KUALA LUMPUR: The Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) has paved the way for more relaxed regulations, but people have been told to be self-aware of their intentions before leaving their homes.
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the CMCO, as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, allowed people to go jogging and eat at restaurants while practising social distancing, but it did not warrant the need to be outdoors unnecessarily.
Lee urged people to rethink their reason for going out as tomorrow, people would take lightly the present Movement Control Order (MCO), which could see an increase in the number of people and traffic.
"That is something to be anticipated because with the loosening of the order, people will take advantage of it.
"They have been held up for so long and when they gain some freedom, they will dash out of the door.
"However, self-awareness is important. The question that people should ask is there really a need for them leave their homes? Is there an urgency for it?
"Let's not forget that we have not defeated Covid-19. Our safety, health and lives are very important. If we value it, we should go out only when it is absolutely necessary, such as to get food, groceries or to get medical treatment.
"Do not go out aimlessly and maintain the MCO mindset that has been ingrained in us," Lee told the New Sunday Times.
He said Malaysia's war against Covid-19 was not yet over, although efforts to flatten the curve had been successful.
He said it was important to bear in mind that anyone could contract Covid-19.
"Everyone is susceptible and we know that the best way to protect ourselves is to stay at home. This is in line with the Health Ministry's repeated calls, too.
"My only fear is that there is a risk of a second wave. That will be dreadful for all of us. So let's be disciplined although we are permitted to go out. Please do not take advantage of it."
He urged local authorities to come up with standard operating procedures (SOP) for parks, and display a list of dos and don'ts to stop people from wandering too long after exercising.
Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan said companies should restart their operations with at least half of its workforce tomorrow to prevent a large presence of staff at any one time.
While most employers were eager to get back to work, he said they should also consider the SOP set by the government.
"I think the better way to resume operations is with, perhaps, 50 per cent of staff first.
"Then, they can assess the situation and take it from there. It is up to the discretion of the companies.
"The requirements stipulated are efforts to be more hygienic and to uphold social distancing on the premises. It may not be 100 per cent ready on Monday, but that can be improved along the way," said Shamsuddin.
Malaysian Medical Association president Dr N. Ganabaskaran said people must be disciplined in observing social distancing, personal hygiene, comply with SOP and avoid slipping back into the old ways of working.
"Older people, those with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma or respiratory issues should stay at home or work from home as much as possible because being in public places can increase the risk of Covid-19 infection.
"MMA is concerned as Covid-19 infections in people from these high-risk groups can be deadly," said Dr Ganabaskaran.
While urging businesses to embrace the new norm of working from home, he said these practices would reduce the number of staff at workplaces, public transportation and public places while further reducing risk of infections.