Ismail Sabri: No Economic Shutdown, But MKN To Decide What’s Next On Tuesday

MCO 2.0 is scheduled to end on Thursday, 4 February.

Malay Mail

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As Covid-19 cases continue to surge, the government will not impose a strict lockdown and restrict economic activities like the first movement control order (MCO) last year to avoid causing further financial difficulties among the lower-income groups, said Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Speaking during a press conference after inspecting a police roadblock in Kuala Lumpur today, he explained that although MCO 2.0 is more relaxed than the previous one, it was still causing significant damage to the local economy.

We don’t want the people to die because of Covid-19, but we also don’t want the people to die because they have nothing to eat.
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Senior Minister (Defence)

He said it was especially difficult for daily wage earners who would not be able to earn an income if economic activities were restricted further, highlighting the importance of balancing out the need to protect lives and preserving livelihood.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob speaks to a motorist at a roadblock at the Gombak Toll Plaza in Kuala Lumpur 1 February 2021. (Credit: Bernama)

To MCO or not to MCO?

Meanwhile, Ismail said the National Security Council (NSC) is scheduled meet on tomorrow (2 Feb) to discuss the possible extension of the MCO.

The meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and we will hear the report from the Health Ministry before any decision is made.
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Senior Minister (Defence)

He added that the NSC, Health Ministry, and National Unity Ministry is also in the midst of drawing up the standard operating procedures (SOP) for Chinese New Year celebrations.

He said the SOP would be announced one week before Chinese New Year at the earliest, or two to three days before at the latest, adding that they are avoiding making any decisions now as the status of MCO could change within two weeks.

Stricter action and higher penalties instead

At the same time, Ismail also said that starting Thursday (4 Feb), the authorities will be stricter in policing the public for Covid-19 SOP violations, adding that the penalty for compounds will likely be increased.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob speaking at the press conference after inspecting the roadblock at the Gombak Toll Plaza in Kuala Lumpur on 1 February 2021. (Credit: Bernama)

I wish to announce that, beginning February 4, strict action will be taken without compromise.
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Senior Minister (Defence)

He added that the new amount will be announced later either by the police, the Health Ministry, or the National Security Council.

Currently, those found in violation of Covid-19 SOP are fined a maximum of RM1,000 under the Prevention and Control of the Infectious Diseases Act 1998.

The need to increase compound amounts has been highlighted in the past by the Health Ministry, and again more recently by the Royal Malaysian Police. According to Malay Mail, the Health Ministry has already submitted amendments to increase the compound amount via an Emergency Ordinance.

Ismail said the current penalty was inadequate, especially with cases involving companies such as Top Glove who could not be fined more than RM1,000 according to the law.

MCO 2.0 is scheduled to end on 4 February which has been implemented in all states in Malaysia except for Sarawak.

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