PETALING JAYA: While more sectors are now allowed to operate with the further easing of standard operating procedures, business groups are calling for a negative list of what they cannot do.

       This, they said, was to provide more clarity and avoid confusion.

       Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) treasurer Koong Lin Loong said he had received inquiries from many companies since the Prime Minister’s announcement on the further easing of the SOP for states under Phases One and Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

       All offices, said Koong, were allowed to operate from yesterday depending on the vaccination rates of the workforce.

       “But is approval from the International Trade and Industry Ministry still needed now?

       “Business operators, especially normal trading companies, are asking because they are worried about being fined by enforcement officers,” he said in an interview.

       Koong, who is also the group’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) committee chairman, said there might be a slip-up by certain businesses or confusion among operators.

       “The easing of the SOP will certainly benefit almost all of the SMEs that have been suffering the 3C problems – cash flow, cost and credit – for so long.

       “However, it is better and clearer for the authorities to issue a clear negative list, stating what is not allowed.

       “This will give businesses more confidence to open,” he said, adding that the easing must be carried out carefully and gradually to avoid another wave of infections.

       He also called for the price of the Covid-19 self-test kit to be further lowered to below RM10 so that people and businesses could use this as a prerequisite before attending functions outside.

       MTUC deputy president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani said the easing of the SOP was in the right direction with Covid-19 expected to become endemic.

       “This means more businesses can open, workers can get to work and bring money home, and they have money to spend. All this will stimulate economic recovery,” he said.

       However, he said recovery should not come at the expense of public health, adding that gradual opening with enforcement was necessary to control infections.

       “The government should also issue a clear list of what’s allowed and what’s not so that businesses are not confused or fearful about reopening,” he said, adding that all agencies should work in tandem under the NRP.

       The government, said Mohd Effendy, should also engage with the relevant stakeholders as well to decide on the approach to take towards those who refuse to get vaccinated.

       Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the decision to allow the resumption and reopening of more sectors gave bosses the assurance that the country was on the road to full recovery.

       “The transition of states to Phases Two and Three of the NRP is also a morale booster for the rakyat with relaxation on corporate, social and recreational activities,” he said.

       He said only by working together, employers, employees and the government can successfully manage the situation.

       “Self-regulation and prevention is key to the success of Keluarga Malaysia.”