KUCHING: An economic resilience strategy is needed as response to the pandemic crisis in preparation for the next normal.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said the private sectors should be involved in the state’s economic recovery plans.
He stressed that it has become a standard procedure for every companies or government offices to close when one or two of their officers or staff members have been detected positive COVID-19.
“This virus, I was informed, will be with us for a while, and if we follow the current lockdown SOPs in government offices every time there is covid19 positive found among the staff member(s), we are in for a long haul.
“As a result of periodically closing government offices in fear of covid19, then this country’s economic recovery will be in trouble,” Masing expressed in a statement issued today (Sept 8).
Masing who is the state Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development added that these will cause businesses and industries to suffer, adding that daily paid workers will suffer the most.
He pointed out that business, especially those with daily paid workers, will face delay in reopening pending approval of documentations by relevant government departments.
“Currently Ministry of Health is doing the correct steps by moving us into the relevant phases (2 & 3) in economic recovery.
“I just hope they are fast enough to catch up with this ever evolving and mutating virus,” he said.
