It is time to revitalise the economy, says Azmin Ali
Putrajaya's decision to reopen the economy was based on data and research conducted by various parties and after engaging with stakeholders, Senior Minister Azmin Ali said.
In his reaction to several states that declared they were not ready to reopen their economies, Azmin, who is in charge of the International Trade and Industry Ministry, dismissed claims by certain quarters that the federal government's decision was hasty.
"I'd like to state that it's not an easy decision. We made the decision carefully and responsibly, backed up by data and researches from Bank Negara Malaysia, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry," he said in a televised interview with Astro Awani yesterday.
Azmin stressed that the economic sectors have already been allowed to operate in stages, starting from essential goods and services during the first and second phase of the movement control order (MCO), and more sectors during the third phase.
"It's time to revitalise the economy," he said.
The government's decision, Azmin (below) explained, was also made after consulting the Ministry of Health (MOH).
"MOH had explained that the objective of the MCO is not to attain the level of zero case.
"Covid-19 will always be here with us for an indefinite period. What is more important is how our health system can tackle (the outbreak)," he said.
Azmin reiterated that had the MCO been extended and economic activities remained closed until June, the country would suffer the economic losses of up to RM164 billion.
Is it fair to Makcik Kiah and Pakcik Salleh?
He also defended the decision, saying Putrajaya took into consideration the states that have been declared as a green zone and the need for small traders like Makcik Kiah and Pakcik Salleh to be allowed to earn money.
"How do we want to explain states which have been declared a green zone for more than two weeks?
"Why are those states refusing to cooperate to reopen their economic activities?
"Is it fair to small traders like Makcik Kiah and Pakcik Salleh? They are not allowed to earn money for their families when their states are free from Covid-19?"
However, Azmin added, the red zone localities are still disallowed from reopening economic activities.
He warned that if there was no responsible decision, many small and medium businesses would be shut down, the unemployment rate would rise and the export market would be severely affected as Malaysia is active in the global supply chain.
Comprehensive action was needed for the severely affected economic sectors, he said.
Aware that the tourism and hotel sectors were badly affected, Azmin said that it is time to take comprehensive action, although he is optimistic that these sectors would slowly be supported by locals who spend their holidays in the country.
"The Tourism Ministry is drafting paperwork to be discussed in the cabinet meeting.
"Malaysia is capable of offering medical and sports tourism.
"I'm sure there are opportunities to attract tourists to get health services (in the country), and the same is true for sports tourism, which we can improve.
"I believe the ministry is thoroughly reviewing this," Azmin added.
On May 1, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that most economic activities that do not involve large gatherings would be allowed to resume operations the next day.
However, several states criticised the decision and refused to ease the MCO restriction in their localities to reopen the local economic sectors. - Mkini
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