Thursday 28 Mar 2024
By
main news image

KUALA LUMPUR (July 2): The American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) urged the government to protect both lives and livelihoods by adopting a more balanced approach to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement today, AMCHAM said it is greatly concerned with the implementation of enhanced movement control orders (EMCOs) in several sub-districts in Selangor and localities in Kuala Lumpur.

“It ignores the successes of companies that have consistently maintained the highest standards of safety at their facility, many of which have been lauded by local and federal authorities as exemplary. 

“These companies are successful models of a pragmatic strategy aimed at operating safely in the age of Covid-19,” it said.

AMCHAM added that keeping the workforce in safe working environments ensures that movement of the people is contained within two areas — the home and the workplace.

“Companies are testing regularly and identifying transmissions that are brought in from the community. In the past months many multinationals have increased their screening to further protect their workforce,” it said.

AMCHAM chief executive officer (CEO) Siobhan Das said it is time the authorities start to differentiate between good and bad actors, and allow companies that are known to have a good track record the ability to operate.

“Locking down safe working environments that are closely monitored potentially exacerbates the transmission in the communities where the population is not being tested or checked on a regular basis.

“Moreover, many sophisticated facilities are unable to turn off and turn on at will, a factor that seems to be lost on the authorities and groups demanding total lockdown,” she added.

AMCHAM noted that it recognises the need to contain the Covid-19 pandemic and drastic actions are required, but it urges the government to use a more balanced approach to protect both lives and livelihoods.

It added that the balanced approach should be supplemented with educational programs and a narrative that supports the workforce being engaged safely while working with the community to address potential hotspots.

“Additionally, as the workforce are getting vaccinated, rules, regulations and policies incorporating vaccinated persons need to be articulated and implemented to boost the economic recovery. 

“Safety is our goal. Recovery and growth of Malaysia is the outcome we are aiming for,” AMCHAM said.

Edited ByKathy Fong
      Print
      Text Size
      Share