Although an extension of the movement control order (MCO) will create major financial losses for businesses, it must be done if necessary, says Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Tan Sri Lim Kuang Sia.
He said if not properly curtailed, Covid-19 can cause worse devastation than a loss in business.
"That is why we are fully supportive of the government's implementation of the MCO, even though it causes major financial losses.
"Right now, the priority is to stop the virus from spreading, and if we fail to do that, we will lose everything.
So if there is a need to extend the MCO, we support the move," Lim told The Star.
Lim added that businesses must start strategising on how to minimise the economic damage caused by the worldwide pandemic.
While acknowledging the importance of a movement restriction during pandemics, Lim hoped the Malaysian government would allow export-orientated businesses to operate together with essential services.
"Export-based businesses are part of the international supply chain and hence cannot be interrupted for long," said Lim.
He added if allowed to operate, factories and manufacturing companies must ensure that the highest safety measures are implemented to keep the Covid-19 infection at bay.
Entrepreneurs Association of Little India Klang secretary D. Sivapathasegaran said his organisation was also supportive of the MCO, in spite of the huge financial losses incurred.
"We understand that losses and damage will be greater if we don't win this battle against Covid-19," Sivapathasegaran told The Star.
He said the government's financial aid for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recently, was a relief for many.
"Some of our members fall under the SME category and with this help, they can retain their employees until the MCO is over," he said.
According to Sivapathasegaran, everyone must play a role in preventing the Covid-19 infection from spreading further and causing devastation.
"We know that it will take us at least a year to rebuild our businesses once this pandemic is over, but if there is a need to extend the MCO, we are supportive of it," he added.
Source: The Star