PUTRAJAYA: The decision to ease restrictions for the fully vaccinated juggles the need to look into the health and safety of the public, economy and business sustainability and the well being of the people, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pic).

       The Senior Minister said the ease in restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on Sunday (Aug 8) was based on the implementation of the National Covid-19 Immunisation plan as well as the National Recovery Plan.

       “The government hopes the relaxation in restriction provides some relief to the people, especially those who have been fully vaccinated,” he said, adding that the government was aware that being in the pandemic for a rather long period of time has had some effect on mental health.

       He said the decision to ease restrictions was a calculated and careful approach, taking into consideration that 3.97 million people in states under Phases 2 and 3 had been fully vaccinated as of Sunday.

       Hishammuddin also pointed out the importance for standard operating procedure to continue to be adhered following the emergence of new variants including Delta.

       “Control and preventive measures must continue to be practised, including the use of face masks, social distancing and maintaining high level of personal hygiene.

       “I believe that Malaysians are a responsible society and together, we can get out of the pandemic soon,” he said on Monday (Aug 9).

       On Sunday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the ease of restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated, with more relaxation for the economic sectors to follow.