Malaysia business reopens this week as the government decides to eases coronavirus lockdown in the country. Accordingly, the previously Movement Control Order (MCO) now becomes Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
By reopening businesses, the nation plans to restart the economy which has been suffering since mid-March. Data from the government claim that the daily losses reach RM2.4 billion.
Following the announcement by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, almost all economic sectors and businesses reopen. However, they have to follow a strict standard operating procedure (SOP).
Various shops including those selling non-essential goods seem to open their stores after halting their business for nearly two months. However, most of the sellers do not expect to receive customers and, instead, they use the opportunity to clean the stores.
Besides, they also plan to test the markets after being hiatus for quite some time. Also, they need time to adjust to the new condition.
Also Read: Covid-19 Affected Singapore’s Low and Middle-Income
Malaysia Business Reopening Doesn’t Happen in All States
Malaysia business reopening does not happen in all the states. Some states such as Sabah, Sarawak, Penang have yet to allow business operations in the region.
Among the reason is the fear that early business reopening will cost the country more positive cases. For instance, Kedah wants to ensure that it remains as a green zone before finally deciding to allow business to reopen.
However, Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry Mohamed Azmin Ali warned state governments that they might face legal action by industry players for this decision. He added that the government views the refusal seriously as state governments go against the federal government’s decision.
“Their actions are not founded on lawful authority and are contrary to the policy of the federal government, all the more so in view of the fact that the federal government’s policy has already been made into law and enforceable throughout the country,” he explained.
Also Read: Thailand Plans to Ease Coronavirus Lockdown in May