MALAYSIA was once praised for effectively tackling and curbing the Covid-19 spread. Even countries that control the world economy applauded and were inspired by our diligence.
Unfortunately, that did not last long and today we are falling faster than we predicted. We have surpassed the one millionth mark and recorded the highest number of deaths last Sunday and Monday, respectively.
With cases increasing every day, it raises a doubt on the effectiveness of our plans? It is no secret that the pandemic has affected the livelihoods of thousands of Malaysians, many are still facing short supply of food, there is still inadequate medical care and supplies, no job security, deteriorating mental health of the people and uncertainties.
We are facing the same nightmare that was seen by the United States, the United Kingdom and India. It is common to use neighbouring and Western countries as an example when implementing an idea but why have we not taken New Zealand or Hong Kong as an example? The closure of small and medium-sized enterprises has led to 1.2 million job losses and has hurt the supply chain for multinational corporations.
Although vaccination is key to reopening the economy, it is also important that the government has a clear plan forward. We are in difficult times. Many Malaysians have lost hope and are doing what they can to keep surviving.
Medical frontliners have surpassed the breaking point. A video produced by “Projek Bangsa Malaysia” featuring voices of medical frontliners has been circulating on social media. It is a sad call for immediate and serious action.
The following are suggestions and ideas by leaders and individuals who are well versed with the current situation that have been compiled to take us forward. It is clear that the utmost priority should be given to medical frontliners. They are no longer at breaking point but have physically and mentally burnt out. The best way to tackle this is to mobilise the health or medical sector.
This means building temporary field hospitals, drive through clinics, intensive care unit centres and emergency health centres. In addition, boost production of essential equipment and medication, staff health facilities adequately and establish support services for the hungry, homeless and most vulnerable.
Also, deploy army to disinfect airports, schools and critical public places. In 2020, constant disinfection took place, but now, no proper guidelines are available. We have come to a point where we had to witness doctors protesting for not getting permanent job assurance. Out of 23,077 doctors, only 789 were offered permanent position in the past five years.
Justice should be served to the medical fraternity immediately. We need doctors and health staff more than ever. Apart from that, other than creating awareness, we should also increase and speed up the vaccination process across the country. Most importantly, the issue of “empty syringes” needs to be addressed seriously and transparently.
“No one is left behind” won many hearts but we humbly request to remember the marginalised communities as well. Data, facts and statistics are crucial to overcoming the pandemic. These are key when it comes to reporting and assisting in producing predictions for drafting ground plans.
The government should hire a special team of virologists, scientists, medicine specialists, data analysts who can make key decisions based on daily graphs. These experts should be in the advisory committee to advise the government and Health Ministry. Many Malaysian experts have shared their thoughts, facts and opinions in curbing the pandemic and recommended ways for the country to recover effectively and efficiently.
Based on a study, half of Malaysia’s 900,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), which employs about 50% of the country’s 15.9 million workers, could fold if the current movement control order (MCO) or enhanced MCO (EMCO) is extended beyond September, which translates to a RM550 billion loss.
It is crucial for the government to plan and execute financial fiscals for the next three years to help new entrepreneurs, SME and sole proprietorships to jump-start the Malaysian job market, soar herd spending and expansion for mid and low-level economy strata. Policymakers should be preparing public-service and guaranteed-job programmes for those unemployed.
Although Skim Perantisan Nasional is being rolled out, it only offers internships and temporary placements; job security is not guaranteed. The government should continue implementing short-term debt deferments (including for small businesses and mortgage loans) and suspending utility bills, as some European countries have done.
It should also provide income support in the form of extended unemployment insurance, food stamps and housing benefits. The federal government should extend immediate financial assistance to state governments constrained by balanced-budget laws.
In addition, offer a Covid-19 response package where swab tests, medical care and medical supplies for those who are critically ill and for those who have lost their health insurance due to unemployment. Also, ensure the application process for this is simple and straightforward. Do away with red tape to ease the process. Affording cash assistance alone will not suffice. What is needed are clear policies that will create jobs once the crisis is over.
The education system needs a revamp. Reopening schools with cases spiking is not a sound idea, especially when students are not eligible to get vaccines yet. Employ experts to rebuild and restructure the execution of home-based teaching and learning for a more holistic learning approach.
Ensure gadgets that were promised are delivered to deserving students to keep their interest going. Resolve the issues over internet connectivity and online teaching structure so students do not lose interest. Implement alternative methods, for instance, mailing or drop-off of homework at schools. Focus on group-style teaching centres and outdoor classrooms, especially for outskirt areas.
Policies should be scrutinised and revised from time to time to ensure its smooth running. The government should focus on developing a new and refined model. The government should use this crisis as an opportunity to launch a bold investment programme for clean, green infrastructure, well-equipped healthcare and encourage research and studies to develop the country as a whole.
We hope our country leaders will put aside their political differences and come together to make the right decisions by putting the rakyat first as their top priority. An unprecedented situation requires timely and innovative action.
Kavita Maheendran, Exco Malaysia Youth Council
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
