Monday, 31 May 2021 09:57 AM MYTMAY 31 — During MCO 3.0, majority of the economic sectors remain open despite a ban on social gatherings, dining-in at restaurants and travel across district and State borders. The government had previously announced that a second full lockdown will not be implemented because of the potential economic ramifications.
The aim of reaching herd immunity became the implicit goal in Malaysia. However, Malaysia’s inoculation to its general population is currently moving at a slower pace than initially expected due to the slow arrival of vaccines. As such, reaching herd immunity to restore normalcy might not be attainable in the upcoming months and a full lockdown may be the most viable way in making the virus a controllable threat.
Businesses may have to implement further cost-cutting measures if the Covid-19 situation persists without improvement, without which closure of business will be the only option. More employers may opt to hire fixed term employees for a specific period and purpose as one substantial cost-saving initiative.
Businesses will also need to learn how to survive in new routines outside of the traditional processes by ensuring that business operation continues despite sudden lockdown initiative by the government, which may be announced anytime during uncertain times.