​PETALING JAYA: MEF President Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman J.P. thanked the government for allowing certain sectors to reopen during the extended Movement Control Order (MCO) 2.0 period from Feb 5 to 18, 2021.

In responding to the announcement by YAB Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin regarding this on Thursday, Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain said MEF supports the gradual reopening of all sectors with stricter SOPs and the rationale behind the government’s decision to gradually reopen the sectors was understandable.

“MEF supports the gradual expansion of sectors announced by the government but we would like to also appeal to the government to quickly reopen all sectors of the economy with stricter SOPs with higher penalties for repeated offenders,” said Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain.

“As responsible employers, MEF, as well as the other trade associations, urge all employers to ensure that strict compliance with the SOPs be administered, and those who repeatedly flaunt the SOPs should be penalised.”

Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain said that businesses are in desperate need to survive and the continued closure will inevitably cause bankruptcy and higher number of people losing employment.

“Businesses need to operate in order to stay afloat and in fact all businesses should be reopened except for those that are unable to comply with the SOPs,” he said.

"It was a huge relief for the textile and garment manufacturers to be allowed to resume operations but the retailers are still desperately seeking approval to reopen and it is hoped that the sector will be allowed to reopen soon.

“In solidarity with our fellow Malaysians celebrating Chinese New Year, MEF urges the government to consider the reopening of the retail sector immediately so that at least the retailers are able to generate some business and the consumers get to celebrate the Chinese New Year in new clothes,” he added.

For further information, contact the MEF Secretariat at 03-7955-7778 or fax 03-7955-9008 or email mef-hq@mef.org.my.