Time to live with the new normal

• Main Author: Ahmad, Zeti Azreen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUMToday 2020
• Subjects: HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform; LB2300 Higher Education
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/84218/1/Time%20to%20live%20with%20the%20new%20normal%20%E2%80%93%20IIUM%20Today.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/84218/; https://news.iium.edu.my/?p=139943
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

The government’s decision to implement the conditional movement control order (CMCO) has received mix reactions from netizens and public at large. Some applauded the decision as it will enable them to continue working, while not few are worried that such decision would trigger COVID-19 cases to spike again. Similarly, health experts have also voiced their concern that this abrupt move might lead to third wave of infection. The CMCO has allowed almost all economic sectors to resume operation beginning on Monday (4 May). However, companies have been told to conduct all activities in a controlled manner by taking the necessary precautions and adhering to the standard operating procedure (SOP) provided by the authorities. The relaxation of the movement control order (MCO) is intended to restore the economy but not at the expense of public health and safety. In his Labour Day address to the nation on Friday (May 1), Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that the country had lost RM63 billion since the MCO came into force almost two moths ago. He said it is estimated that the loss will reach RM98 billion if the control order continues for another month.