KUCHING: The Federation of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions Chinese Associations president Datuk Richard Wee hopes that the business community will be able to fine-tune their practices in alignment with the conditional movement control order (CMCO).
“There will definitely be an impact on businesses and the economy as many people will refrain from dining out and they will stay home more as instructed,” he said when contacted on Tuesday (Jan 12).
However, he noted that measures under the CMCO were similar to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) currently practised.
Pointing out that the present spike in Covid-19 cases in the state was a concern to all, he said all measures taken by the government were necessary to mitigate the situation.
“We hope that everyone will cooperate with the authorities and comply with the measures taken in order to flatten the curve and to control the situation.
“Please stay home, be safe, practise personal hygiene, and follow the SOPs,” urged Wee.
Meanwhile, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) treasurer-general Bell Bernard Aggan said that for the construction sector, getting foreign workers would be the biggest problem.
With regard to businesses, he said the strain would be felt by food outlets such as restaurants, bistros, and cafes as most people would stay home.
“Also affected will be the general workers; either they will be out of jobs or they will receive a pay cut, especially if the employers close shop or reduce their working hours,” he said.
Bell advised the public to avoid crowded places and large functions as well as to maintain cleanliness and adhere strictly to the Covid-19 SOPs in efforts to curb the spread.
On Monday (Jan 11), Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas announced that effective Wednesday (Jan 13), a 14-day CMCO would be implemented in Kuching, Sibu and Miri zones in view of the spike in Covid-19 cases across the state.
