KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) has urged the government to set a date for the reopening of the various industries under the economic sector.
Fomca president Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason said the Movement Control Order (MCO) over the last three months has been a harrowing ordeal for the people, especially for daily wage workers and small traders.
"The government cannot insist on prolonging the lockdown which is hurting the livelihoods of the people.
"Based on media reports, our vaccination rate has also increased and is meeting our daily target.
"So, I don't see any valid purpose for extending the movement restrictions.
"The government should announce a proper timeframe for the reopening of industries and allow them to resume operations as soon as possible," he told the New Straits Times today.
Interstate travel bans, he said, had made it more difficult for consumers to conduct real estate transactions and other such economic activities that require cross-border movement.
A prolonged lockdown, he added, could also lead to depression and other mental health issues becoming prevalent in society.
On July 24, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government will announce flexibility or special privileges soon for individuals who have completed both doses of their Covid-19 vaccination.
These privileges, he said, include allowing long-distance married couples to cross-district or state borders to meet their spouses as well as the resumption of dine-in and sports activities, among others.