YESTERDAY’s story. The media first reported that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the European Union – Malaysia (EuroCham Malaysia) issued the following statement:

“The government is expected to close almost all economic activities after February 4 if the ongoing PKP 2.0 fails to curb the spread of Covid-19.”

After being hammered severely, EuroCham Malaysia issued a statement saying the matter was just an informal discussion of EuroCham Malaysia with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

Official or not – where the people are already questioning the motive behind it – nothing is finalised yet. But people are worried if such an action is made ‘possible’ on the light of the rising Covid-19 cases.

They understand that the government may have no choice or if there are some options, it will make believe that it is most effective in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.

The people, however, need help to get through it safely “mentally and physically”. Indeed, we also recommend a tighter PKP 2.0 before. But it was in line with measures to help the people to get through those difficult times.

Please don’t toy around with their sentiment. We need to prepare an umbrella before it rains. We do not want the announcement of economic closure to invite extra danger, and anger.

If the poverty level rises, it means that some people are not only facing the threat of epidemics but also the threat of losing everything after February 2021.

Gone will be their homes, vehicles and food and drink for the whole family. This is a calamity needs to be avoided.