PETALING JAYA: The government has made the right move in allowing 11 more economic activities to resume under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), say several business associations.

       Federation of Malaysia Business Associations chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Abdullah said focusing on expediting the vaccination rates in the country will become key in reopening the economic activities.

       “The government has used the strategy in combining a fast vaccination rate and in allowing businesses to open with tight standard operating procedure (SOP), which is the right move to take.

       “Businesses which will see immediate benefit will be the ones based in Klang Valley, which is the centre of economic activity in the country and where vaccination rates have reached at least 50%,” he said in a press statement on Sunday (Aug 15).

       He added that as employers, they were committed to following the SOP and support any efforts to encourage their employees to get vaccinated.

       “The government’s efforts to draw up detailed guidelines about such relaxations will make this easier.

       “We also ask the cooperation and understanding of customers entering business premises to show their digital Covid-19 vaccination certificate as proof that they have been fully vaccinated,” he said.

       Bumiputera Retailers Organisation (BRO) president Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin also welcomed the decision by the government to allow activities for the trade and distribution sector to resume operations.

       “The announcement made has brought a sigh of relief, especially to bumiputera businessmen who were affected and have to suffer heavy losses from the closure of economic sectors due to the movement control order.

       “BRO extends its thanks to the Prime Minister and the relevant ministries such as the International Trade and Industry Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry for this significant announcement.

       “We will ensure that adherence to the SOP will be stepped up and improved, and all staff members will get full Covid-19 vaccination,” he said.

       He added that all industry players are advised to take a serious approach to adhere to the SOP.