, while expecting the government to exhaust its efforts independently.

“In this context, the demanding situation of worker accommodations has been raised many times and was mentioned in our internal circular as crucial contribution in the effort of breaking the chain.

“Furthermore, EuroCham Malaysia wishes to clarify that while MITI underscored the heightened sense of urgency that currently prevails, given the rising number of cases, there was no mention of an immediate lockdown after 4th February 2021.

“And therefore, we seek for people to remain focused on the bigger picture – in doing their part to ensure that another lockdown is avoided instead,” the statement said.

Earlier, local media reported that EuroCham, through a letter, allegedly issued a full MCO implementation warning that the closure of almost all economic activities would be implemented if the COVID-19 transmission case failed to be controlled by February 4.