During this difficult period, Tan Sri Datuk Ter Leong Yap, President of ACCCIM and NCCIM urges Malaysians to stand in solidarity with the Government, and supports Ministry of Health’s unwavering efforts to combat COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health (MOH), in January, has issued guidelines to prevent the highly contagious disease from spreading. Malaysians are urged to observe personal hygiene, practise “social distancing”, avoid crowded places and stay away from people who showed symptoms of infection. People with suspected symptoms of infection should impose self-quarantine and wear mask to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

As part of a whole-of-Malaysia effort, ACCCIM, with the support of the NCCIM and has set up an internal task force, comprising a medical professional to co-ordinate working with the Ministry of Health in mobilising resources to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) medical and supplies, in response to MOH’s call for medical contributions amid Covid-19 outbreak. I hope that ACCCIM’s modest contributions would bring some comfort and relief to those affected by the virus.

The Government’s and people’s shared responsibility and cooperation are crucial to effectively combatting COVID-19.  We urge Malaysians to have full faith on the Government, especially our front-line medical personnel and healthcare services workers for their big sacrifices and dedications in fighting the virus.

In this regard, we propose the following initiatives to enhance Malaysia’s preparedness to fight this global pandemic as well as to ensure a safe and healthy living community for Malaysians.

• While the Government has instructed that international meetings, sports, social and religious events to be postponed until April 30 or cancelled, we urge the Government to step up the level of virus preparedness and containment to safeguard Malaysians against the COVID-19 outbreak. If the situation worsens, the Government can consider to “lockdown” to contain and mitigate the outbreak. Public health safety is the utmost importance.

• Prevention is better that cure. The Government needs to strictly enforce the MOH’s guidelines, including the practise of “social distancing” and banning of mass gatherings to stop the spread of infection. Psychological preparation is important too.

• The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs and Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to collaborate and urge all retailers to practise corporate social responsibility and not take advantage of the increased demand and panic buying to raise prices unreasonably. These two ministries must work closely with the Consumers Association and Malaysia Competition Commission as well as the chambers and associations to monitor the situation and investigate any unfair and anti-competitive practices.

• The Government must manage the country’s stockpile of PPE, and in particular the production and supply of masks and sanitisers. Domestic producers have to prioritise the production and supply of masks to those who need it the most (the healthcare workers and vulnerable ones). We have to prepare for the long haul and any hoarding behaviours should be discouraged as it will destroy the entire prevention system. The Government must be decisive to ban face mask export if the situation worsens.

• The Ministry of Finance and Customs department must exempt the SST and import duties, if any imposed on the importation of PPE as well as raw materials needed to produce and supply the PPE.  In addition, the Customs department needs to provide a green lane to facilitate the importation of PPE.
• Ministry of Human Resource and Home Affairs Ministry must facilitate the requirement of foreign workers for companies in the production of PPE such as mask and gloves.

• Facilitate G-G medical assistance and technical support with China, which has shown proven capabilities to fight and contain the virus. These include the importation of medical kits and equipment as well as medicines. China can provide valuable medical experience and guidance on how to effectively treat and contain the virus.

Malaysians must all act in unison and act together to contain and overcome this COVID-19 outbreak so as to protect everyone in the society.