By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Mar 28: The Covid-19 pandemic is a fight between humans and microbes, not about who is right or wrong about economic theories on how the country should be run, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
Additionally, he advised people to abide by the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
“What is of crucial importance is to stop the spread of Covid-19. If we can’t stop this pandemic now, whatever economic theories we put up is of no use if we are all dead,” Masing said today.
Masing stressed that the government had to take drastic measures as Covid-19 was a new virus and the only characteristic known about it was that it spreads fast and was deadly.
“The only way we can stop it now is through isolation. MCO is the only way we know of which stops people from physical contact. That means no work. No movement.
“The govt will use whatever resources it has to feed our people while MCO is in operation. Whatever your dislike, whatever your feelings, whatever your political allegiances, stop it now. Let’s support our leaders to stop this virus from killing us. Let’s get together and think of ways to win this battle between humans and microbes or else all of us will be dead,” he reiterated.
Masing was commenting on those who continued to criticise the RM250 billion economic stimulus package dubbed ‘Prihatin’ which was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.
Among others, the economic stimulus package will see police, armed forces, immigration, customs, civil defence and Rela personnel being given a monthly allowance of RM200 starting April 1.
For students in institutes of higher learning, a one-off payment of RM200 will be paid to them in May.
For small and medium enterprises, an additional fund of RM4.5bil for five initiatives will be given.
Company owners facing cashflow problems can opt to defer, restructure or reschedule employers contribution to the Employees Provident Fund.—DayakDaily
