KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing has expressed concern over the lockdowns or closure of government offices becoming a standard procedure upon detection of positive Covid-19 cases in such premises.

This could delay the process to prepare and approve the required documentation by relevant government departments, he said.

“I was informed that the virus will be with us for a while, and if we follow the current safety procedures in government offices every time staff members are confirmed positive for Covid-19, we are in for a long haul.

“Businesses and industries will suffer. The worst-hit will be the daily paid workers, if businesses, especially those which employ daily paid workers, are slow in opening.

“The country’s economic recovery will be in trouble if there is continued delay in processes to prepare and approve the required documentation by relevant government departments, resulting from periodic closure of offices because of Covid-19,” he said yesterday.

Masing, who is also the Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, opined that an economic strategy should be put in place and to get private sectors to be involved in the economic recovery plans.

“They are the government’s strategic partners in our development. Currently, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is doing the correct steps by moving us into the relevant phases (2 & 3) in the economic recovery.

“I just hope they are fast enough to catch up with this ever-evolving and mutating Covid-19 virus,” added Masing.