KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need for a total lockdown to be implemented but it can still be considered to address the spread of Covid-19, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof.
He said Malaysia is in the recovery phase and has been implementing exit policy measures cautiously under the recovery movement control order with the gradual opening of almost all economic and social sectors based on the SOPs.
“The national crisis management mechanism implemented thus far has successfully controlled the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and avoided health facilities such as hospitals and clinics from being burdened with too many cases,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Shahidan Kassim (BN-Arau) had asked why the government had yet to impose a total lockdown despite the increase in Covid-19 cases.
Redzuan said a total lockdown would have a negative impact on the economy as well as on mental health.
He said it was better to carry out “balanced control” through preventive measures and adopting new norms such as physical distancing and adherence to hygiene practices.
Replying to Shahidan’s supplementary question on whether MPs who returned to their constituencies, especially in the red zone, during the Dewan Rakyat meeting would be quarantined, Redzuan said they were already required to undergo Covid-19 screening every two weeks and to adhere to the SOPs.
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