PM Muhyiddin says no full lockdown as MCO 1.0 nearly led to economic collapse

[superadmin]

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin defended the government’s decision of not implementing a full-scale lockdown as the first movement control order (MCO) implemented on March 18 last year almost led to a total economic collapse.

“At the time we had no prior experience (in dealing with a pandemic) so we closed down, even as the cases were not yet widespread. But the economic impact was considerable, verging on the point of collapse,” Muhyiddin said during a special talk interview session on RTM.

Speaking to moderators Terrence Dass and Wan Syahrina Wan Ab Rahman, he said the economy almost collapsed as it cost approximately RM2.4 billion a day during MCO 1.0.

“It is not just a matter of losing ringgit but of jobs as well, the inability to conduct business properly. The Health Ministry said this was the best move to prevent Covid-19 from spreading, but its effects on the country are another thing.


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