Life goes on for unfazed residents on first day of CMCO
KOTA KINABALU: The first day of the conditional movement control order (MCO) imposed in Kota Kinabalu and neighbouring Putatan and Penampang, beginning yesterday until Oct 20, saw most people adapting to the partial lockdown.
Some say they have no problem adjusting to it as they have been through the initial nationwide MCO.
Fizah Yusof, who is currently on leave from her job at a resort here, said she was given an option to continue her leave or work with a permission letter from the company.
“Our company has decided that only two among the 13 members of our division will be working in the office,” she said.
“I’ve chosen to continue my leave until the conditional MCO ends.”
Fizah, who is in her 30s, said as of now, hotel patrons at the resort were allowed to stay on but new bookings were likely to be cancelled.
Many other workers from the public and private sectors also reported similar measures by their management to take turns to work in the office or reduce their working hours.
Roena Chu, an administrative staff member of the state Fire and Rescue Department headquarters, said she would go to the office on alternate days and stay only until 2pm.
“I will bring any unfinished work home. I don’t foresee any difficulties,” said the 38-year-old.
Bank employee Pedro Itis, 41, said they were operating at half the manpower capacity at the Inanam branch, being part of the essential service providers.
“We take turns to be at the branch. This week, my team is in while a second team is working from home. Next week we will switch.
“Our bank had actually imposed this rule earlier – three days before the conditional MCO started,” he said, adding that they would work until 3pm.
Pedro added that he and his co-workers held only the letter issued by their human resource department.
Some employees, however, expressed confusion over the rules this time around, including the need for a permission letter from the police for essential services.
Emily Lim Yi Zhi, who works for a diesel and lubricant supplier firm, said their staff were also instructed to go to the office on alternate days.
“I think it is easier this time around. There’s no panic after the experience earlier this year, though the rules can be confusing.
“So right now if I am required to go to the office, I am not sure until what time we are allowed to work,” said the 30-year-old.
“Since essential businesses are to close by 6pm, does it mean we have to be home by then or will we get into trouble at the police roadblock?” she asked, adding that they had a permission letter from the company but no approval from the police yet.