By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, March 16: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is calling on the federal government to immediately implement the necessary measures to lockdown the whole country to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).
MTUC noted that Malaysia has the highest number of positive Covid-19 cases among Southeast Asia countries.
It opined that if Malaysia does not take serious action, it could become the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic in the region.
MTUC secretary general J. Solomon in a press statement urged the government to come out with clear and unambiguous measures on its plans to further reduce large scale public interactions.
“MTUC strongly urges the government to display strong leadership to put in place the necessary measures, even if they might be unpopular with the people, especially the business community.
“The government must ensure the welfare of the rakyat, especially low paid workers are protected when such measures are implemented.
“That is why MTUC has proposed that the government introduces a new, bigger and more equitable financial stimulus package that reflects the gravity of the Covid-19 health and economic impact,” Solomon emphasised.
Meanwhile, he also opined that in recent days, the federal government’s response to the pandemic was woefully and inadequate and that it has not done enough to prevent the rise of Covid-19 cases throughout the country.
He noted that some of the foreign countries affected by Covid-19 such as China, Italy, France, and the USA have implemented lockdowns.
Solomon also urged the federal government to make clear its stand on whether schools and work places at risk such as factories should be closed and stopped temporarily.
He noted that government schools have begun a scheduled one week break from today and proposed the school holiday break be extended for another two more weeks for the safety of students, parents and teachers.
He suggested the same principle be applied to private schools, colleges and universities.
Solomon opined that the government must also decide and enforce clear guidelines for stalls and other eateries including ensuring the hygiene of food handlers and workers as well as sanitisation of the outlets on a daily basis. — DayakDaily
