PETALING JAYA: Any relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions will help with economic recovery, says SME Association of Malaysia president Datuk Michael Kang.

       As tourism within the same state is allowed in states under Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan, he said the spillover effects will benefit the local economy in some ways.

       “It is also a good breather for people who have been cooped up indoors for so long.

       “Although no interstate travel is allowed, a person in Perak, for example, can still go for a short getaway in Taiping.

       “This is good for the people’s mental health,” he said on Sunday (Aug 8).

       Kang noted that the relaxation of restrictions for the fully vaccinated should be enjoyed with high awareness of the need to follow standard operating procedures (SOP) at all times, as full vaccination does not mean that people are invincible.

       “We must recognise this as the new norm and know how to coexist with the virus,” he said, adding that he looked forward to the announcement of the easing of restrictions for the economic sector which Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said would be announced soon.

       “If some states already can open up internally, there will be good news for the business sector too,” he said, adding that all employers should send their workers for vaccination as quickly as possible.

       Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) treasurer-general Koong Lin Loong said the relaxation would more or less benefit some small businesses, which now have to do more in policing and controlling access for those who are fully vaccinated.

       He said patrons who can dine in need to be cautious because it requires them to take off their face masks outside.

       “It can be challenging for businesses to control and monitor those whom they allow to enter.

       “Businesses may have to change the way they operate to suit the current situation,” he said.

       While it is good to gradually open up the economy, Koong warned against doing it too soon and drastically.

       There should be a clear definition of what is allowed and what is disallowed so as not to confuse the people and enforcement authorities alike.

       ACCCIM president Datuk Low Kian Chuan also called for all non-essential sectors in Phase One and Two to operate with at least 50% manpower capacity subject to strict SOP.

       “If vaccinated people can be allowed to dine in, consideration can be given to allow non-essential sectors to operate,” he said.

       To peg permitted manpower capacity to the fully-vaccinated proportion of the workforce, Low said the ideal ratio is 60% capacity for a 10% fully vaccinated workforce; 80% capacity for 40% fully vaccinated workforce, and 100% capacity for 60% fully vaccinated workforce.