KKCCCI: Allow all economic sectors to reopen under tighter SOP
KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) has urged the government to allow all economic sectors to reopen under tighter standard operating procedures (SOPs), especially apparel, shoes, bags and Chinese New Year decoration retailers who are sweating over their festive stock as they are not allowed to operate under the movement control order (MCO).
KKCCCI president Datuk Michael Lui said the government ought to reopen all sectors of the economy under the extended MCO with tightened regulation to ensure the survival of businesses whilst protecting the people’s livelihood and health.
He believed that traders would strictly comply with the SOPs to break the chain of infection.
He stressed the need to strike a balance between saving lives and livelihoods to pave the way for economic recovery.
“Reopening all economic sectors will greatly alleviate the burden of retailers,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Lui said the Covid-19 pandemic and extension of MCO have taken a huge toll on the economy.
“Restrictions on business operations have led to losses in income and threatened the survival of traders.
“More companies and businesses are expected to close down, which will result in a surge in unemployment.” Hence, he said KKCCCI appealed to the government to consider reopening all economic sectors to restore consumer confidence and put the economy on the road to recovery.
Lui said the chamber played a significant role to speak up on the interests of the Chinese business community amid the Covid-19 pandemic, in line with its mission to promote and facilitate business and industrial developments.
He once again urged members and businesses that were open during the MCO to take the SOPs seriously and comply with the regulation to ensure public health and safety.
“We must work together with the government to minimize the risks of Covid-19 infections.
“The business community plays an important role in ensuring a balance between the people’s lives and economy,” he said.