KUCHING: The state government’s decision not to implement the conditional movement control order (CMCO) has been well received by business people including owners of eateries, and the public.
Generally, people in business are raring to go back to work while the public want life to return to normal, but their fear of Covid-19 is greater than their desire for income.
Besides fearing for themselves and their families, business people fear for their workers without whom there would be no business. As for the public, they fear for their general survival.
Thus, many have suggested that perhaps the state government could study which sectors of the economy could be allowed to resume operations or be allowed to open in stages.
Mohd Nurhakim Mohd Hashim (Pinang Bistro Restaurant owner)
‘The risk is too high especially in the red zones. Dine-in services should not operate fully yet. It’s better to maintain the take away and delivery services for the time being.’
Alvin C. Ganning Riman (Black Jam Restaurant owner)
‘I don’t want Sarawak to end up like countries that relaxed their lockdown. My business is affected but I love my workers. Without them I can’t operate my restaurant, so I’m not going to risk them.’
Jacqueline Tiong (Japangi Cafe owner)
‘It is a matter of health versus wealth. As a business person I’m glad that eateries are allowed to have dine-in customers, but at the same time I worry that the efforts that we already put in would be wasted.’
Datuk Ed Sullaiman Tan Sri Ahmad Johan (Businessman)
‘There is no right or wrong in enforcing the CMCO because many businesses are badly affected. It’s difficult to say whether or not certain business sectors can resume operations as long as Covid-19 has no cure.’
Alfie Allin, 35 (Office Assistant)
‘Business can resume when there are no new cases and zero death. A fallen economy can grow again, but dead people can’t come back to life. Just continue the MCO until May 12 and then weigh the next course of action because the country might be hit with a second wave of Covid-19.’
Robinson Sidi, 30 (Assistant Engineer)
‘Employers and workers have all lost income, but protecting lives is more important now than anything else. Anyway, some companies can operate online from home. This will be a new normal for many companies after the MCO is lifted.’
Chumang Angke, 22 (Student)
‘Not enforcing the CMCO shows that the state government fears for the people’s health and safety. I have a part-time job and I’m scared to go back to work. Let’s not lift the MCO until the situation permits it.’
