KUALA LUMPUR: The second phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO 2.0) has shown positive signs with a decline in the number of Covid-19 cases in states such as Kelantan, Kedah, Terengganu and Pahang.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin however noted that the situation was still worrying in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor.
"Infections in these states are rising due to the dense population as well as active economic and industrial activities. The government is aware that the most effective method to break the infection chain is to implement a total lockdown.
"InsyaAllah (God willing), if we do that, within a few weeks we would be able to flatten the Covid-19 curve. However, if we do that, the nation's economy and people's livelihoods will be impacted.
"The best way for Malaysia to strike a balance in ensuring the people's economy is guaranteed while their lives are protected is to allow essential economic sectors to operate.
"While essential economic sectors resume, it is at the same time vital that strict Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in place to break the transmission chain which is already present at workplaces, residential areas and in the community.
"We know it is not easy and we definitely need cooperation from all parties," he said, adding that employers must heed the 30 per cent workforce in offices and the work from home directive.
This is so that people's movements on public transportation, on the roads as well as at offices and business premises are reduced while the economic and industrial activities continue to thrive, he said.
Muhyiddin also urged the industry and public to strictly comply with the government-issued SOP.
"The government listens to your views by not shutting down the economy during the MCO. So please reciprocate this gesture by complying strictly with the SOP so that we can ensure businesses and trade will continue to operate and at the same time, help break the chain of Covid-19 transmission at workplaces and in the community," he said.